LOCATING EARLY SEASON BIG WOODS BUCKS
It's important to note that early season bucks are "feeders" more than breeders. This will remain so until the later part of October. During this time of feeding more than breeding, the place to look for bucks in a big woods area is near a natural food source unless you're in to artificial baiting. September and early October whitetails are multi food feeders; they browse on various plants, graze on various field greens, and when available munch on fruits and nuts. Locating exactly what they are feeding on is the true key to success during this time of year.
This year, in particular, has experienced an outstanding acorn crop in our local red oaks. Acorns have the highest nutritional value of all natural foods; so deer will seek them out, when ever they are available. With that in mind, I'd highly recommend you locate a good oak ridge in your area, and then check for actual signs of recent deer use. The biggest and best give away is to actually see the deer in these spots, but they also leave other clues. Deer droppings is #1 on that list. Then, walk the entire perimeter of the oak ridge looking for fresh rubs on the sides of any small trees. If you locate more than a few fresh rubs on the edge of any oak ridge, you've likely found the exit or the entrance route of the locale buck brigade. Set your stand near these rubs, down wind of their approach, and you should be in business.