This is my current observations on October 23rd 2026 and strategy going into the end of October. I get into my current target buck and how he doesn't fit the mold of a "typical" older class buck.

In this episode of The Whitetail Blueprint, I’m answering 10 random whitetail hunting questions with no script—just my thoughts based on years of chasing mature bucks.

We get into scent control and playing the wind, attractant scents, mock scrapes, the most important factor in consistently killing mature bucks, what separates successful hunters from those who struggle, my favorite day to hunt, and some of the bucks that have taught me the most over the years.

There aren’t always right or wrong answers when it comes to hunting mature whitetails. These are simply my opinions based on what I’ve experienced in the woods.

Thanks for tuning into The Whitetail Blueprint Podcast, where I’m helping you see what’s possible.

Most whitetail hunters look forward to November, but if I had to pick one month to target and kill a specific mature buck, I'm taking October.

In this episode, I break down exactly how I approach October—from using summer inventory and annual patterns to identify a target buck, to cell cameras, food sources, weather fronts, moon position, wind, access, and stand placement.

I also explain why I believe mature bucks are often more predictable in October, how I use cameras to confirm what I think a buck is doing, and why the last week of October is when I'm willing to start pushing the chips in.

November might be more exciting. October, for me, is more predictable.

Do your homework. Build the blueprint. Wait for the conditions—and then go kill him.

— Casey Delks Outdoors