A deer nose knows best!

Studies have shown that whitetail deer can smell human scent on underbrush for days after we leave the woods. Wary whitetail bucks react very negatively when they run across our scent, often becoming leery of the area for weeks afterwards.

Bucks most often bed by laying on their right side and facing downwind, which allows them to use their eyes, ears and nose to detect danger approaching from any direction.
Deer are quick and skillful swimmers, often taking to water when frightened. Deer can easily swim across lakes or rivers at over 10 miles per hour.