Deer and Turkey Hunting Tips

Bow And Arrow Fit

The main factor in maintaining accuracy and consistency from bow and arrows is making sure that each are correctly fitted to the individual archer.

The best practice in obtaining this goal is to visit a professional archery shop. There, one can be measured for draw length which is the key ingredient for proper fit.

Once the draw length is determined, make sure the bow to be used or purchased matches this measurement. A very common mistake is to buy a bow with a draw length that is too long.

The arrows need to be cut to proper lengths according to draw measurements. The arrow weights and stiffness should be matched to bow poundage.

Bow Speed And Poundage

It is very easy to get caught up in all the speed hype of bows. This can also be a problem with bow poundage. The reality is that accuracy, form, and shooter performance will always trump speed and poundage.

It is not necessary to have the fastest shooting bow on the market nor to have a bow with an eighty pound pull weight. It is better to have a bow that can easily be drawn under all conditions. For the average hunter this falls in the 50-65 pound range.

Shooting Consistency

The key to consistent accuracy is repetition of proper shooting form. This can be broken down into shooter stance, holding the bow correctly, a smooth draw, consistent anchor point, proper aiming, a smooth release, and follow through.

These are all learned habits. Done correctly they will make any archer more proficient. Most all shooting errors are related to improper shooter form.

Bow Practice

The only way to become proficient with the bow is through continued practice. Shooting three times a week is a good goal to meet. This can be done by shooting 25 arrows or so every other day. This keeps the archer in shape as well as helps maintain consistency.

Those that practice all year long will have an edge, but at the very least begin 4-5 months before the hunting season.

The following is a plan for scent free deer hunting.

Supplies

• Rubber gloves
• Scent fighting spray
• Scent free soap,body wash, and shampoo
• Scent free deodorant
• Scent free detergent
• Scent free dryer sheets
• Large scent free storage bags
• Scent wafers
• Odor free body wipes
• Scent wicks
• Odorless or fresh earth cover scent

Odor Free Plan

1. Always wear rubber gloves when handling gear.

2. Wash towels and wash cloths to be used on deer hunting dates in scent free detergent. Place in dryer with scent free dryer sheets. Store in odor free storage bags until needed.

3. Wash all hunting garments in scent free detergent. Place in dryer along with dryer sheets. Once dried, hang outside and spray inside and out with scent fighting spray. Allow to dry. Place in storage bags along with a scent wafer.

4. Use scent fighting spray on boots interior and exterior. Dry outside. Place in storage bag with scent wafer.

5. On day of deer hunt, shower with scent free soap, body wash, and shampoo. Use previously prepared towel and wash cloths. Apply scent free deodorant afterwards.

6. Spray all gear and equipment with scent fighting spray. This includes anything to be used in the field.

7. When ever possible, dress in the field. Use body wipes for touch ups. Apply scent fighting spray to each layer of clothing. Wear rubber gloves while dressing and until in the deer stand or blind.

8. Upon arrival at the deer hunting stand or blind, set out scent wicks filled with cover scent in a circle around the site. Reapply scent fighting spray to outer garments. Attach a scent wafer to cap or other clothing.

Deer hunting near a scrape line can be advantageous at times. To improve on such hunting, take a more aggressive approach. This plan can be used during the early rut and late rut periods.

Supplies

• Rubber gloves
• Scent killing spray
• Quality string or fishing line
• Buck urine spray
• Doe in estrus urine
• Scent wicks
• Scent drippers
• Tree clippers

Preparation

Locate a heavily used travel area used by the deer. An area that already has one or more scrapes is alright but not necessary. The main idea is for the area to be active. A funnel leading from bedding areas to feeding areas are good choices.

If The Area Has Scrapes

1. Use a scent killing spray on clothing, boots, and all supplies.

2. Wear rubber gloves.

3. Fill scent drippers with doe in estrus urine.

4. Attach a scent dripper above each scrape that will be visible from stand locations.

5. Spray buck urine on any limbs that hang over the scrapes.

6. On the day of the hunt, place scent wicks filled with doe in estrus urine on limbs or on the ground in a circle surrounding the stand location. The wicks should be 10-20 yards from the stand with a clear shooting lane.

7. Remember to take wind directions into consideration when setting up stands.

Areas Without Scrapes

1. Use a stick to make several mock scrapes in a directional line along the area to be hunted. The scrapes can be 10-25 yards apart depending upon visibility.

2. Use clippers to cut holly tree or other type limbs that bucks commonly use in the area. This is to be placed above the mock scrape as an over hanging scent limb. Use the string or fishing line to secure.

3. Use steps 1-7 in the previous section.

This plan will allow the hunter to have better control when hunting on a scrape line. By taking an aggressive approach, the odds of success can be increased.