Deer and Turkey Hunting Tips

Archive for April, 2009

The wild turkey is known for its ability to out maneuver hunters. They are very cautious and methodical birds. Trying to lure a gobbler in during turkey season has been the demise of many hunters. Even the pros will tell you that turkeys are a very challenging opponent. Changing tactics and techniques from time to time could give the hunter a better chance at success.

Survival

Old gobblers didn’t grow old by being dumb. They are very adapted for survival. They use their exceptional hearing and eyesight to their advantage in out smarting predators including hunters. They often respond to calling briefly only to go the other direction when the hunter sets up on them. A gobbler likes to circle around yelping hens, or hunters using turkey calls, trying to get a visual prior to presenting itself.

Ever had a gobbler come into view, then suddenly turn and run the other way. Or have one gobbling his head off and then go silent never to be heard again. Turkeys are very effective at using various tools of the trade to live long healthy lives. Trying different techniques could make for a better result.

Calling

To start, change the turkey call several times after setting up. Try different mouth calls, friction calls, or box calls. Give gobblers a variety to choose from. Many gobblers will respond to multiple calls due to the fact that it sounds like more than one hen searching for the gobbler’s attention. This excites them causing them to come in close. Also try changing the tones of the calls. If one of the calls gets a response, continue using it.

Decoys

Try using decoys to attract the attention of leery gobblers. They come in many forms and are light weight for carrying. The use of decoys many times will bring a gobbler in. This is simply because they appear life like and add good visual effects. Two hens and a jake decoy sometimes works well. Just remember that not all turkeys will respond to decoys.

Strutting

Next, try to find areas where gobblers like to strut. They can be found near soft sandy or dirt areas, near field edges, or along ridge tops. Look for turkey tracks and skid marks. These strutting areas are often used regularly by gobblers. This is a comfort zone that can be used to the hunters advantage.

Roosting

During the evenings, stay late enough to locate a roosting area. Gobblers go to these areas an hour or so before dark. Listen for fly ups or gobbles indicating the approximate location of the roost. Using an owl or crow call late in the evening sometimes causes gobblers to gobble while on the roost. Then the next morning come back and set up on him at daybreak.

Out smarting an old gobbler certainly can be challenging. Try using some of these turkey hunting tips next time and see if they make a difference in the field.

It is very easy to take things for granted, especially in this fast paced, I need it now world we live in. We get caught up in day to day stresses and often forget about our blessings. What does any of this have to do with hunting? Well, because of our daily issues, we often forget to enjoy our hunting trips.

I have found myself falling into this situation in the past. Hunting is supposed to be something that takes your mind away from problems and allows you to relax. I know for me at least, I use my time in the woods to clear my mind and rejuvenate my spirits. I use hunting to de-stress. For me, hunting has very little to do with the taking of game animals. Although I have been very successful over the years, I pass up many more shots than I take.

Instead, I use my time hunting to enjoy nature and all that comes with it. There is nothing like the feeling of sitting high up in an oak tree when the sun rises. Watching the rays slowly lighten up the woods with all its beauty. Breathing the crisp air of the fall or watching acorns drop from mighty oaks. I enjoy observing the many creatures that wander through my field of view.

It is very easy to forget about these wonderful aspects of nature. Just the other day I was talking with several hunters prior to the opening day of turkey season. As I walked away it struck me that for the most part, all I heard was wining and complaining. Not hunters looking forward to a new hunting season. For me, I couldn’t wait to get back out there and enjoy nature, hunting, and the real joys of life.

So remember, try and put everything else aside for a while and enjoy your hunting trips.

Deer hunting tips:  Tree stands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are portable lock-on and climbing stands as well as ladder stands. All can be used effectively in the field. This article will provide brief descriptions of each.

Lock-on

Lock-on tree stands are a good all around stand to use. They are attached to trees with cinch cords, chains, or ratchet type straps. They can be transported by strapping to the hunters back. They generally weigh less than twenty pounds. They need to be attached to trees large enough to support the weight of the hunter. Tree steps are needed with lock-on stands. They can be used at greater heights. They can not be used on smaller diameter trees. They take longer to install due to steps being required.

Climbing

Climbing tree stands are versatile and sometimes more convenient to use than other stands. They require learning as to how to climb a tree with them however this is usually relatively simple. Climbing stands can be attached and removed from trees fairly quickly. They also can be strapped to the hunters back for transport. They allow the hunter to climb higher into trees. They are generally a little heavier than lock-on stands. They have to be attached to adequately sized trees. Limited to trees with fewer limbs.

Ladder

Ladder tree stands are the easiest of all stands to climb. They can be set up in just about any tree regardless of size or shape. Once in place, they are simple for a hunter to use and be on stand quickly with little effect. They allow for heavier hunter weights. They are very effective in thickly wooded locations where other stands can not be used. They are awkward to transport. They are the heaviest of all stands. They have limited height ranges.

All three of these tree stands can be used to aid the hunter in the field. They each have excellent qualities with very few problem areas. As always, before using any tree stand , climbing safety equipment should be used.

Related Articles:  Tree Stands

*

Deer hunting tips:  Rattling in the simplest form is an imitation of two male deer fighting. The hunter uses two deer antlers, or manufactured antlers to reproduce the sounds made by bucks in an attempt to lure a curious whitetail into a specific hunting area. Rattling is done by tinkering or clashing the two antlers together. In nature, bucks fight for dominance to determine breeding order.

There are several ingredients that are involved when it comes to successful rattling. There needs to be a good ratio of buck to doe. There needs to be more bucks and less does. Too many does in a given area will result in less effective rattling results. Bucks would not need to compete for breeding order. The area to be hunted needs to have thick terrain to provide comfort for the deer. Mature bucks are less likely to respond to rattling in open areas.

Rattling works best during the deer rutting periods. This varies depending on the area to be hunted. Pre-rut and post-rut are good times to use rattling techniques. The rutting period coincides with the doe breeding periods of late October, November, and December in many states.

There are several guidelines to follow when attempting to rattle deer. Obviously the hunter needs to be completely camouflaged and using cover scent. Hunting in a tree stand if possible is generally better than hunting on the ground. The stand should be as high as the hunter feels comfortable while allowing for an accurate shot. Being elevated will allow the rattling sounds to carry longer distances. The stand should be placed down wind of suspected deer movement areas.

Begin rattling by softly tinkering the two antlers together for about thirty seconds. Wait a few minutes to see if there are deer close by that may respond. Repeat the process a couple more times. If no response occurs, clash the antlers together with more force causing louder sounds. Wait ten to fifteen minutes while watching and listening for deer movement. Repeat the process again allowing a little more time between rattles.

Be willing to continue this process all day if need be. Deer movement during rutting periods can be more frequent. They will often travel longer distances so the hunter needs to stay on stand as much as possible. So make sure to have a comfortable stand to sit in. A good pair of binoculars is also recommended.

Using these rattling deer hunting tips could give the hunter a better chance for a successful hunt. Try adding a grunt call into the mix to entice even the wisest of bucks.

Deer hunting tips: Ground blinds have come a long way since the early days. Today they come in a variety of styles. They are very effective in many areas of deer hunting and can be used by all hunters. They are easily transported to hunting areas and generally easy to set up.

Styles

Ground blinds can be as simple as a few walls stood up in a box or circle form or half box or circle form where the hunter sits inside or behind. The hunter then looks over the top of the walls. However, better blinds are completely enclosed with four walls and a roof allowing the hunter to be entirely concealed. They are very light weight and can be set up in only seconds.

Considerations

There are considerations to using ground blinds. They need to be used in conjunction with natural landscape to be effective. Always add bushes or tree branches around the blind for better cover. This way the blind blends in to the surroundings. Many deer hunters use stools inside the blinds for better comfort.

Use

Ground blinds come in handy in areas with limited tree stand availabilities. They are also good during rainy weather conditions assuming the hunter is using an enclosed style blind. Most blinds come in pouches with attached straps for carrying by hand or over the back.

Patterns

Ground blinds come in an assortment of camouflaged color patterns. Make sure to use the appropriate color style of the areas to be hunted. This way the blind has a more natural appearance and does not stand out to cautious deer. Also try not to use blinds in wide open fields with no cover. This will draw attention from deer.

Tips

Ground blinds with windows, screens, or doors in all directions are considered the best. This way the hunter has a complete field of view of the hunting area. Make sure to stake the blind down during windy days or when left unoccupied for any length of time. Strong winds can wreak havoc on a blind. Tent stakes can be used if the blind did not come with supplied stakes.

If the blind comes with a floor, make sure to clear the area where the blind is to be placed. Sharp objects such as sticks or rocks can damage the floor. If using a stool, make sure there are no sharp edges on the stool legs.

The hunter should always spray the ground blind with cover scent upon purchase to remove factory smells. The blind should be sprayed again before each use. Also the hunter needs to use cover scent on one’s self to help mask human odors.

Ground blinds make great additions to the many accessories used by hunters today. Learn to use ground blinds properly by following these deer hunting tips for better hunting success.

Related Articles:  Ground Blinds

*

Deer hunting tips: There is no perfect set up that can be used every time out in the field while deer hunting. The reason is simply because conditions change too often. Each situation is different whether due to weather and wind conditions, hunting pressure, or deer movement activities. Paying close attention to these details and following some basic guidelines, one can narrow the margin of error in finding proper tree stand locations.

Placement

To start, tree stands need to be placed as close  to an area as possible of where suspected deer movement will occur. These locations are found through scouting and monitoring deer in the chosen hunting area. Stands should be placed where the hunter will have the best opportunity at a shot. The stand should be placed down wind of deer activities. Also make sure that the stand location provides the hunter with cover but does not prevent the hunter from making an accurate shot attempt.

Hunting Style

Choosing proper tree stand locations also involves the hunter’s style of hunting. This may include hunting near food and water sources, trail crossings, or rutting and scrape lines. For example, if hunting a food source area, stands should be placed in between the food source and the deer bedding areas for best results. If hunting during the rutting season, stands should be placed near scrapes and rubs or near doe movement areas.

Helpful Tips

Tree stands need to be checked prior to hunting situations to make sure there are no loose or squeaky parts. They need to be sprayed with cover scent before and during use. Stands need to be placed at the hunting areas several weeks before they are to be used. If this is not possible, place them during the times when deer are the least likely to be moving in the given area.

The hunter should remember to use cover scent while erecting stands to minimize scent contamination. Also, there needs to be simple enter and exit paths to the stands that do not come into direct contact with deer trails. When using tree stands, always use safety climbing equipment. Use these deer hunting tips for proper tree stand set up locations to better prepare for a successful hunt.

Related Articles: Tree Stands     Tree Stands Placement     Determine Tree Stand Height

*

Deer Hunting Tips: There are many name brand items on the market today to aid the hunter in masking human odors. They all can be equally effective when used properly. The hunter should however make sure to strictly follow odor masking techniques in order to remove as much human odor as possible. There are basic rules involved to assist in this approach.

Clothing

To start, the hunter’s clothing to be used in the field should be washed thoroughly in scent removing washing detergent. Make sure the detergents are specialized for hunters. After washing, the clothes should be placed  outdoors to dry away from anything that may leave a scent. Although there are products now a days that are placed inside dryers for scent removal, outdoors still is considered the best approach.

Storage

Once the clothes are dry, they should be placed in an odorless plastic bag or container until needed for use. There are also scented hunter products that can be placed in the bags or containers for added odor masking. Make sure the scent if used is common to the area to be hunted. Also make sure to include all items to be worn such as gloves, face mask, hat, shirts, pants, and under garments.

Boots

The hunter’s boots, which rubber is recommended, should also be placed into a plastic bag after being sprayed with a cover scent. The hunter may also add prepackaged hunter scent products to the bag. Pay close attention to the boots as they will be in direct contact with the ground. Although rubber boots are the best choice, they still need to be de-scented.

Equipment

The equipment to be used in the field should also be sprayed with cover scent. This includes weapons, backpacks, binoculars, portable stands, decoys, and the likes. The hunter needs to spray the area inside the vehicle to be used as well. Scents odors can accumulate on the vehicle seats. It wouldn’t do any good to de-scent clothing without de-scenting the vehicle.

Take A Bath

Prior to hunting, the hunter should bathe thoroughly in de-scenting soap. This begins the main layer of protection since the human body is what excretes the most odor. This includes the hair. To dry off, use towels that have been washed in odor remover detergents.

Cover Scent

Carry additional spray bottles with cover scent to the hunting location. Once there, respray again from head to toe, especially under arms and boots. Also respray all equipment before entering the hunting area. Spray again once the stand location is reached. The stand area should also be sprayed.

These deer hunting tips should provide the hunter with adequate odor masking to aid in a successful hunt. They may seem extreme to many hunters but they will be effective if done properly.

Related articles: Deer Hunting     Scent Control    

.

Deer hunting tips: The whitetail deer’s nose is it’s primary weapon of defense. In order to combat this ultimate security sense, deer lures and scents were invented. These scents help the hunter distract, cover up, or attract a deer to or from a specific area. Learning the right way to use these scents and lures is important if one is to be successful while hunting.

Cover Scents

Cover scents are used to aid in the masking of human odor. These scents come in different flavors or smells such as fresh dirt or some form of a tree smell. These are to be sprayed directly on the clothing of the hunter. The main point to remember is the choice of scent should be determined based on hunting location. For example, if one hunts in a pine forest, tree scents such as pine should be used and not apple scents simply because this smell would be out of place. The same goes for other unnatural scents. Always use scents that are common to the area hunted.

Attractants

Deer attractant lures are used to draw a deer to a predetermined location. These lures, such as doe estrus urine, should be placed away from the hunter’s stand location. Many hunters make the mistake of using these scents as cover scents by spraying directly on the hunter. Or by spraying the scent below or too close to the stand. The proper use would be out away from stand location. This way the deer doesn’t come in too close and detect the hunter. The goal is to stop the deer a safe distance from the stand based on the hunter’s accuracy skills. These doe urine scents should only be used during or as close to deer rutting season for best results.

Availability

There are a wide selection of lures and scents available on the market. There are bottled scents, spray scents, prepackaged scents that attach to clothing and trees, as well as many others. The hunter should learn to choose the proper scent based on the given hunting conditions. The hunter should pay close attention to details of the hunting area and use the right scent that corresponds with that area. So give these deer hunting tips a try the next time one goes into the field. Used properly they should help improve success.

Related Articles: Deer Hunting Tips

*

Deer Hunting Tips – Deer hunting has become one of the biggest of all game sports. To be successful, one has to be able to think like a predator. A way to do this is by setting up an ambush location. By using permanent or portable tree stands, one can use natural tree cover to gain an advantage in the field. Knowing the best placement location for tree stands takes experience, often obtained through trial and error. Understanding deer movement and activity will help guide the hunter in the right direction.

Styles

Tree stands come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are ladder stands, lock-on stands, and portable climbing stands. All can be used effectively and safely by hunters. The most important things to remember about stands are to follow the climbing instructions and to use safety equipment. The next step is finding a proper tree to securely attach the stand against, making sure the tree is adequate in size.

Location

The big question is where to place a stand. There are several different issues involved in stand placement. The time of day that one will be hunting needs to correspond with deer movement. Therefore one should place a stand in a location that will provide the best opportunity for deer contact. Using a morning, mid-day, and evening hunting set up generally works best. The wind direction needs to be monitored at all times with stands being placed down wind of approaching deer. One also needs to consider how one will get to the stand without alarming the deer. All these factors should be taken into consideration prior to stand placement.

Field Of View

Once the tree stand location has been chosen, one then needs to make sure that adequate view points and shooting lanes are available. This may require pruning of limbs by the hunter. Try to provide several positions for shooting, generally in a circular area around the stand if possible. Don’t over prune the area as this could alarm deer. Also, climb into the tree prior to hunting to make sure that every thing is secure and that the sight point is adequate.

The use of deer stands can give the hunter a chance for a more productive hunt while in the field. Just remember that safety and positioning are of the utmost importance. Use these deer hunting tips the next time you go to the woods for a better chance at success.

Related Articles:  Tree Stand Set Up     Determine Tree Stand Height     Tree Stand Locations

*

Today’s recipe is venison burgandy. You will need the following.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds venison cubes (1.5 in. squares)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup Burgandy or dry red wine
• 1 can (26 oz.) cream of mushroom soup 

Procedures:

Dip venison in flour and lightly brown in skillet.

Place in casserole dish.

Add remaining ingredients.

Cover and bake in oven at 325 degrees for 2.5 hours.

Stir every thirty minutes.