Scent Control
Deer hunting tips: Scent control is the act of eliminating and masking human scent. In order to fool the nose of deer, hunters must take precautionary steps prior to and during hunting activities. This article will offer a few suggestions.
Odor Eliminating
There has been an increase of odor eliminating products over the past 15 years or so. Today they range from sprays, wafers, clothing, mechanical devices, and others. Experimenting with some or all of these various products will give the hunter an edge in the field.
The best approach to controlling scent begins at home. Clothing to be worn should be washed in scent eliminating washing soap. Once dried outside, it can be placed in sealed plastic bags made specifically for hunters. A scent wafer may be placed in the bag.
Clothing made specifically to help control scent can also be considered. There are a variety of brands to choose from. Just browse through any hunting catalog to find clothing that strikes your fancy and price range. Rubber boots have also been proven more effective than other types such as leather.
The Wind
Regardless of how thorough the hunter is at preparing, the wind direction should always be factored in. Hunting downwind of suspected deer movement areas is a must. Although many products offer ranges as high as 99% of human odor elimination, that still leaves a slight percentage of error. Since deer have an excellent sense of smell, not paying attention to wind direction will play against the hunter.
These deer hunting tips are provided as helpful information. For a more in depth look at scent control, see our previous article on masking human odors. Good luck and be safe.
See our other Deer Hunting Tips articles.
Early Season Preparation
This article provides deer hunting tips in preparing for early season success.
Pre Season Scouting
The hunter should spend time in the area to be hunted doing some pre-season scouting. This needs to be done as early as possible. Scouting will provide helpful information that can be used to determine hunting locations. Early season deer food areas need to be located as well as trails leading to the bedding and food sources. These areas are considered hot zones for the warm month hunting. Make plenty of notes and maps of the areas and write down any details found during scouting.
Tree Stands
Tree stand locations need to be prepared as also. The areas will need to be trimmed for excess leaves and limbs. Make sure to remove as little cover as possible to maintain good concealment. Shooting lanes around the stand will need to be cleared as well. Preparing these areas ahead of the season will allow the area to settle and deer will get used to it.
Scent Control
Early season usually means hot weather. The hunter should take extra care with scent control. Taking showers before heading to the woods is a requirement this time of year. Also use cover scent for masking human odors. This will insure that the area stays human scent free for the coming season.
Trail Cameras
The use of trail cameras has become very popular. Placing them out before the season will aid in proper set up locations. Just try not to over check the cameras to alert the deer. Also whenever possible, check them during midday to limit any deer contact.
Bugs
The early season is also known for its wide selection of bugs from ticks to mosquitoes. There are many scent free repellent sprays available that are made specifically for hunters. There are also mechanical devices that work well although a little more expensive. Proper clothing such as bug suits can also be used effectively.
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Quiet Deer Hunting
There are many factors that a hunter needs to take into consideration while hunting. One of those is sound. Deer have very good hearing especially when it comes to unusual sounds. For this reason, taking precautionary steps to reduce noise is necessary.
Tree Stands
The hunter should always check tree stand prior to use for any parts that may squeak. This includes all bolts or screws as well as any other movable parts. Check the platform and seat as well. If using any tyes of steps check those as well. They best way to do this is to attach the stand to a tree and climb up or onto it. Move around a little to represent actual hunting situations.
Clothing
Clothing can also make noise when walking through the woods. Limbs, under growth, or briers can hang on clothing causing unusual sounds. Choose soft fabric material clothing such as cotton, fleece, or wool. A consideration should be taken with choice of boots as well. Generally soft soled or flat soled boots are the quietest.
Equipment
All hunting equipment needs to be inspected for squeaky or noisy sounds. This includes back or waist packs, and any items to be placed in the pack. Also check the weapon of choice and its accessories such as gun slings or bow quivers. If using a bow, make sure it is equipped with noise reducing silencers for strings and limbs.
Movement
The best approach to any movement in the field is to move slowly. This will reduce the amount of noise made. When walking, take precise steps and watch footing as to not step on branches or other objects. When on stand try not to shift weight too abruptly which may cause noises.
Pay Attention To The Wind
There are many factors that a deer hunter has to consider to be successful. One of the biggest is the wind. More times than not, the wind is what gives hunters away. For this reason, the deer hunter should always pay attention to the wind.
There are many products available to assist the hunter with masking odors. There are a variety of scents and clothing that do a good job with odor elimination. However, there is nothing that works completely. The hunter should definitely use these products but still monitor wind directions.
Depending on location and time of year, the wind can blow with strong gust or slight breezes. In both situations the whitetail will use it to its advantage. The hunter must also adjust to different wind patterns. Always take into consideration the wind as a tool for both deer and hunter.
As a rule of thumb, choosing a hunting location with the wind in your face is the best approach. This with the idea of deer movement being up wind from the hunter. A cross wind location would be a secondary choice. Again with deer movement being from up wind directions.
Regardless of wind directions, the hunter should always take precautions to mask human odors prior to entering the woods. The hunter should also consider entrance and exit routes to stand locations. Approach the hunting location from down wind whenever possible.
There will be times when it will not be possible to have the wind work in the hunters favor. However, every attempt to use the wind to the hunters advantage should be taken.
Related Articles: Scent Control
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Tree Stand Safety Tips
This is a hunter safety tips article that provides a list of tree stand safety tips.
1. Always use a safety harness when using a tree stand. There are many available on the market. Make sure to get one that fits adequately and supports your body weight class.
2. Only use tree stands that you are comfortable with and know how to properly use. Make sure the stand is adequate for your size.
3. Always use caution when climbing with or up to a tree stand. Take your time and pay attention to each step or climbing motion.
4. Always use a pull up rope to bring weapons up a tree. Never climb a tree with weapons. Always unload firearms before bringing them up the tree.
5. Always make sure the tree stand is securely attached to the tree. Also make sure the tree is of appropriate size to hold the tree stand and body weight.
6. If using tree steps, make sure they are of quality and are properly and securely attached. Use short step placements for easy climbing and better safety.
7. Use extra caution when climbing during wet conditions. The step and or tree will be slick.
8. Always check tree stands for loose screws or bolts prior to use. Also check any attachments to be used for proper fit and tightness. Make sure the stand is completely secure.
9. If using an attached seat, make sure the seat is securely attached to the stand. Also make sure the seat has not deteriorated from one season to the next. Replace if necessary.
10. Always follow the tree stand manufacturers instructions for proper use.
11. Always remove stands from trees at the end of each season. This will prevent damage from the elements.
12. Always use a climbing belt when climbing up or down from a tree.
13. Let someone know of your stand locations if hunting alone. This way if something does happen, they will know where to look.
14. Only use tree stands that have been properly constructed. Especially with homemade stands, don’t build them cheaply. Use quality materials.
15. Always practice using a tree stand prior to actual use in a hunting situation.
16. Always use caution when moving around in a tree stand. The chance of an accident is higher during movement.
17. Do not use a tree stand during bad weather conditions such as ice storms, thunder storms, or extreme windy conditions.
18. Never take chances when using a tree stand. Use common sense. It is always better to be extra cautious.
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Deer Scouting Tactics
Deer hunting tips: Deer scouting is the act of searching for and locating signs of deer activity. This may be food sources, water sources, travel trail routes, bedding areas, tracks, droppings, rubs, scrapes, and so forth. The best way to scout for deer is to spend as much time in the woods as possible throughout the entire year. This article provides some tactics for scouting deer.
Know The Terrain
An important factor for hunters is to know the terrain to be hunted. Hunting in unscouted and unfamiliar places rarely will result in success. The hunter should walk the land to be hunted prior to the season. The only exception to this would be if hunting with a guide or partner who was familiar with the land.
Maps
The use of maps is an important tool for scouting. The hunter can keep notes and draw up the maps while in the woods. Or by obtaining a topographical map of the land. Either way, maps should play a part as they will provide valuable information to the hunter. The more detailed the map the better. An aerial photo map of the land can also be of use.
Field Notes
Hunters should keep a pen and note pad for taking field notes with them at all times. This will help keep track of found scouting information. Write down all information and details found. This could be any sign of deer activity, possible stand locations, hunter entrance and exit locations, and so forth. Keeping records throughout the year is important for success.
Deer Signs
The goal of scouting is to locate the most concentrated amounts of deer signs in order to have a starting point for hunting. The hunter needs to know how each sign plays a role in understanding deer activities. This knowledge will provide the hunter with helpful information to produce better results in the field.
Bedding Areas
The bedding areas used by deer are a primary sign to locate. This is a starting and ending point for all deer activity. Deer will have several bedding areas located on their home range. This may small tracts of tall grassy areas, a patch of young pine trees, thickets, over grown cut overs, and so forth. In finding these areas the hunter should look for numerous trails and tracks leading to them. Avoid walking directly into bedding areas.
Food Sources
Another primary sign to look for while scouting is deer food sources. This will change throughout the year. Deer eat a variety of plants, nuts, fruits, and field crops. Depending on the time of year, the hunter needs to locate as many food sources as possible. The tract of land to be hunted will dictate what types of food is available. Keeping track of this information will allow the hunter to set-up in good locations during the season.
Deer Trails
Ideally the hunter is scouting for deer trails that lead to or come from bedding and food source areas. These trails will provide the best oppotunity for seeing deer. The closer a hunter can get to these primary areas without being detected the better. Spending time in the woods will allow the hunter to find out when deer are using which trails at any given time. The use of trail cameras has also become a valuable scouting tool that provides dates, times, and photos of deer movement.
Rubs And Scrapes
As the season progresses other deer signs such as rubs and scrapes will begin to appear. Finding these areas will give the hunter more information that can be used for stand or blind placement. They also provide knowledge that one of the primary times of the year for mature bucks is arriving. Keeping track of these signs will enable the hunter to be prepared for the rutting season.
These deer hunting tips for scouting deer are provided as helpful information that can be used in the field. Remember that scouting begins well before the season and it should continue throughout. So good luck and be safe.
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Deer Hunting Gear
There are numerous types of deer hunting gear available today. From the old favorites to the new high tech versions. This deer hunting tips article provides a list of some of the gear that hunters can use in the field.
List Of Deer Hunting Gear:
- Weapon of choice: shotgun, rifle, handgun, black powder gun, bow, crossbow,etc.
- Ammo: shells, bullets, arrows, etc.
- Camouflaged clothing: Shirt, pants, coat, bibs, coveralls, hat, gloves, face mask, etc.
- Cold weather garments: socks, long johns, toboggan, etc.
- Rain gear: for those wet days.
- Boots: quality, comfortable, water proof, warm, etc.
- Blaze orange outer wear: if required.
- Back pack: for carrying various gear.
- Range finder: for distance estimating.
- GPS: excellent tool for maps and tracking directional movement.
- Flashlight: light weight and compact style.
- Flashlight: large heavy duty style for tracking purposes.
- Binoculars: compact quality pair.
- Folding saw: for those larger limbs that need removing.
- Pruning shears: for those smaller trimmings.
- Hunting knife: for field dressing.
- Multi purpose pliers: for quick fix its.
- Compass: if hunting large tract of land.
- Tree stand: comfortable, quality, for extended sitting.
- Tree steps: if needed, use heavy duty quality steps.
- Safety harness or vest: always use safety equipment.
- Bow or gun tree hanger: nice to have while on stand.
- Cover scents: always mask human odors.
- Deer scents: use during proper time of year.
- Deer calls: grunts, bleats, rattling antlers, etc.
- Wind powder: for determining wind direction.
- Water and snack: if staying out for extended periods.
- Pen and pad: for taking field notes.
- First aid kit: small compact style.
- Ziploc bag: gallon size holds small items.
- Rubber gloves: for field dressing.
- Drag harness or rope: for dragging deer.
- Pull up rope: for tree stand use.
- Ground blind: good for areas with limited trees.
- Field trail camera: for keeping track of deer.
- Camera: for taking harvest photos.
- Watch: for keeping track of time.
- Topo map: for overall look of land.
- Toiletries: just in case.
- Hunting license, tags, permits.
This deer hunting tips list of hunting gear is provided as helpful information as a starting point. There are many other items that can be added. It is not necessary to carry all items into the field but they will come in handy when needed. Good luck and be safe.
Turkey Patterning Tips
Turkey Hunting Tips: Turkey patterning is the act of discovering a turkeys daily routines and habits. Although turkeys will not always follow exact routes, they generally can can be patterned with some degree of consistency. This article provides a few basic patterning tips for turkeys.
Patterning Basics
The hunter will be able to establish basic turkey patterns through observation and proper scouting techniques. The idea is to locate roosting areas, feeding areas, watering areas, dusting areas, strutting areas, and so forth. Establishing these patterns will help the chances of success.
Roosting Patterns
The roosting areas can be located by observing turkey movements late in the day. Turkeys will generally be found near roosting areas about an hour or so before sunset. At sunset they fly up into the roosting tree. Listening for fly up sounds and monitoring late day activities will help establish a roosting pattern.
Feeding Patterns
Although turkeys feed throughout the day, feeding patterns can be established by observing ground scratchings and understanding what food is available in the area to be hunted. Locating large amounts of scratchings in a specific area on a regular basis indicates a good feeding area.
Watering Patterns
The climate and weather conditions will play a part in how often a turkey needs to obtain water. If it is hot, the turkey will need water more often. Watering patterns can be found by observing creek banks, ponds, rivers, or lakes. Watch for heavy turkey track areas.
Dusting Patterns
Turkeys will use dirt or sandy areas to dust off its feathers. Watch for half moon shaped impressions on the ground with turkey tracks. These areas are often found near field edges.
Strutting Patterns
Gobblers will often fly down from a roosting tree first thing in the morning and go to a strutting area. This is where the gobbler meets up with the hens. Watch the open ridge tops, field edges, or other open areas. Look for back and forth type turkey tracks and drag marks made by wing feathers.
Using Turkey Patterns
Once a hunter is able to pattern the movements of turkeys, this information can be used as a starting point for hunting set-up locations. The hunter can move from one area to another based on time of day and when the turkeys are likely to be in a specific area. This provides several options as to how a turkey will be hunted.
These turkey hunting tips for turkey patterning are provided as information to aid the hunter in having a successful hunting experience. Be safe and good luck.
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Turkey Blind Guidelines
Turkey hunting tips: A turkey blind is used to aid the hunter with concealment. It allows the hunter the ability to move and stretch without being detected. It also provides better comfort on days when the weather is bad. This article provides a few guidelines for using turkey blinds.
Turkey Blind Guidelines
Ideally the blind should be completely enclosed with a roof and numerous windows. This will provide shade or keep rain off the hunter. It will also allow the hunter to be able to see in all directions if need be.
The windows should be made of a camouflage mesh or similar material and have a zipper that can be opened. This will help with concealment and provide a shooting area for sticking the gun or bow out of.
The inside of the blind should be camouflaged or black in color. This will help in concealment and reduce the chances of the hunter being silhouetted.
The blind should be made of a quality, light weight, and water proof material. It should be sturdy when set-up and have limited noise and movement on windy days.
The blind should be tall enough to allow the hunter to stand up completely. It should also be large enough inside to be able to move without hitting the sides.
The blind should be easily unpacked and set-up. It should also be easily folded up and packed away for transport.
Blind Set-up
The blind can be used anywhere that turkey movement is expected to occur. Feeding or strutting areas are ideal places to use a blind.
The area in which the blind is to be placed needs to be cleared and free from obstructions that may damage the blind. Also make sure nothing will brush up against it to create noise during windy days.
The hunter should place natural terrain items such as limbs, bushes, or grasses around the exterior of the blind for added concealment.
The hunter also needs to use a quality, comfortable chair inside the turkey blind. The chair needs to be light weight and easy to back pack or carry. This will help the hunter be able to sit for extended periods.
Calling From A Blind
Because of the enclosed style of the turkey blind, sounds made from inside will often be distorted. The hunter should be aware of this and move as close to the windows as possible when calling from a blind.
Generally soft yelps, clucks, and purrs are a better approach than calling loud and excitedly. Limit calling to every 15-20 minutes or so. The hunter should be patient and expect gobblers to come in silently.
Decoys
When using decoys with blinds, place the decoy directly in front of the blind. This will allow an adequate field of view from left to right. The decoy should be between 10-20 yards away from the blind. The use of one hen decoy should be adequate.
Final Tips
Make sure to position the chair near the center of the blind as to not bump the sides. Also on windy days, using stakes to secure the blind to the ground is recommended.
These turkey hunting tips for using turkey blinds are provided as helpful information. They are intended to aid the hunter in concealment and comfort.
As always be safe and good luck.
Other Helpful Articles: Turkey Hunting Tips
How To Field Dress A Turkey
This article provides a list of steps for proper field dressing of a wild turkey.
Turkey Field Dressing Steps:
- Place the turkey on its back on top of a large trash bag
- Locate the bottom tip of its breast bone.
- Locate the vent(anus) area.
- Make a 1/4 inch deep cut through the skin from the bottom tip of the breast bone downward to the vent.
- Try not to cut too deep as to cut the entrails.
- Separate the cut area large enough to insert your hand.
- Reach in and upwards and pull out the heart, lungs, and entrails.
- Cut around the vent in a circular motion to remove the intestines.
- Make a cut on the neck where the skin and feathers meet.
- Open up the cut and pull out the wind pipe, crop, and remaining intestines.
- Use a clean paper towel to wipe out all blood from the body cavity.
- Fill a Ziploc bag with ice and place inside body cavity to help with cooling.
Suggested Tools:
- Sharp knife
- Large trash bag
- Rubber gloves
- Ziploc bag (gallon size)
- Clean paper towel
- Ice
