Monthly Archives: June 2009

Limit Noise And Movement For Deer

In order to be successful while deer hunting, the hunter must learn to avoid being detected. With the exception of scent control, noise and movement are the two main factors that hunters must control to prevent detection by deer. Slow movement with limited noise is always the best approach.

Anyone that has spent time in the field has spooked deer while walking to or from a hunting location. The reason for this is hunters are too focused on reaching a destination. They move too quickly and walk with a heavy foot. They may be late getting to the woods or in too big of a hurry to get out. The trick for success is to reduce these occurrences.

To help reduce these issues, the hunter needs to take a few precautionary steps. Dress in clothing that is made of soft, quiet material to help reduce noise. The boots should be flat bottomed or soft soled. When walking, take slow methodical steps paying attention to footing. Also stop frequently and observe your hunting surroundings for deer. Make sure to allow enough time for a slow approach.

Another issue is that hunters are often unable to sit still very long once on stand. They become fidgety and start to move around. This obviously plays in favor of the deer. To avoid these problems, the hunter should get plenty of rest and use a stand that is very comfortable. If this doesn’t work, it would be best to hunt from a fully enclosed tower type stand. These stands allow the hunter to stand up and stretch without being detected. A ground blind may also be a good approach.

Limiting the noise and movement while deer hunting will improve the chances for success. As always be safe and good luck.

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Binoculars For Deer

It has been my observation over the years that many hunters fail to take advantage of a wide selection of tools that can be used for hunting. An example of this is the use of binoculars for deer hunting. We have all seen those so called professional hunting programs that show the hunter taking out a pair of compact binoculars and glassing around in search of that monster buck.

But how many hunters actually use this technique. Most of the hunters that I have made contact with over the years don’t. They may have a pair of binoculars that stay inside a case for years without use. In talking with them, in many cases they don’t have an answer as to why they’re not used. Its just not part of their equipment list.

I started using binoculars many years ago before the compact versions were a hot commodity. Although I do now possess a compact pair. Although I spend plenty of time in a stand, a majority of the deer that I take each year is from the ground. I enjoy still hunting or stalking as some folks call it. So it is important to me to make sure the binoculars are in the backpack.

The prices on binoculars can vary depending on manufacturer and field of view. The reality is that you can get a nice pair for around a hundred dollars that will be more than adequate for the average deer hunting set up. Most compact versions are suitable out to about one hundred yards. Larger more open areas will need the full sized longer ranged versions. In either case, make sure they are waterproof.

The use of binoculars is relatively simple by following the manufacturers directions. Just adjust them to your face and eyesight and you’re good to go. Any other adjustments that need to be made in the field are easy as well.

While deer hunting, whether on stand or on the ground, a good approach for using binoculars is to break the area to be glassed down to small sections. Thoroughly glass each section slowly. I generally start my glassing up close about twenty five yards or so and slowly move out further as far as I can see. I then move over slightly to the right, overlapping my previous field of view and repeat, and repeat the process until each section is covered.

Make sure to identify any objects that may resemble deer before continuing. Look for antlers, tails, white hairs, ears, as well as the whole deer. Pay extra attention to clumps that may be bedded deer. Also look for any horizontal movements across the vertical terrain. When you are satisfied, move on to another section.

It is also a good idea to give yourself breaks from extended binocular use. I normally glass for a minute or so and then watch with the naked eye for a few minutes. This will help reduce eye fatigue. Once I have completed all sections, after a brief break, I start again.

I have had good success with the use of binoculars while deer hunting. I have been able to locate many deer that I never knew were nearby. This early detection tool has provided a great advantage on many occasions. So if you haven’t added the binoculars to your accessory list yet, maybe you should give them a try.

As always be safe and good luck.

Opening Week Deer

The opening week of the deer hunting bow season provides the hunter with a good opportunity for success. There is a wide selection of food sources available that can in many cases allow for better patterning of the deer. The abundance of farm crops give the hunter a chance to observe deer from a distance, and then based on observations, be able to set up accordingly.

Early season deer hunting in many instances often seems like the easiest time of the year to hunt. This is because, for the most part, there has not been any pressure on the deer. The woods have been free from hunter activity for several months. Deer movement has become almost routine and the deer seem somewhat relaxed. Often the hunter is able to take advantage of these situations.

The key to success during the early deer hunting season, like other times of the year, is for the hunter to not be detected by the deer. Fields full of crops offer the hunter the ability to hunt numerous locations without over saturating any given area. Since deer will have bedding areas near these food sources, the hunter has the choice of hunting near field edges or areas near bedding locations.

The hunter should set up stand locations based on observed deer movement. Placing stands during the middle of the day is a tactic often used, however, carrying a portable stand into a location to be hunted in immediately can be just as effective. The trick is to be as quiet as possible to prevent being detected. Always allow extra time if using the later approach.

Another key to success, especially during the warm weather months, is scent control. Deer hunting during early season requires extra attention to be given towards controlling human odors. The hunter will sweat, this obviously creates odor. Taking a shower prior to hunting is recommended. The use of human odor control products is a requirement.

Although there will be much anticipated excitement for the opening week of the deer hunting season, the use of good judgement and hunting tactics will dictate success. As always be safe and good luck.

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Bow Gear

This is a short list of bow and arrow gear.

The Bow:   There are basically three types of bows. They are the recurve bow, long bow, and compound bow. They all come in a variety of styles, textures, and colors. Factors to consider are draw weight, draw length, bow weight, and bow length.

Arrows:   Arrows need to be matched to the style of bow to be used. Factors to consider are arrow length, weight, stiffness, texture, fletching style, nocks, and inserts.

Release:   Releases come in a variety of styles from finger tip gloves to mechanical. Releases can be chosen based on the hunters style of shooting and type of bow.

Arrow Rest:   There are many types of arrow rest available. The rest should match the type of bow as well as the type of arrow used.

Bow Sight:   The bow sight is used to aim an arrow at a target. Factors to consider are simplicity of use, quality, and durability.

Arrow Tips:   Come in many styles from field points to broad heads. Factors to consider are weight, cutting diameter, blade styles such as stationary or mechanical.

Over draw: Used on compound bows to shorten arrow length. Many modern bows come equipped with the over draw installed.

Quiver:   A device used to hold arrows. They can be worn on the belt or back and also be attached to the bow.

Bow Case:  Used to protect the bow. They come in many styles such as cloth covers, heavy duty plastic, and metal.

Targets:   Come in many shapes and styles. Some of them are 3-D targets, paper or cardboard, bag targets, flat foam, and the layered foam target.

Other Accessories:   String silencers, arm guards, stabilizers, peeps, string stops, kisser buttons, cable guards, limb savers, etc.

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Paper Tuning Arrows

Arrow flight is essential in making accurate shots. Whether in the field hunting or on the range target shooting, a smooth arrow flight is often the difference between quality hits and misses.

For an arrow to fly straight, the tip and the tail must travel the same path. Any variation will cause the arrow to wobble and strike the target at an angle. Paper tuning is a simple way to check for proper arrow flight.

To get started, set up a paper target. This can be as simple as two dowels stuck in the ground with a piece of freezer paper pulled tightly across them. Place the target about five feet in front of a good back arrow stop.

Stand back away from the target about six feet or so. Shoot a field tipped arrow through the paper target. make sure to use proper shooting form.

If the arrow flight is not straight, the arrow will hit the paper tail high, tail low, tail left, or tail right. If the arrow hits tail high or tail low, the nock point needs to be adjusted. If the arrow hits tail left or tail right, the arrow rest needs to be adjusted.

For tail high, adjust the nock point down using 1/8 inch increments until corrected. For tail low, adjust the nock point up using 1/8 inch increments until corrected. Shoot the paper target after each adjustment.

For tail left hits, move the rest to the right using small increments. For tail right hits, move the rest to the left using small increments.

These adjustments should correct any problems found while paper tuning arrows.

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Venison Sausage Breakfast

This venison recipes article provides instructions for making a venison sausage breakfast.

Use the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound venison sausage
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper

Cooking directions:

In a skillet, brown venison sausage. Drain.

In a baking dish, mix venison and all ingredients.

Bake in oven at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

Venison Sausage Delight

This is a venison recipes article that provides instructions for making a venison sausage delight.

Use the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground venison sausage
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup macaroni noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream

Cooking directions:

In a large skillet, brown venison sausage along with onion and green pepper. Drain.

In a large sauce pan, add macaroni noodles, water, and tomatoes. Bring to boil.

Add venison mixture to sauce pan with tomatoes.

Cook until noodles are done. Stir often.

Stir in sour cream until warm.

Camouflage Tactics

Deer hunting tips:  The purpose of camouflage is to provide the hunter with the ability to blend in with the terrain to be hunted. Since the terrain will change throughout the deer hunting season, hunters will need to adapt accordingly. This article will provide a few tactics for proper camouflage.

Camouflage Clothing

The hunter must use camouflage clothing that matches the colors found during different times of the deer season. The hunter should also match the specific area to be hunted. For example, if deer hunting from a tree stand, a pattern of tree bark may be appropriate. If hunting on the ground, a more leafy style pattern may work better. The hunter will need to adjust patterns and colors based on each hunting situation. In using camouflage properly, the hunter needs to make sure that the entire body is covered including face and hands. This will result in complete concealment.

Equipment

The hunter should make sure that all equipment to be used while deer hunting does not shine or glow. Anything made of metal needs to be painted or covered with a camouflaged tape. This will include tree stands and weapons. In most cases, the hunter can purchase the equipment already camouflaged from the manufacturer. Other items such as bolts, screws, zippers, buttons, and such on equipment need to be painted as well. A dull black marker can be used as a temporary fix if need be.

Tree Stands And Ground Blinds

There is more to camouflage than just clothing. The hunter should also use the terrain to help with concealment. If deer hunting from a tree stand, try to place the stand in a tree that provides natural cover. Leaves and branches will help break the hunters outline. This will add extra camouflage and reduce the chances of being detected by deer. Although there will be times when the tree to be used does not provide cover, this tactic should be used whenever possible.

Although ground blinds provide excellent concealment, the hunter should also add cover. The use of branches, vines, or other undergrowth can make the blind blend in better. Surround the blind with natural terrain items for better concealment. The ground blind should also be placed against a back ground whenever possible. One approach that can be used is to clear an area inside of natural undergrowth cover, then place the blind inside the cleared area. This will provide a more natural appearance.

These deer hunting tips are provided as helpful information for proper use of camouflage. It is always better to go the extra step when it comes to deer hunting. Use cover to have an advantage while in the field. As always be safe and good luck.

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Deer Hunting Preparation

This deer hunting tips article provides helpful information for preparing for the deer hunting season.

Prepare Your Equipment

Deer hunting requires a variety of equipment that needs to be prepared prior to the season. All weapons to be used should be checked for proper function and safety. Rangefinders if used, should be checked for accuracy. Scopes and binoculars should be cleaned. Clothing needs to be cleaned and made scent free. Clothing also needs to be checked for wear and tear as well as comfort and fit. Tree stands should be checked to make sure bolts and screws are secure, proper function, and safety. All other equipment to be used in the field should be checked for proper function.

Practice

Target practice with the deer hunting weapon of choice. Become proficient with all aspects of the weapon. Practice shooting the same distances expected to have in the field. Practice under similar conditions such as from a tree stand or from a sitting or standing position. Also consider low light situations while practicing. Wearing hunting clothing while practicing can also be useful.

The hunter should also be proficient with any other equipment to be used in the field. Rangefinders, binoculars, and GPS type equipment require familiarity. Rattling antlers, grunt, or other type calls should be practiced with as well.

Prepare Shooting Lanes

Shooting lanes need to be prepared prior to the hunt. A good pair of pruning shears is usually all that is needed. For larger limbs, a nice folding pruning saw may be needed. Remember not to trim too much. Always leave plenty of back ground cover for the stand or blind. Also leave enough cover to help break the outline of the hunter. Try to provide clear shooting lanes in all areas in which deer are expected to move through.

Prepare Tree Stands Or Blinds

Tree stands or blinds need to be properly placed prior to the deer hunting season if possible. Try to place stands or blinds in locations that provide good hunter cover but still allows for accurate shot attempts. Stands or blinds should be placed in positions that are downwind from suspected deer movement. Try placing them 15-20 yards away from trails to limit being detected by deer. If using a stand, always use safety climbing equipment. These devices should be inspected prior to use.

Scent Control

Anything that is to be used in the field needs to be prepared for scent control. There are a variety of sprays, detergents, soaps, wafers, and other products that can be used. All clothing as well as equipment should be washed or sprayed down with odor elimination products. Scent control should always be used prior to and during hunting trips.

Use these deer hunting tips to prepare for the upcoming hunting season. Be safe and good luck.

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Venison Bean Casserole

This deer venison recipes article provides a list of ingredients and procedures for making a venison bean casserole.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds ground venison
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce (32 oz.)
  • 1 box corn bread mix
  • 2 cans pinto beans

Procedures:

In skillet, brown venison along with onion and pepper. Drain.

Place in casserole baking dish along with spaghetti sauce and pinto beans.

Mix corn bread according to directions. Pour over top of meat mixture.

Cook in oven at 350 degrees until corn bread is done.

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