Deer Hunting Assets
Deer Hunting Tips: Deer Hunting Assets
There are many assets and tips that can be contributed to successful deer hunting. If you were to poll a group of hunters on what the most important assets are, you may recieve a variety of answers. However, there are a few basics that should be followed by all hunters.
Deer Knowledge
In any aspect of life, knowledge is always beneficial. It only makes since that this will be true in the deer hunting woods as well. Hunters that spend time learning as much as possible about the habits of whitetails generally will be more consistent in harvesting the animal.
In order to gain this knowledge, hunters should take the time to study as much of the available information as one can find on deer. There are tons of articles, videos, seminars, and other learning forms. The hunter also needs to spend as much time as possible in the field hunting, observing, and keeping notes.
Deer Persistence
Another important factor is to be persistent. Especially when it comes to hunting mature deer, it is not uncommon for even the most dedicated of hunters to become frustrated. Mature animals have gained age by being woods wise. They make very few mistakes and offer the greatest of challenges. A persistent hunter overcomes frustrations and other obstacles in order to be successful.
Hunter Intelligence
You don’t need a college degree to hunt deer. You do however need to be willing to put gathered learning to use. Understanding deer activity and movement only adds to hunter intelligence. Make a game plan and hunt smart. Use the deer’s three main defenses to your advantage. Use proper concealment methods, limit noise, and always pay attention to scent.
Weapon Proficiency
When it all boils down to crunch time, the last asset of success falls on being proficient with the weapon of choice. All the previous skills won’t matter if you can’t hit what you are aiming at. Never enter the woods without first mastering your shooting skills. This will require dedication and practice. Understand the effectiveness of the weapon and don’t take shots outside of your skill level. You owe it to yourself and to the deer to be an ethical hunter.
Good luck, be safe, and enjoy your next hunting experience.
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Compound Bow Shooting
Shooting the compound bow and arrow, like any other weapon used to harvest deer, requires the hunter to practice and have quality equipment. The hunter will be able to maintain consistent accuracy by following a few basic steps.
Proper Form And Follow Through
The stance for a bow hunter is similar to that of shooting a rifle. The feet should be spread approximately shoulder width apart to allow for good balance. Stand sideways to the target and rotate the upper body in the targets direction. Draw the bow string straight back in one smooth motion without jerking, straining, or raising the bow in the air. If this is not possible, the bow pull weight is too heavy and needs to be decreased. Place the drawn bow string on a consistent anchor point on the side of the face.
Once the bow is back and on target, make sure not to grip the bow too tightly. A strong grip may create unnecessary torque which may result in poor accuracy. Keep the elbow of the arm holding the bow slightly bent to help maintain a stable form. Release the arrow and allow the bow to move naturally forward without trying to stop it. Stay focused on the target to permit correct follow through until arrow impact. Make sure to stay relaxed and not tense up while shooting.
Mental Focus
The mental side of shooting a bow is just as important as the physical side. Make sure to concentrate on form during each shot. Every arrow should be focused on as well. Don’t get in a hurry. Shoot each arrow as if it is the only one that will be shot. Pick out a small space on the target and focus on it. Although you should be aware of the arrow release, it should be natural and almost a surprise.
Field Practice
Once you have mastered the basics, it is then time to incorporate these skills for the deer hunting field. One good approach is to begin shooting at different positions and distances. For example, shoot from a stand if it is to be used while hunting. Also set out targets at unknown distances which will require yardage estimates. Change the angles of the targets to mock how a deer may approach. It is also good to practice from sitting, kneeling, and bent over positions, such as those that may occur while deer hunting.
So practice, concentrate, and focus your way to better accuracy. Good luck, be safe, and enjoy your next hunting experience.
Natural Ground Blinds
Although deer hunting from a stand is an excellent resource, there will be times when an appropriate tree is not available. Rather than using a portable manufactured blind, a natural ground blind may be a better choice.
Natural ground blinds are made by simply using available materials found in nature. This can be blown down trees, standing corn stalks, bushes, brush piles, tall grass, broken limbs, or any other material found in nature that can be used to break the outline of the hunter.
The best approach is to locate areas of deer travel that already have these materials near by. It will probably be necessary to trim away a few holes to shoot through or to add a few additional materials to insure concealment. The idea is to keep the natural look and not create a man made structure that sticks out to the deer.
Make sure to use a comfortable stool inside the blind. This will help reduce fatigue and allow for longer sitting. If possible try to have back support such as a standing tree or an attached back rest for the stool.
Always pay attention to the wind. Use a good scent blocking suit or saturate your clothing in a scent illumination product. If the wind is not in your favor, choose another location to hunt.
Good luck and be safe.
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Evening Hunting For Early Deer
The early part of the hunting season often find deer in a variety of food sources locations. Being able to locate these feeding areas will increase the chances of a harvest. Knowing when to hunt these locations becomes a primary concern.
For the most part, hunting the evening hours will be the best approach during the early deer season. This allows the hunter to slip in more quietly under daylight. Being able to see without the use of a flashlight is a plus. The hunter will have a greater field of view which can help in reducing the chances of spooking deer.
Although it is certainly possible to harvest deer in the morning, the odds are greatly reduced. The reason for this is that in most cases, the deer have already bedded down by the time the sun rises. Of course there are always exceptions. Mature bucks will generally exit a feeding area well before sunlight.
So instead of risking spooking of the deer by setting up during the morning, take advantage of the odds and hunt the first few weeks of the season during the evenings. Be safe and good luck.
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Deer Hunting Pointers
The first few days of the deer hunting season can be an excellent opportunity to harvest a nice buck. In most cases the deer population has not been spooked or alerted for several months. This is a time to take extra precautions in preparation. For the most part, hunters will be somewhat rusty in their skills. Here are a few pointers to remember.
It is not wise to wait until the day or even week before the season begins to start placing stands, clearing shooting lanes, or walking through the woods scouting. All these task should be done at least a month before opening week. This will reduce the chances of alarming the deer and allow enough time for the woods to settle if early contact is made. Move in and out of the hunting area quickly. Midday is generally considered the best time for stand placement.
Obviously the hunter should have been practicing with the weapon to be used. The next stage is to gather up all gear that is to be used in the field. Go ahead and pack for the hunt. Make a checklist of all items to be used. This will reduce the chances of forgetting gear. Pay close attention to main equipment such as bow releases, face mask, and scent elimination products. This also applies to all safety devices. These items should be packed first as they are a priority.
Use these deer hunting tips to prepare and be ready for that opening season hunt. Be safe and good luck.
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Deer Hunt The Weather
In the whitetail woods, many factors influence activity and movement. Weather conditions at times can be one of those factors. A hunter must be willing to be in the woods under a variety of conditions in order to have the best chance at taking a deer. Here is a look at some weather that often provides for good hunting.
Heat
Depending upon who is asked, heat is often considered one of the more uncomfortable conditions to hunt in. During the early bow season, temperatures in certain parts of the country can be in the ninety degree range. This can be tough to deal with. The hunter will need to dress lightly and execute a good scent elimination program. The good thing is that early season is an excellent time of the year to take an unsuspecting buck.
Rain
Heavy rains generally are not good for deer hunting. However, for some reason, a light rain will often produce deer movement. This could be due to the low light conditions. Deer appear somewhat relaxed during light rains. A hunter can take advantage of this with a good rain suit, ground blind, or tree stand with a roof. Bring along water and a snack and be willing to sit or stalk for long periods of time.
Fog
I have not seen a large number of deer during heavy fog days. However, the opposite is true on days with light fog. I can not give a scientific reason for these results but for some reason deer move. Be careful when driving to a location during foggy weather. Stay on stand until the fog disappears. Take along a nice pair of binoculars to help with vision.
Give deer hunting a shot during these different weather conditions. They may offer a chance at success. Be safe and good luck.
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September Deer Hunting
September in many areas brings the opening of bow season. these hot and buggy days aren’t exactly the most comfortable times for hunters. They can however be very productive and provide an excellent opportunity to take a nice buck. Here are a few deer hunting tips to get you going.
Heat And Bugs
When dealing with the heat, comfort is of primary concern. The use of a good seat with back support can make a difference. This doesn’t do anything for the temperature, but if you are more comfortable on stand, it does make things more tolerable. A camouflaged tee shirt with a bug suit jacket over top and a hood or face mask is ideal for the biting critters. Since these are all light weight and breathable, it also helps with the heat. The use of a mechanical bug device has also gained in popularity.
Stand Placement
An abundance of field crops and other food sources provide a good starting point for stand placement. Observing deer from a distance using binoculars often reveals where deer are entering fields. If you decide to hunt the field edges, place the stand during midday hours prior to the season if possible. Remember to locate a good entrance and exit area that will allow you to get in and out of the hunting area undetected.
Another suggestion would be to go deeper into the woods and set up on travel trails or staging areas. These types of areas will often provide a better chance at a nice deer. Most mature bucks don’t enter fields until just before or even after dark. By hunting deeper, you position yourself for seeing the buck during quality day light.
Scent Control
It goes without saying, because scent control is always of concern, but due to increased sweating conditions it is of the utmost importance during early season. Clean your body, wash your clothing, and spray your gear with scent elimination products prior to entering the woods. Pat attention to wind direction to avoid being detected. When walking to a stand, take your time to reduce sweating.
Remember these deer hunting tips and as always be safe and good luck.
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High Tech Deer Scouting
The use of scouting techniques is often the difference in whether or not deer are taken during the hunting season. A good hunter is constantly observing and adjusting to changing deer activity. There are some high tech tools that can offer the hunter valuable scouting information.
Computer And Internet
The computer can be used to download photos, maps, or information found while in the woods. The Internet can also be a good research tool. You can find just about any thing that you need or want to know about hunting by browsing. The Internet offers a wide selection of information available for hunters. You can even find forums where you can have questions answered immediately. So take advantage of this valuable resource.
Topographical Maps
The topographical map gives the hunter a visual of the different types of terrain from any given hunting area. These maps often provide helpful information about a piece of land that may not have been previously known. They provide large scale detail of the land in question. Topographical maps provide both natural and man made features which can be beneficial to hunters.
Aerial Photos
An aerial photo provides a birds eye view of a hunting area. It is an overall picture from above. These photos help distinguish how a property is broken down as in fields, woods, or water. They provide the hunter with an additional resource that can be used to determine proper set up locations.
Trail Cameras
Many advancements over the years have made the trail camera a must have for serious deer hunters. When placed in areas that provide good deer activity, these cameras provide excellent detailed information. They show real time photos of deer movement. Such knowledge can allow the hunter to make accurate decisions on when and how a certain area can be hunted.
So add these high tech tools to your scouting regimen. They may help improve on success. Good luck and be safe.
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Go Blind For Deer
Heavily pressured deer often learn to look up for danger. This is why more and more hunters are discovering that tree stands don’t always work best for deer hunting. In some of the areas that I hunt, I have noticed deer spend as much time searching in trees as they do watching at ground level. The use of a ground blind can often provide for a better set up.
Most of today’s ground blinds are made for an easy and quick set up. They are light weight and come in packs equipped with shoulder straps allowing the hunter a simple carrying method. Blinds come in an assortment of camouflaged patterns that will fit into just about any hunting situation. They are made with both doors and windows that allow the hunter several choices for shot selections. In many cases, once removed from the pack, they spring up on their on. Such advances in technology certainly come in handy for the hunter.
Ground blinds can be used near travel zones, bedding areas, feeding areas, or any where else that a tree stand can be used. The one advantage obviously, is that blinds can also be placed in locations that stands can not. This provides the hunter with more choices and more opportunities at getting closer to that buck.
The main thing to remember when using a ground blind is to always hunt scent free. Take extra precautions to eliminate human odors from your body, clothing, equipment, and also the blind. Use a scent controlling product to thoroughly spray both the inside and outside of the blind.
So when the hunting gets tough from the tree, it may be time to go blind for deer. Good luck and be safe.
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10 Deer Hunting Tips
A list of 10 deer hunting tips.
1. Practice Shooting
Prior to using any weapon in the field, always practice with it first. Shoot at ranges that are expected during the actual hunting season. Always use the same type of arrows or ammunition that will be used in the field. If you will be hunting from a blind or tree stand, practice using this equipment. Never enter the woods with a weapon that you are unfamiliar with.
2. Wear Safety Gear
Always use proper safety gear while climbing or using a tree stand. There have been many improvements over the years to aid hunters. Today’s equipment is made for both support as well as ease of use and comfort. A safety vest works extremely well. It can be worn to and from the stand for convenience.
3. Limit Excess Noise
The hunter will make some noise while walking to a hunting location. To reduce walking sounds, try to walk softly by placing your weight down on the outer edges of your feet first. Then role the feet inward to its normal position. This will take a little practice. If you happen to snap a branch or make some other sound, stop and wait a few minutes before continuing.
4. Scouting Deer
Deer scouting should be done prior to and throughout the hunting season. As the deer activity changes, so should the hunting techniques. Look for signs of food sources, bedding areas, breeding activity, watering holes, and travel routes. Pay attention and adapt to deer movement. Take good field notes and use maps as well as trail cameras. Keep a daily hunting journal that includes wind directions, weather conditions, and any sightings of deer sign or activity.
5. Scent Control
Always use scent control products while deer hunting. This includes proper boots and clothing as well as soaps, shampoo, and detergents. Use wafers or sprays while in the woods. Since smell is a deer’s primary weapon, controlling human odors needs to be a priority. Never enter the woods without proper scent control.
6. Pay Attention To The Wind
The wind can often play a factor in hunting situations. It is not uncommon to have wind directions change while on stand. If this occurs, often it is better to leave and return under better conditions. Especially if hunting a mature buck, it is better to be safe than sorry. Ideally you want to be set up downwind of suspected deer movement.
7. Proper Clothing
Since the hunting season is filled with changing conditions, always pack enough clothing to adjust as needed. Often in the early season the mornings and evenings are cooler than midday temperatures. Add a jacket or coveralls to your backpack. During the colder periods of the season, it is better to have too much clothing than not enough. You can always remove items if need be but you can’t add what you don’t pack. Also don’t forget the rain suit.
8. Hunt Water Holes
Although a watering hole hunt may not seem overly exciting, done properly it may produce a surprise chance at a good buck. Deer need water several times a day during warm weather and also during rutting periods. Deer prefer watering areas that are surrounded by or offer good cover. Clean, fresh water is not necessarily the best as deer are often found near swamps or ponds.
9. Use Equipment
There are many different types of equipment that can be used in the field. Take advantage of such things as binoculars, trail cameras, tree stands, and ground blinds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with rattling antlers, grunt calls, decoys, and deer lures. Other such tools such as folding saws and hand shears will always come in handy.
10. Change Tactics
Learn to use and take advantage of the different deer hunting tactics. If you primarily hunt from a stand or blind, try giving still hunting or stalking a chance. If you are a gun hunter, take up bow hunting. The more time spent in the woods during changing seasonal conditions only offers a better chance for success.
Use these deer hunting tips to improve your skills. As always be safe and good luck.
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