Deer Hunting The Mast
In the deer hunting world, the term mast refers to the time of the season that the deer begin feeding on a variety of deer food produced by trees and bushes. There are two basic types of mast which are the hard mast and the soft mast.
The hard mast can include acorns, beechnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pecans, and others. The soft mast can include persimmons, blackberries, dogwood berries, apples, and other such fruits and berries. All are good food for deer.
When the mast trees and bushes start producing, often the deer will immediately begin congregating to these locations. This deer food source is needed to provide good nutrition and extra body fat in preparation for the upcoming winter.
Deer hunting near these areas that offer such food for deer provide excellent opportunities for hunters. Place stands located within sight of the mast trees. Or set up along the travel routes leading to the deer food. If no sightings occur during daylight, it may be necessary to move closer to the bedding areas.
Any additional sign such as a rub line or a scrape line near these areas will only improve the chances of success. This time also corresponds with the upcoming breeding periods so there should be signs of deer activity.
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Deer Sign Without Deer
Deer hunting areas that have an abundance of deer sign can appear to be great set up locations for hunters. However, just because the sign is there does not necessarily mean that it is the best place to hunt.
It may be that the area is only being used by the deer during the night time hours. Certainly it is better to hunt the area a few times, but if no activity is observed after several hunts, its probably best to relocate the tree stand.
After deer hunting the area without seeing deer, it is now time to begin using scouting techniques to determine a better set up location. Back track the area in 75-100 yard increments and reposition accordingly.
Continue this process of limited hunting and relocating until deer sightings occur. Generally this process will take the hunter to an area that is more suitable for daytime hunting.
Keep monitoring the previously hunted areas throughout the season, especially near the rutting period. If the deer sign remains fresh, these areas may become more effective later in the season.
Often these techniques will take the hunter deeper into the woods closer to bedding areas. Make sure to use a good scent controlling program to reduce being detected by the deer.
Remember that there may be several options when it comes to back tracking. Experiment with all directions that allow for a good wind directional set up. Don’t be afraid to move as deep as necessary to locate the deer.
See our other deer hunting tips articles.
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Know Your Deer Food Sources
Deer food is obviously an important factor in finding deer. Deer hunting land that offers a variety of deer food sources normally will hold more deer. Hunters need to know what types of food for deer is available on their property in order to be more productive.
Food For Deer
The food sources that a hunting property holds are usually easy to identify. This is because deer will eat a wide range and variety of foods. There are many farmland field crops such as beans and corn. There are fruits such as apples or crab apples. Acorns and other nuts are a favorite. Deer will eat hundreds of browse type foods. Modern hunters often plant special food plots specifically for the deer.
Hunt Active Deer Food
In most cases, locating such food does not present a problem for hunters. The issue that hunters face is determining which food is most likely to be eaten at a specific time frame and which area is the most active. The best way to remedy this is to be aware of when each food source is available and to keep constant checks on those areas.
Monitoring Deer Food
A smart hunter will keep good field notes each season while monitoring the available food sources. This is important because many times the food for deer will change from year to year. Browse type foods are the only constant from one season to another. Due to certain conditions, field crops, fruits, and nuts are not always available on consecutive hunting seasons.
Hunting Deer Food Sources
Through proper scouting skills, a hunter should be able to determine which foods the deer are actively feeding on. These locations will offer the best areas for deer hunting and good chances for harvesting the deer.
Know the land, know the deer food, and you will know where to hunt the deer.
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When To Relocate Tree Stands
Locating deer sign and placing a tree stand nearby for hunting is a technique often used by deer hunters. The key to success is being in the most active area during daylight hours. Another is knowing when to move the stand to a new location.
When To Move: The Three Hunt Rule
I generally stick to a three hunt rule. By this I mean that I will hunt a certain set up only three consecutive times in a row. Start with an evening hunt, followed by a morning hunt, then another evening hunt.
On occasion I may use a variation of this rule such as morning, evening, morning or three evenings or three morning hunts. But never more than three hunts from the same stand location. If no success, relocate to a different area.
Why Move?
I have always been more successful when using these tactics. My thoughts are that it keeps the hunting areas fresh and reduces the chances of being detected by the deer. The least amount of pressure is applied in the area. The deer are rarely alerted or spooked. This also prevents being patterned by the deer.
Another reason is that this technique offers the ability to cover more land. Even if the sign is in an area, the deer may be only using it under the cover of darkness. Moving will allow the chance to get closer to the deer during daylight hours.
Give It A Try
Give these deer hunting tips a try and see if they work in your area. I know that they have been very helpful in bringing success to this hunter for the past twenty years or so. Remember that you can always move back to previously hunted areas if the situations dictate. Good luck and be safe.
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Windy Day Deer Hunting
Deer hunting on days that the wind is blowing can have an effect on both deer and hunter. Other factors such as temperatures and wind speeds often make a difference in what effect if any the wind will have. Here is some information and deer hunting tips for how to hunt windy days.
Light Winds
Generally, deer will not change any patterns when the wind is lightly gusting or even steady blowing at or below 10 miles per hour. Their senses are still tuned in well and they do not normally react any differently than on a calm day. The only real concern for hunters is scent control. A light breeze can blow human odors quickly to an alert deer.
Temperature And Wind
The temperatures can also factor in on windy days. When the temperatures are warm, the wind will help cool down the deer. However, during cold air temperatures, deer will normally stay put while the sun is out to gather much needed heat. They will be more active towards evening and after dark hours in order to stay warm through movement.
Medium To Strong Winds
Once the wind speeds begin climbing to 15, 20, 25 mph, the deer will often change their movement activity. Everything around them is moving which can fool their sense of sight. Their hearing is reduced and their ability to pinpoint and detect odors will be greatly decreased. Deer will become more skittish.
Problems For Hunters
Deer hunting under high wind conditions can present two problems for hunters. First, there is a safety issue if a tree stand is to be used. Always take extra care to avoid any accidents. The second concern may be locating the deer. Many times deer will be less active and move to more secure areas to improve their sense of safety.
Windy Day Deer Hunting Tips
The best bet for hunting is to find areas that block or reduce the majority of the wind. This may be the lower sides of hills, gullies, or ditches. This could also be in pine or hard wood thickets. Depending on how a particular property is laid out will determine what sections are the best to hunt. The lower the terrain is, the more likely the deer will use it.
Take note of these possible locations during normal scouting events. This will provide you with tree stand set up locations. Also, if the hunter has developed good still hunting skills, a windy day may provide an advantage and excellent opportunity for hunting on the ground. Remember to use good scent reducing techniques.
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Deer Hunting And Camouflage
Proper deer hunting skills require a hunter to blend in with natural terrain. Camouflage clothing is an important part in being adequately concealed while in the field. There are numerous patterns available to assist the hunter.
While deer hunting one must make sure to camouflage all visible signs of the skin. This includes the neck, face, hands, wrist, and ankles. If possible, tuck the pants leg into the boots. Any under garments that will be exposed such as socks or t-shirts should be dark in color.
There is more to proper camouflage than just clothing. One should also consider how the sun factors into the deer hunting picture. The sun can expose a hunter to observant deer. Avoid hunting in direct sunlight. It is better to stay in the shadows as much as possible.
Make use of natural cover when deer hunting from the ground. The same applies when sitting in a tree stand. Position stands in trees that provide limbs and or leaves for additional camouflage. This will reduce being outlined.
The more one blends in to the surroundings, the less chances of being spotted by the deer.
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Deer Hunting Open Country
Deer have the ability to disappear in any kind of terrain. Thick brush or wooded lands make their hiding easy. However, just because a property has limited or no tree cover does not mean the deer won’t be there. Open country terrain has deer too.
Hiding In Plain Sight
Deer will take advantage of open country hills, grassy fields, ditches, and field crops to hide out. I once observed a nice buck bed down in the middle of a cow pasture in a patch of two feet tall grass. The grass was only about three feet in diameter. The only thing visible was the antler tines.
Why Open Terrain
Sometimes the terrain will dictate how a deer uses cover. There may not be any thick cover around, so deer take advantage of whatever is available. Hunting pressure can also make deer move out of the woods and thickets and into more open country.
Hunting Open Country
Deer hunting in open country can be just as productive as any other environment. A good pair of binoculars can be used to scout and spot deer from distances. Adequate camouflage clothing and proper scent control is a must.
A spot and stalk can be an effective way for deer hunting in open terrain. Make sure to use the wind properly. The wind in your face or a cross wind blowing away from the deer is best.
Another approach is to set up a natural or portable ground blind. A blind is an excellent tool for open terrain deer hunting. Look for fresh deer sign and place the blind accordingly.
Don’t overlook open country terrain when considering a deer hunting location. It may just be the spot where the big boy is hiding.
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Muzzle Loading Safety And Use
The use of muzzle loading equipment has become a popular part of the deer hunting season over the past decade or so. Today’s high tech and modern guns provide extreme accuracy and are generally easier to maintain than from years past. Here are a few safety and useful tips for adding a muzzle loader to your arsenal.
1. A muzzle loader is a firearm, as with any firearm, always think safety first.
2. Always read, understand, and follow the manufacturers instructions for proper use of a muzzle loader.
3. Only use the proper types and proper amounts of black powder or black powder substitutes as recommended by the gun manufacturer.
4. Make sure there are no obstructions inside the barrel before using.
5. Only use the proper bullet and size, percussion cap, any any other equipment as per the manufacturer.
6. If you can’t remember whether or not a muzzle loader is loaded, check before reloading. A double load can result in serious consequences.
7. Make sure all screws, bolts, breech plugs, and nipples are secure before discharging a muzzle loader.
8. Never force a bullet down the barrel of a muzzle loader. Use proper lubricate or switch to a different type of bullet.
9. Always store the powder and percussion caps in it’s original container and away from any fire or heat source.
10. Unload unfired loads after each daily use. Moisture can build up inside a barrel and result in corrosion, improper firing, or poor shot placement.
11. Keep a muzzle loader clean to prevent fowling. Run a patch down the barrel after each shot. Use a bore cleaner after use.
12. If using during wet weather, clean the muzzle loader as soon as possible after the hunt.
13. Thoroughly clean and lubricate a muzzle loader after seasonal use and when corrosion is detected.
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October Deer Hunting
This article offers tips for deer hunting during the month of October.
Food Sources
Acorns are falling offering a good food source for the upcoming winter. Look for areas with a small growth of oaks that are actively producing acorns. Also look for any seasonal foods that are becoming available to deer in your area. Evening hunting over remaining field crops may still be effective.
Rubs And Scrapes
As October progresses, there will be more and more signs of rubs and scrapes appearing. Look for and hunt near rub lines and active scrape lines. Pay close attention to such signs that are found deeper in the woods near bedding areas.
Bedding Areas
Evening hunting near a deer’s bedding area may be one of the more effective approaches. October is a transitional month between the active summer feeding schedule and the rutting period. Deer sometimes become seen less often during the month. A bedding area set up provides the hunter the opportunity to catch deer when they first get up.
Lures And Calls
October is the time to begin using and experimenting with different lures and calls. The rattling antlers and grunt calls become more effective. Deer lures start coming into play towards the end of the month.
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Deer Hunting Corners
Deer Hunting Tips – A corner is where two or more sections of land come together. These locations can occur naturally or be man made. Setting up a stand and deer hunting an active land corner can be an effective way to increase deer sightings. The deer will often use corners as travel routes.
Finding Corners
Aside from walking on foot, one of the best ways to locate corners is by viewing a satellite or aerial photo of the land. Google provides excellent tools for such information. A photo will help in distinguishing how and where terrain changes occur on a given piece of property. These changes will provide a starting point for locating the most active corners.
Types Of Corners
There can be many types of corners on any given property. Here are a few examples. An oak or hardwoods grove that joins a field. A swamp edge that joins hardwoods. Rolling hills that join flat land. Two distinct types of woods that meet such as oaks to pines. A cut over that joins a field or standing woods. Basically anywhere that two different terrains meet.
How Deer Use Corners
Deer will often walk along the edges of different types of terrain. They will use the corners to make directional changes and to cut across from one area to another. A corner will often funnel deer travel to a specific location. For example, deer will most often enter a field from a far corner.
Deer Hunting Corners
After viewing a photo from above, it is then time to enter the area on foot to prepare for deer hunting. When evaluating a corner for possible set up locations, apply proper scouting skills to help with determining the best place for a stand. As with most hunting tactics, the areas with the most deer activity is generally the better locations.
A good approach is to set up 10-25 yards along the inside or the outside of a corner. Pay attention to the wind direction and only hunt if the wind is appropriate for the particular area. Also make sure to take scent elimination precautions.
Good luck and be safe.
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