Archive for the ‘Deer Hunting Tips’ Category
Tree Stand Preparation
Deer Hunting: Preparing For Tree Stands
Preparing areas for a tree stand to be used for deer hunting takes time. In most cases, whenever possible, this should be done several months prior to the season.
Entry And Exit Routes
It is important to have simple and clearly marked entry and exit routes to the stand area. These routes should be cleared of anything that may cause noise or create problems when walking through.
The path should be marked with easy to follow tacks, tape, or ties that reflect light during darkness. Doing so even on easy access areas will prevent locating problems.
When encountering a turn, place more than one marker. This will remind the hunter to adjust accordingly.
Place markers close enough to be easily found all the way to, and including the actual stand tree. This will reduce searching in the dark.
Shooting Lanes
The first step in preparing shooting lanes is distance. After determining most likely deer travel routes, make notes of the distances by walking them off or by using a range finder.
Begin at the point of impact and clear away any limbs, saplings, thick grass, or other objects that may deflect a shot. At the very least, allow enough open space that is the size of one whole deer in length.
Saplings that need to be completely removed should be cut to ground level. Saplings that can be adjusted can be cut partial way through and allowed to lean over.
Stand Tree
Work your way back to the stand tree. Make sure to climb the tree for a better visual and remove anything remaining on the ground that may cause issues.
In preparing the actual stand tree, clear away any debris at ground level that may hang on equipment.
If using steps, make sure to place them short distances apart to allow for easy climbing.
While climbing the tree, remove any limbs, vines, or bark that may cause problems.
After hanging the stand, climb on, sit and stand up to make sure there is not anything else that needs attention.
Remember to use good scent control tactics and always use proper safety equipment.
Related:
Using Scent Elimination Sprays
Deer Hunting: Scent Control
Scent elimination sprays have become big business in the deer hunting field. And for good reason. These products provide the hunter with an excellent tool for fighting the nose of whitetails.
How They Work
The scent elimination sprays work by masking or removing human odors. By spraying the products on clothing and equipment, the hunter can enter the deer hunting woods scent free. Since smell is the whitetails number one defense, scent elimination becomes the hunters primary concern.
Using Sprays
In order for the scent elimination sprays to work, hunters must be willing to use them properly and thoroughly. This requires the hunter to follow a few steps each and every time the hunter plans to hunt.
Proper Steps
Starting with the first layer of clothing, and each additional layer, the scent elimination spray should be sprayed liberally covering the entire garment. This will also include any gloves, hat, face mask, and boots.
The scent elimination spray should also be used on any and all deer hunting gear to be used in the field. These include tree stands and or steps.
Once the hunter is in the stand, the scent elimination spray should be reapplied to all outer layers of clothing. When sitting for extended periods, reapply every few hours for best results.
Conclusion
For scent elimination sprays to work properly, the hunter must stick to using the product every time in the field. The hunter can and should also use a total scent free regimen for masking human odors. This includes the use of soaps, detergents, and other products prior to hunting.
End Of Season Bucks
Deer Hunting Tips: Late Season Bucks: As the deer hunting season winds down, there will still be opportunities for harvesting a buck. Here are a few late season tactics.
Late Rut Activity
Towards the end of the deer hunting season, most of the does have been bred. However, there may be a few that missed the primary breeding period.
Bucks will still be alert to the smells of estrus. Some will continue to roam seeking out these last remaining does.
Hunters should pay attention to these signs and spend time near breeding zones or doe bedding areas.
Thick Cover
Deer hunting will also put pressure on bucks. By late season, the bucks will often be located in isolated thick cover areas.
These areas will generally be near a deer food source. Bucks return to being conservative about spending too much energy.
They will mainly stay in the thick cover moving only occasionally. Hunting near such locations can catch a buck slipping through the thickets.
Land Not Hunted
Deer will also take advantage of terrain that has not been used by hunters. This is only a natural progression as the season goes on.
Many hunters wisely leave part of their hunting land as a so called safety zone for deer. These areas often offer excellent opportunities for the hunter during the last few weeks.
Food Sources
At the end of the season, the bucks will again be focusing on food. These food source areas will be primary deer hunting locations.
The hunter should try and locate as many feeding areas as possible. In many cases, the bucks will bed in thick cover not far from food.
Search for remaining farm crops, especially those in isolated out of the way areas. There also may be a few acorns or apples left.
In any event, finding the available food in the area will produce the best chances at harvesting a late season buck.
Finding breeding areas, thick cover, and food sources are keys to end of season bucks.
