Thin reeds will aid the caller in making easier notes. The reeds are easier to blow air through. The different sounds made by thin reeds are a result in the number of reeds on the call.

Thicker reeds generally produce a louder sound. The are harder to master due to added amount of air flow needed to correctly make turkey sounds.

Notched or split reeds are intended to create a more raspy sound when cutting or cackling.

Single reed calls are the easiest to use and are excellent for beginners. They make good yelps and clucks. They have clear tones. They require less air flow to use properly.

Double reed calls provide more note action. They generally provide higher volume and tones. They offer a more coarse sound and are raspier than single reeds. They allow for better cutting and cackling sounds. They are good for beginners but do require a little more practice.

Three or more reeds are raspier sounding and bring more excitement and volume to the call. The are very beneficial in expanding turkey sounds. They are harder to use and intended for more experienced callers.

Stacked reeds create intense cutting and cackling sounds. They are generally raspier like an older hen. They produce higher volumes. They are better for experienced callers as they require a longer time to master.

If new to using mouth calls it is best to start with a single or double thin reed call. As calling abilities increase experimenting with additional reeds, splits, or stacks can be helpful in perfecting more sounds.

Diaphragm turkey calls are usually the clearest and most realistic sounding of all calls. They are harder to learn but with enough practice can be perfected. The results of being proficient will usually be worth the additional time needed.

Related:

• 10 Turkey Calling Tips
• How To Call A Turkey

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground deer venison

2  (16 ounce) cans kidney beans

2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 green pepper (chopped)

2 onions (chopped)

2.5 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Procedures:

1. Brown venison in skillet. Drain.

2. Place cooked venison in slow cooker.

3. Add remaining ingredients. Cover.

4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

I especially enjoyed sitting in on a variety of seminars. They were educational, entertaining, and often humorous. Special guest Michael Waddell along with special guest Lee and Tiffany Lakosky also provided great seminars with their vast knowledge and experiences in the field.

The hunting exhibitor booths offered something for everyone from kids to adults. Good thing the event lasted for three days as there was so much to see and do. There seemed to be tremendous crowds each day.

The Outdoors Lore workshops provided useful and valuable information on a wide variety of topics.

The deer racks scoring competition offered many outstanding deer from the state. There was also an exceptional display of record bucks from around the country.

I was very impressed with the added attention given to kids. The “Take A Walk On The Wild Side” program provided educational workshops, seminars, and hands on demonstrations.

The show was well managed and provided maps and directions for ease of access to all events.

My hats off to the Wake County Wildlife Club for another awesome show. I look forward to next year.

Practice Shooting

The serious hunter knows that before entering any deer hunting situation, one must be willing to practice shooting. Those that do not, should not be in the woods.

The hunter owes it to the deer and to other hunters that do what it takes to be proficient. Practicing is common sense, ethical, and improves safety. One should not take a weapon out without knowing how to properly use.

Use A Good Stand

Although hunters prefer stands that are less bulky and light weight, don’t compromise space to accomplish this. A stand should be large enough to move around in with ease.

There are plenty of stands on the market that are roomy enough and are made of lighter materials. The hunter shouldn’t bang his knees or be afraid to move.

Having more space will allow the hunter room to adjust better for cleaner shot placement. This will also provide more comfort.

Use A Rest

The use of a shooting rest with firearms will allow the hunter to be more stable with the shot. There are rest made for ground use and stand use. There are also bi-pod rest that attach directly to the firearm.

In a bind, the use of the side of a tree or placing firearms across limbs will also help improve on accuracy.

Stretch A Leg

When sitting for extended periods of time in stands or grounds, it is easy for the hunter to have muscle fatigue. This could cause problems while attempting shots.

To combat this, hunters can stand up periodically to stretch out their muscles. Also raise the weapon up to shooting position and hold for 10-20 seconds to keep the upper body loose.

Related:

• Deer Hunting Shot Selection
• Shooting Tips
• The Mental Side Of Shooting

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:

• When To Relocate Tree Stands
• Tree Stand Set Up
• Determine Tree Stand Height

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.

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.

This weekend March 5, 6, and7 the Dixie Deer Classic returns to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. This years special guest include Lee and Tiffany Lakosky from “The Crush” television series as well as Michael Waddell from the “Bone Collector” television series.

List Of Events Include:

• Hunting Seminars
• Hunting Products
• 3-D Archery Tournament
• Record Whitetails On Display
• Official Whitetail Scoring
• NWTF Turkey Calling Contest
• And Much More…

Show Hours:

• Friday March 5, 2010 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
• Saturday March 6, 2010 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
• Sunday March 7, 2010 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Admission:

• Three Day Tickets $10.00
• Kids 12 And Under Free.
• Friday Only Youth Tickets $5.00 (Ages 13-18)
• Tickets Available At The Gate.

Location:

• North Carolina State Fairgrounds
• 1025 Blue Ridge Blvd.
• Raleigh, N.C. 27607

For More Information Visit DixieDeerClassic.org

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Ingredients:

1 pound ground venison

1 package lasagna noodles (8 ounces)

1 jar spaghetti sauce (26 ounce)

1 package cottage cheese (16 ounces)

1 cup shredded cheese of choice

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Procedures:

1. Cook noodles according to package until almost done.

2. Brown venison in large skillet. Drain. Return to skillet.

3. Add spaghetti sauce to skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Combine Parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta cheese in bowl.

5. Lightly spray  pan with non stick cooking spray.

6. Place lasagna noodles in bottom of pan.

7. Spread portion of meat mixture on top of noodles.

8. Spread cheese mixture on top of meat mixture.

9. Add shredded choice of cheese on top.

10. Repeat layers.

11. Cook in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

There will always be certain factors while turkey hunting that will helping making this decision. For the most part, experience in the field will be the deciding factor.

This experience comes from knowledge. The knowledge comes from an understanding of turkey behavior and an understanding of the terrain to be hunted.

Understanding Turkey Behavior

In most cases, the gobbler on the roost will generally have a predetermined route of travel at the start of the day.

Barring such things as being spooked, an overly excited hen, or even weather conditions, the gobbler will usually fly down in the same general direction each day.

For the hunter, this is one part of the turkey hunting equation.

Understanding Terrain

The hunter is wise to have a good idea of how the turkey hunting terrain is set up. What areas is the gobbler more likely to travel? Are there any obstacles that may prevent the gobbler from moving through and so forth.

How thick or how open is the terrain? Can the gobbler see for long distances or is there plenty of leaves and foliage to hide the hunters movement?

Another thing to consider is how far away is the gobbler on the roost? If the gobbler is facing away from the hunter, gobbles will appear farther away.

The gobbles can also be muffled by ridges or thick foliage. In this case, again the gobbler may be closer than he appears to be.

Understanding this information will help the hunter with deciding on the best possible location for a turkey hunting set up.

So the answer to the question of how close should a hunter get to a roosted gobbler will always depend upon individual situations, knowledge of the terrain, and of course experience in the turkey hunting woods.

Other Helpful Turkey Hunting Tips