Still Hunting Tactics
Deer hunting tips: Still hunting is the art of moving slowly and quietly through the woods in an attempt to stalk or sneak up on a deer. Still hunting by far is one of the most challenging of all deer hunting tactics. With that being said, it is also one of the most rewarding. Many hunters have never experienced this type of hunting. They spend most of their time sitting in trees or blinds. But if one is to give this form of hunting a try, it will be worth the effort, regardless if deer are taken or not.
Learning how to still hunt and using these skills will greatly increase the overall success in the field. The hunter gathers more information about his quarry that can then be used in other forms of hunting. The hunter becomes closer in spirit and nature allowing for more productive hunts. This learning takes time and in most cases lots of trial and error.
Deer Movement Knowledge
To start, hunters must have a good idea of movement patterns used by deer. This information, gathered through scouting and observing, is critical if the hunter is to incorporate still hunting into one’s bag of tricks. One has to know where the deer are coming from and where they are headed to. Once this knowledge has been gathered, following basic guidelines will give the hunter the chance of seeing and possibly taking deer while still hunting.
Fundamentals
Before the hunter begins, there are a few fundamentals that need to occur. Dressing in a camouflage pattern that is relevant to the area to be hunted is highly important. This includes face and hands. The clothing should be a style that is soft to touch and does not make any noise when pressed against limbs or bushes. The boots worn need to be flat bottomed with soft soles. All equipment including weapon must be camouflaged and noise proof. The hunter should be scent free and use cover scent.
Timing
Assuming the hunter has found and understands deer movement, the early morning hours are generally considered the best times to still hunt. This is because deer are at their most relaxed during this time of day and somewhat less cautious, if that is at all possible. Being at a good location at daybreak when deer are in a moving pattern is the best approach.
Sight And Movement
The hunter needs to condition one’s self to do more watching with less moving. Taking three to five short, extremely slow steps, then observing for ten to twenty minutes before moving again. Effort should be made to avoid stepping on and breaking any branches or walking through thick dry leaves. Slow is the way to go. Again slow is the way to go. Understand, move extremely slowly.
Each step made by the hunter changes the field of view. Therefore watchful eyes are important. The hunter needs to look for parts of a deer, not the whole deer. Tails flickering, ears twitching, antlers, white patches, and horizontal lines moving through vertical trees. The hunter spends more time observing and less time walking.
The hunter should try and stay downwind of deer if at all possible. The best approach on deer is from behind. If the hunter is able to use these two conditions properly, the odds will always be in the hunter’s favor. Also, move towards located deer while they have their heads down or are facing away from the hunter. Always moving extremely on final approach.
Deer have extremely good eyesight, excellent hearing, and of course the best nose in the woods. By moving slowly, using cover scent, and not making unnecessary sounds, the hunter can counter attack these defenses. The hunter must however be able to see the deer before being detected in order to be successful.
These deer hunting tips about still hunting are based on the knowledge that the hunter has educated himself in deer movement and knowledge of the area to be hunted. Use these to add excitement to the hunting adventure. Expect failure but enjoy the hunt. In time, when success happens, the hunter will greatly appreciate the newly found tactics. As always good luck and be safe.
Related: Deer Hunting Tips
