As an avid deer hunter, you probably wait for the season opener with anticipation. But, are you ready for it? The season feels so short, so you need to be ready for anything. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to make sure you are best deer hunter you can be.
1. Make A List, Pack A Tote
You’ve cleaned all your gear and put it away at the end of last season, but do you remember where everything is?
It’s a good idea to keep a deer hunter’s checklist of your stuff, and then check things off as you put them in your tote. Once hunting season rolls around, you’ll be packed and ready to go. If there’s anything else you need, you can get it at the Harkila sale of Great British Outfitters.
2. Make Use Of The Wind
Bowhunters know it’s important to concentrate on wind direction, but gun hunters often ignore the wind, which means the buck catch their scent and go the other way. If you’re hunting from a stand, try to set up downwind or crosswind of where you expect the deer to be.
3. Don’t Be Stinky!
Deer can smell you from further than what they can see you. While natural odours don’t scare them, human odours do. While you can’t totally eliminate your scent, try to limit it by showering with unscented soap, use unscented deodorant and stay away from colognes and aftershaves.
Another top tip is to avoid wearing your hunting gear in taverns, garages and anywhere else they may pick up tell-tale scents. If you have to answer the call of nature during your hunt, scrape leaves away to bare dirt, do your business and then kick the leaves over it to mask the scent.
4. Hunt In Small Areas
Deer hunters who know a few good sports tend to get more kills than those who roam over wider sections of country.
So, pick a 40 – 80-acre area and do your homework to learn where the deer sleep and eat. If you do hunt in big woods, don’t attempt to cover the entire area. Rather focus on a travel corridor or even a heavily used space.
5. Don’t Take A Lunch Break
Even on the coldest days, don’t break for lunch. Dress warm, make use of hand warmers and take a packed lunch. The moving hunters push deer to the ones on the wait.
6. It’s All In The Talk
Deer are vocal creatures, and many good hunters use grunt calls to stop or attract buck. Sometimes, a wheeze can confuse a deer that’s wheezing at you but has yet to wound you. Other times, a grunt can turn a deer that’s wondered past you or even bring it out of cover.
7. Be Sensible
All your senses can help when you’re hunting deer. Don’t just look for a deer against the sky, rather watch for movements that look out of place, like the flick of a tail or the hint of a black nose. If you’re in thick cover, stay low and watch out for moving legs.
Use these tips for a successful hunting season!
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