Deer Hunting Home

Deer Hunting Tips

Rattling On The Move - When rattling for deer if you don't get a response the first time, wait half an hour and try again, then move a 1/4-1/2 mile away before trying again.

Can You Pass On That Buck - If your hunting for a big buck don’t shoot the first buck you see entering a field, or passing along a trail. Most trophy sized bucks will let the does and younger bucks move into an area first to expose any danger.

Keep Your Blackpowder Dry - When hunting deer with a muzzleloader consider leaving the gun outside versus bringing it into a warm house. The rapid temperature will cause condensation can lead to a disappointing misfire the next morning. If leaving the gun outside isn’t possible keep the gun in it’s case once inside can reduce the amount of condensation that forms.

End Of Season Sheds - The time to start looking for sheds is when hunting season is over. Some bucks may not lose their antlers until March but why wait? By starting early you will also find more sheds that haven’t been damaged from squirrels. This is also a good time to think about where you are finding sheds, trails, and other deer sign to that will help you form a complete picture of a deer's movement pattern.

Late Season Scouting - The best time to become familiar with the lay of land you hunt or plan on hunting in the future is from January through March. During this time you can move freely through the woods without any worry of disturbing any deer that you don’t want to spook before the season begins. Deer sign will also stand out more clearly during this time period.

Hidden Deer Magnets - Abandoned farm sites can be magnets for deer, particularly if they are not easy to find. Brush and weeds will have grown up, offering plenty of cover; saplings provide browse; overgrown fields harbor forbs and other food and there is often a fruit tree or two with just enough apples left to keep that old buck happy.

Dragging Your Trophy Buck – If lucky enough to shoot a buck worth mounting never drag it by the back legs. Doing so will bend the hair against the grain and can damage the cape.

Hunting Major Weather Changes - While many deer hunters know that deer move heavily in front of an approaching storm very few know that the majority of this activity actually takes place up to six to eighteen hours before the storm arrives. Right before the storm hits most deer will have already bedded down to ride out the storm.

Basic Deer Stand Location - The best place to hunt deer is on trails you find that connect a bedding area to a feeding or loafing area. Never try to hunt bedding areas.

Timing Scrape Hunts - A really good time to hunt a scrape is after a rain or snowfall as the buck will return to re-make the scrape.