A Deer Hunting We’ll Go...

Jumping Targets offers tips for beating the crowd and discovering the best ways to take advantage of modern-day deer hunting.

Part of deer hunting involves patience and endurance, as hunters carefully scout out fields and forests, traversing back and forth for signs of big game. Most hunters regularly watch deer trails and movements, using traditional tracking methods or employing the use of digital cameras to capture deer migratory schedules.

Hunters that have access to private lands can enjoy fewer hunters, taking the opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings that make hunting peaceful. Public lands are, however, teaming with hunters, which makes it a more difficult experience to enjoy. These lands often have more pressure and sportsmanship than private areas with fewer hunters.

To help facilitate the hunting process, Jumping Targets offers six helpful everyday hunting tips for deer and elk hunters.

1. Go Deep – Going deep into the woods give hunters’ access to areas that are not regularly breeched by humans. Instead of only exploring areas near roadways, go off the beaten path deep into the forests, as this is where big game roams. Most hunters barely venture one-fourth to one-half mile off public hunting trails. Study topography maps and analyze satellite photos for narrow deer paths and trails.
2. Scouting – Scouting before hunting season helps guarantee a successful hunting trek. Check for signs of tracks, buck rubs, trails, deer fur, feces or other items that point towards deer frequenting areas. Bucks are less apt to change their routines once hunting season begins, which makes this a successful endeavor for hunters.
3. Tracking – Focus on areas that often receive hunter neglect. This can include isolated patches of healthy habitat that attract big game. Steep and rugged terrain or areas that feature dense groundcover are perfect hiding places for deer. These areas can also include swamps, creek bottoms, blow downs, mountain ridges, hills, knolls or even dense patches of laurel or conifers in hardwood forests.
4. Go Minimal – Instead of packing gear, such as a ground blind or tree stand, use camouflage techniques to help scout out areas. Research hunting sites online that explain how to walk soundlessly in forests, helping hunters also pinpoint areas that are perfect for blending into surroundings.
5. Driving– When hunting with partners, consider using a deer drive technique. This focuses on dense undercover areas, allowing people to stand posted to see if deer may head out of thickets. This type of method is perfect for fall’s crosswinds, as bucks cannot rely on their sense of smell to detect hunters.
6. Split-Second – Successful hunters know that they have a split-second opportunity for a kill shot. Hesitation leads to losing trophy-size deer. Regular practice, including those involving moving targets and steel shooting targets can help increase hunters’ accuracies and aims, allowing them to feel more comfortable taking effective kill shots.

References:

http://www.deerhunter.com/pages/deer-hunter/deer-hunting/beat-the-crowds-for-better-deer-hunting/page-1