For the fortunate few, deer season is already underway, but the majority of us are still patiently waiting for deer season to start. We all strive to tag out and fill our freezers.
With each year, I find there are always challenges. That’s probably one of the main things that keep us coming back! It is called hunting and not killing for a reason. Luckily, most of us are willing to share our own experiences to help others in the hunting community have success in the field as well.
Table of Contents
Scout Early and Often
Pre-season scouting allows you to gain valuable insights into deer patterns, such as their feeding areas, bedding sites, and travel routes. By understanding the behaviors of wildlife before the season begins, you can position yourself in the most active locations for a successful hunt. Employ the use of trail cameras if able.
Trail cameras are an effective way to monitor deer activity without disturbing the area, providing you with real-time data on movement patterns. Getting boots on the ground is important, trail cameras give a great amount of insight. However, finding where you are going to sit or place a stand might need lanes cut, or maybe it is easier to stage a blind. As the season progresses, it’s important to adjust your scouting strategies to account for changes in deer behavior and food sources, keeping you one step ahead and increasing your chances of a successful hunt.
Take into account the human activity as well. If you are hunting public land other hunters could be disturbing your chosen area. It’s good to have a couple of options. For me, I hunt on a military installation. It is pretty much regulated public land. Hunters are also working around the training schedule and where your stand could be off-limits that day. We also are not allowed to use trail cameras or feeders. So, boots on the ground scouting is the most productive as well as multiple seasons of trial and error.
Gear Up for Success
I’m sure you have heard, “You can kill a deer with Walmart camo.” That statement is 100% true! The animals don’t discriminate on camo pattern choice, and a lot of what goes into a successful hunt is work, dedication, and luck. Regardless of camo choice, consider incorporating the latest gear advancements, such as scent control products and weather-appropriate clothing. When gearing up for a successful deer season, it’s essential to review and prepare your equipment well in advance. There have been so many times I’ve been out in the field, and a headlamp died, or I couldn’t find a glove. Getting the right gear in place can also provide more comfort out there when battling the elements. Sometimes, it takes a few uncomfortable trips to the woods to figure out what you need to stay longer.
Don’t neglect your weapons. For some of us, the only time some of our bows or rifles see the light of day is during hunting season. Start by ensuring your rifle or bow is functioning correctly and you’ve completed the required maintenance. Always check your zero before the season begins, along with obtaining a sufficient supply of ammunition or arrows. Practicing with your equipment before the season is crucial, as it helps you step into the field with confidence.
Scent Control
Sense of smell is one of a deer’s main forms of defense. Understanding how deer rely on their keen sense of smell to detect hunters can aid in closing the distance between hunter and the deer. From my research, I once read that in perfect wind conditions, deer could smell humans from a mile away. Even in moderate winds, deer can pick up even the faintest human scent from a considerable distance. This should make scent control a top priority. To minimize your scent, practice proper hygiene by showering with scent-free soaps and shampoos before heading out.
Additionally, wash your hunting clothes in scent-free detergents. Some people choose to store their hunting clothes in airtight containers to prevent any odors from contaminating them. In addition, applying scent-eliminating sprays to both your clothing and gear is another effective step in reducing your scent. Even with all the boxes checked, deer will smell you if you don’t play in the wind. Always consider wind direction when selecting your stand location or planning your approach. Position yourself downwind of the deer’s expected path to avoid alerting them to your presence and increasing your chances of a successful hunt.
Be Patient and Persistent
An unfortunate consequence of hunting TV shows and harvest posts on social media is that they often portray a skewed version of the hunting experience, where the hard work, patience, and time investment required are not fully visible. Viewers might see a 30-minute clip of a two-week hunt or a single harvest picture that actually took 20 sits in a ladder stand to achieve. This can create unrealistic expectations, leading some to underestimate the dedication needed to succeed.
The truth is those big bucks got big by being smart and learning how to avoid hunters. They’ve survived seasons by being elusive, which means that successful hunters must be equally strategic and patient. It’s important to remember that the thrill of the hunt comes not just from the moment of success but from the process.
Each quiet hour spent waiting, every careful step taken, and the persistence to keep going even when the results aren’t immediate add to the value of the harvest. Patience and persistence are the true keys to unlocking those unforgettable hunting moments and providing earned respect for the game you’re pursuing.
Adapt to Changing Conditions
Let’s be honest; things are most likely not going to go your way at some point or another during the hunting season. Weather can change in an instant, turning a clear day into a stormy one, or unseasonably warm temperatures can alter deer movement patterns.
The rut, a critical period in deer hunting, can bring about erratic behavior, making deer either highly active or surprisingly elusive. Additionally, human disturbances, like unexpected foot traffic or nearby hunting pressure, can completely shift deer patterns, forcing you to rethink your strategy. Successful hunters are those who can adapt to these changing conditions.
This might mean moving your stand to a different location, adjusting your hunting times, or even changing up your tactics entirely. Flexibility and a willingness to adjust your plans based on the situation will prove beneficial. Take on the unpredictability of the hunt and stay mentally ready. This can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for success.
