- "The Full New Brunswick Experience"
Whitetail deer hunting… using the easiest routes possible
Experienced hunters recommend checking the hunting equipment when going into the stand, not later when a buck will eventually walk out. Check if your scope is clear, the shells in the chamber or if you use a bow, check if your bow will draw back properly. There are many issues to take into consideration that is why we strongly advise to prepare well ahead.
If you plan on hunting whitetail deer in a food plot or a large field it is recommended to do it during the late hours of the day. Remember that deer like heavy cover so it is advisable to try and clear a path through the cover that you consider these animals might be using. The whitetail deer usually prefers using the easiest routes possible. Once you have set up a path, hunt over the built path in a hunting tree stand.
If using deer calls is your cup of tea, it is advisable to use it only after you see a deer that you are not willing to shoot. Once you have done so, you will notice that it doesn’t scare them and you will observe their reactions. Be sure to use the most suitable calls, otherwise the animals will get suspicious.
The best advice possible is to hunt whenever possible. Experience is crucial, only by going out there in the wilderness you will learn more about their habitat, feeding habits and other characteristics that you will eventually use in your advantage. We strongly suggest that you follow our advice and the next time you have the possibility to hunt, don’t hesitate, you know what they say: practice makes perfect and this statement is entirely applicable for hunting not only whitetail deer but other animals as well.
When you are about to hunt in a new area, it is advisable to hunt at a new stand each day for a short period of time as this is the most efficient way to learn about the deer movement routes.
If you plan on hunting whitetail deer with a bow, experienced hunters recommend doing it from a tree stand because it is way more efficient in comparison with hunting from ground level. Another piece of advice, use only one pin because it is easier to aim high or low on the whitetail deer than attempt to remember to use a specific one when the large one walks out.
We hope that our suggestions will come in handy and on your first attempts on hunting these animals you will get at least decent results. Remember; practice every time you have the chance.
Different ways to conduct your Whitetail Deer Hunt
There are many ways to conduct whitetail hunts. Some prefer to hunt alone while others hunt with family or friends. Rifle hunting allows you to put more distance between you and the deer, though sometimes the noise of gunshots can be problematic, both for your hunting success and for those around you. Bow hunting is another popular method due to its stealthiest and overall clean kill. However, hunting with arrows requires a slightly higher level of skill and patience, as you must be closer to the deer to get an accurate shot.
Some hunters who indulge in whitetail hunts prefer to set up stands and wait for a deer to walk near. Others enjoy looking for deer signs such as scat, tracks, deer rubbings on trees, signs of feeding, and more. Some hunters will quietly follow a deer for a considerable amount of time before making their shot. When it comes to shooting deer, it’s typically considered good sport to attempt to track down a wounded deer instead of simply shooting another one.
Whitetail hunts are unique in that these deer have specific body language and make a variety of sounds, all of which you can use to your advantage. In learning to read the deer’s movements, you can determine whether or not it scents you, if it is rutting, if it is aggressive or diseased, and other important factors. Many hunters also use bugles on their whitetail hunts to lure deer out into the open. However, it’s generally not a good idea to overuse or depend on this call.
Deer season takes place during the fall, when the air is crisp and cool and the leaves are aflame. The pristine conditions alone are enough to draw many hunters. However, if you’re concerned about forests crowded with fellow rifle and bow hunters, it may be time to consider getting a private hunting lease.
What many new hunters don’t realize is that deer are a common problem for landowners and farmers alike. In arranging a hunting lease, you will be able to hunt on their land in exchange for a small fee. This way, both of you benefit and you will be able to enjoy a quieter, more secluded hunting grounds.
Determine the points of your trophy Whitetail Deer
How do you determine if your trophy deer hunting has been successful? Deer size is judged mostly on the “points” system, which is determined by measuring several points on the antlers. There are extremely strict regulations on measuring these points.
First of all, you have to know how many points each of the two antlers have. These will be labeled “G”, followed by a number that determines how far away the point is from the main beam. Then, you measure the spreads – there are three places of measurement here. You’ll also measure the length of all points, including abnormal points, the length of the main beam, and the length of each point.
Add to these the circumferences of various parts of the main branch, and then take out the difference in lengths between the various points. The overall total achieved is the point ranking of the deer. When you are trophy deer hunting, it is important to be aware of these measurements and what is considered a trophy sized specimen within the species you are hunting. When you have become familiar with the typical sizes and what they look like, you’ll begin to judge without a tape measure and make an estimate as to whether the buck you have in your sights is going to fit the bill.
Whitetail deer hunting tips for hunting with stands
Whitetail deer hunting tips you know, the more effective you will be. You want to make sure you have some warm clothes lined up for the approaching deer season. Besides purchasing or setting up a tree stand, getting your clothes together is something you can do even before the start of the season.
Just remember, it can get really cold on the stand. You need to dress so that when you are on the stand you remain comfortable and alert. I highly recommend dressing in layers and even overdressing for those long, motionless hours on the deer stand. When you are making your way to the deer stand, carry your coat or an extra sweater with you. Getting your clothing right is a tricky balance, because if you work up a sweat during your hike in and your climb into the tree stand, you could suffer all day from wet socks or other wet garments. It can mean the difference between an enjoyable, successful day and a miserable day!
Let me back up a little and talk about where you should place your deer stand. Probably the best all round place to locate a deer stand is near thick cover. The big trophy bucks love to hide out in these areas. If you see a trail leading to this area you could set up near it, but keep an eye out in every direction, as the big trophy bucks are good at changing up the routes they take. Be sure to set up down wind and to practice scent control. An elevated tree stand can help to get your scent above the ground, but always practice safety when up in a tree stand.
Above all, be sure that you have previously scouted this area and have located the tell tale signs indicating the presence of deer, if not big trophy bucks in the area. It’s pointless stand hunting an area if the deer are absent (though many hunters do it, anyway). And don’t fall in love with the same hunting location. If you wear out a certain hunting spot – the deer will be able to set their clocks on your comings and goings. Change up between a few other scouted out locations during the season and you’ll keep the deer guessing.
Whitetail deer hunting… decoy tips and techniques
Many hunters feel that deer feel at ease around turkeys. Wild turkey tend to inhabit many of the same areas as whitetails so the two are familiar with each other. Turkeys are extremely hard to get close to so it is thought that deer feel fairly comfortable around them. Some hunters use turkey decoys in a field to help deer feel at ease and to steer them toward the stand. Deer and turkey have been seen sharing a field at the same time many times, but for some reason deer tend to go to the other side of the feeding area from turkey. It may be because turkeys tends to be aggressive over the chosen feeding area. In any case, placing turkey decoys on one end of a field may force deer to graze on the other end.
Probably the most common decoy is the deer decoy. Buck or doe decoys are available. A big buck decoy will probably send younger bucks running especially in the late precut, but it may bring a large buck out to investigate. Doe decoys used during the rut, especially with scents and calls produce fair results. It depends on placement and the scents used. Nothing is certain with deer hunting but this scenario has brought in some big bucks. Also, some feel that using more than one deer decoy in one field helps deer feel more comfortable. For example, several does feeding in a field usually will not upset a buck in the least. In fact bucks tend to walk right on out if several deer are already in the field.
Using decoys takes some experience in knowing when to use them and where. Some decoys may be pricey but are worth it if it turns out to be a great deer attractant. Hunters have been experimenting for years with decoys and have had varying results. Most experiment for themselves to see which decoys work best in individual hunting areas. Take the time to buy a decoy and experiment with it in different situations.
