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.