If you’re a first-time deer hunter, you must have heard of common deer hunting tips such as being quiet when hunting or hunting at dawn or dusk when deer are most active.
However, other deer hunting tips, such as the best sniper scope recommendations or choosing the best tool for the job, may not be common knowledge, especially for beginners.
If you’re planning on hunting deer for the first time, we have the best tips for you.
Hopefully, you’ll have a productive start this season with these pointers.
1. Choose Your Deer-Hunting Technique
There are two deer hunting techniques to choose from.
Stand hunting – This involves you standing or sitting still and waiting for the deer.
Still hunting – Still or stalk hunting is where you stalk and sneak up to the deer.
If you choose to stand-hunt your game, sit in a tree stand or in a ground blind where you have a clear shooting lane. Ensure your tree stand is secure and strong. You’ll also need to have a reliable safety plan just in case you fall from your stand.
Safety tip: Don’t climb your stand with a loaded gun.
If you choose the still hunting technique, don’t wear too many clothes, as you’ll want to conceal your presence. Also, choose clothes that will help you blend in with the environment. You’ll also need to move slowly as you use the shadows to your advantage. Stalk-hunting during light rain can help cover the background noise and make your scentless detectable.
Knowing your equipment is an essential part of preparing for your hunt.
Know the tools you’ll need to carry during the hunt, including:
- Hunting equipment such as rifles, scopes, ammo, hunting knife, shooting bipod, and calls
- Ground blind or tree stand
3. Know Your Hunting Weapon
Familiarity with the hunting tool is one of the most neglected aspects of a successful deer hunt.
Choose your bow or gun and use it at least several times before the big day. Also, don’t practice in the woods where you intend to hunt, as you risk leaving your scent all over. Besides, a weary deer won’t revisit a site full of human activity or smell.
If you go with a rifle, limit your choice to a .243 caliber or a larger rifle. Similarly, bows should be no less than 45-pound-pull.
When choosing your rifle, don’t overlook the rifle scope. The proper scope can help you get your target with the first shot.
4. Scout
It’s important to scout the hunting area before the hunt. This will help you know the area’s topography. Besides, when you have an idea of the terrain, you’ll know the best place to pitch your blind.
If you live near the area you intend to hunt, scout it from a distance with the help of a pair of binoculars. Google Maps or other digital mapping tools can also allow you to scout an area without leaving your house.
5. Scent Control
A deer’s strong sense of smell is its greatest defense against predators. The deer’s nose is loaded with more than 800 olfactory receptors than humans.
The best way to beat a deer’s sense of smell is to use the wind to help blow your scent away from the deer. One way of doing this is sitting in a downwind position away from the deer’s trail.
Another strategy that works is to wash your hunting cloth with an odorless detergent such as baking soda. You should also wash your body with baking soda before you go for your hunt. Also, when hunting, avoid touching branches and trees to reduce your scent.
In closing, these tips will help you prepare for your first deer hunt.
However, if you aren’t successful on your first trial, don’t give up. Eventually, with the right attitude, you’re bound to shoot your first deer.