Tactics used in deer hunting
Nov 17, 2009 14:11:12 GMT -5
Post by ozark on Nov 17, 2009 14:11:12 GMT -5
I have been successful slipping as silently as possible while deer hunting. I tried to make absolutely no noise and move just a few steps before stopping and looking carefully. For this type of hunting the woods needs to be damp and quiet. Especially so if you get in the thickets where they spend most of their time. If the deer spots you they know instantly that you are in a predator stalk and leave in double high gear. They sometimes stand like statues until your movements informs them that they have been seen. The hunter usually makes some quick move when the deer are sighted. Generally it is to quickly get into a shooting position. This triggers instant reaction by deer that normally saves their lives.
I have had better luck trying to act as if I am not a hunter. Just a person ambling along making no effort to soften my footsteps but keeping a sharp eye out for any thing that might be a part of a deer. A tail movement, an ear or that horizontal back line. It is wise to show no interest in the deer and to walk past their area if possible. Normally they will stand and let you pass if you are not to close and following a direction that doesn't put them in your path. After passing you can stop, slowly turn to face them and get your shot. Deer in areas frequented by humans are not afraid of people. They are afraid of people that are in a hunting mode acting differently than the normal.
Today most hunters are using the ambush method. Letting the deer come to you is a very good method of taking deer. I never had the patience to do this until it was forced on me by age and health. If I were still able I would be going to the deer rather than ambushing them.
Regardless of how you hunt you will learn that the deer are an amazing animal that uses it's eyes, ears and nose to keep it aware of all that is in it's area. When it beds down it selects a spot where it gets all the advantages of it's hearing, smelling and vision. If there are more than one they usually face in different directions taking the advantage of multiple chances of being alerted when danger comes near. It is a wonderful sport and I personally think it is best when the weapon you are using forces you to get in close. That is the very reason bow hunting is so popular.
I have had better luck trying to act as if I am not a hunter. Just a person ambling along making no effort to soften my footsteps but keeping a sharp eye out for any thing that might be a part of a deer. A tail movement, an ear or that horizontal back line. It is wise to show no interest in the deer and to walk past their area if possible. Normally they will stand and let you pass if you are not to close and following a direction that doesn't put them in your path. After passing you can stop, slowly turn to face them and get your shot. Deer in areas frequented by humans are not afraid of people. They are afraid of people that are in a hunting mode acting differently than the normal.
Today most hunters are using the ambush method. Letting the deer come to you is a very good method of taking deer. I never had the patience to do this until it was forced on me by age and health. If I were still able I would be going to the deer rather than ambushing them.
Regardless of how you hunt you will learn that the deer are an amazing animal that uses it's eyes, ears and nose to keep it aware of all that is in it's area. When it beds down it selects a spot where it gets all the advantages of it's hearing, smelling and vision. If there are more than one they usually face in different directions taking the advantage of multiple chances of being alerted when danger comes near. It is a wonderful sport and I personally think it is best when the weapon you are using forces you to get in close. That is the very reason bow hunting is so popular.
