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Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Hunt





The hunt is on...


You are in your stand...


When in your stand, you must remain quiet and as still as possible.  Deer have almost supernatural hearing, and see movement very well. So be careful so they don't hear or see you. Deer will often hear the ruffle of your clothes as you reach for your bow.  If the deer becomes aware of possible danger, any sound or movement will cause him to bolt. Unless you draw on an unsuspecting deer your chances of harvesting him are slim to none and your only hope of getting a shot while he is tense is to wait until he relaxes. I have seen this as a trait of the monster buck hunters. These guys know when to draw, when to wait, and when to let deer pass.


Another key factor to successful hunting is eliminating human odor.  A number of products on the market can be sprayed on your clothes and shoes that are suppose to eliminate your scent. i have tried several and all seem to do the job. One thing is important as well, is to keep your mouth shut and try to eliminate mouth breathing. Most odor that deer can smell emanates from the mouth. The more mouth breathing, the more opportunity for a deer to smell you.  Many hunters also use activated charcoal lined suits and jackets that supposedly eliminate your scent or at least a fraction of it.  While these may be helpful, hunting from a tree stand that is down wind from the area the deer approach from is sufficient for most hunters. Many hunters have their own superstitions and expectations so I suggest you find out what works best for you and go from there.  The extent you have to go to in making yourself undetectable depends on your expectations.  


Another important topic is what deer to harvest. If you are looking to fill the freezer this year, then make sure you shoot a doe. They are often times the best tasting and allows harvesting of the trophy bucks more likely.  Trophy bucks are usually old deer and not that tasty. The more we allow young buck s to grow and become trophy bucks the better. Harvesting does will fill most of your needs while you are waiting for the true trophy to come your way.




One thing I have learned is that you should aim low, on the deer's body just behind the front leg, the idea being to penetrate both lungs.  You aim low because upon hearing the bow release a deer will crouch in preparation for a leap. It is funny to think about it, but I have heard stories of hunters who believe that their bow is off when they hunting because the arrow goes right over the deer. In truth, they missed the deer because of the crouch. 


If you harvest a deer, wait at least a half hour before you go and find it.  A wounded deer will generally lie down within about a few hundred yards of being shot.  If you get out of your stand too soon it will get up and take off, decreasing your chances of finding it.  



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