Whitetail deer hunting is one of the most popular hunting genres with seemingly more and more enthusiasts join the ranks every year. This despite the overall decline in licensed hunters throughout the United States. The first time you head out on a trophy whitetail hunting trip it can be a rather difficult to ensure success. There are some things you can do however, to increase your chances of success when you start out.
Deciding when to head out to a food plot or tree stand in the woods is often a great debate between experienced hunters. However, there is some common ground, heading out in the early morning and late afternoon often give you the greatest chances at success. These are often times when the deer leave their bedding areas in search of food or water.
Another consideration is, where do you set up. Some winning locations are often around food plots and water sources. You should consider scouting the area you intend to hunt. Scouting is something that should be done year round, however, most hunters often neglect this. Being a new deer hunter, get scouting as soon as possible. Determine the locations of the food and water sources and the paths the deer use to get from their bedding areas to these sources. Whitetail deer prefer to use the easiest routes possible. Once you have identified these routes, set up a tree stand and wait.
Experienced hunters recommend making sure that your hunting equipment is ready immediately once you get into the stand. Often, no sooner you get up into the stand and out comes a buck. Some of the items on your equipment checklist should be, check if your scope to make sure it's clear, make sure that there is a round in the chamber or if you are using a bow, nock an arrow to be ready. If you have taken the time before you headed into the woods to ensure that everything was in working order, this should be a quick check once you are in place.
If using a deer call worries you because you have no experience and/or you think you're more likely to scare the deer away; call anyway. Once you do, you will notice that it doesnt scare deer away and you will be able to observe their reactions and gauge your ability to call in a deer. Not to mention, like your mother used to say, practice makes perfect.
There are many different types of calls, grunts, rattling, snorts, wheezes, doe bleats and so on. They all have a specific place in deer hunting. Their effectiveness often changes as the season progresses. Arguably, the most versatile call is the grunt. This can call can bring in a curious deer and stop one dead in its tracks, allowing you to get the shot. During the rut, the deer mating season, rattling is often very effective. This mimics a fight between two bucks for the affection of a doe.
Hunting whenever possible is not only good advice, but it is fun. The experience you will get every time you head out is crucial; whether you learn something about their feeding habits or their social interactions, this is all vital information you will eventually help you to bag a trophy.
If you are fortunate enough to bag a trophy, be sure one you place the shot, you note the point where the deer was standing at impact and the direction it ran after impact. It is advisable to give the deer time to expire. Giving at least an hour should ensure that you don't jump your wounded deer and possibly loose it permanently.
Hopefully these suggestions will be helpful in not only getting you out into the woods and bagging a deer, but what to do afterward. Remember success often comes with time and practice, so get out there every chance you get.
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