There are several falsehoods or “fake news” throughout the world today, and this includes the deer hunting community. These myths may have some basis in reality, although they are often based on extreme examples, tiny samples, and outright erroneous information. In addition, some hunters may be unable to accept the possibility that their grandfather’s deer-hunting knowledge may have contained a little exaggeration. That could even include not knowing the basics of rifle hunting, for example, or historical myths passed on through generations.
Therefore, we decided to debunk these age-old whitetail hunting clichés.
At some time in your life, you may or may not have believed in more than half of these. However, with a little bit of research and knowledge, you can become a better hunter! In short, do not be hesitant to question something or call out to a more experienced hunter with good hunting gear for advice. In any case, one never knows when a single piece of knowledge will yield a freezer full of deer meat.
The Greater the Hunting Area, the Higher Your Chances
We tend to think that the bigger the farm or forest we hunt in while hiking, the more likely it is that we will catch a big deer. In many cases, it’s the other way around.
When hunting in a public area, private farm, or forest of 200 to 2,000 acres, you will have to share the property with anyone from a few to an army of other hunters. People will wander and drive everywhere, as well as set up treestands. Pressure alters everything for a mature buck, and it only takes a few days for him to become nocturnal after a tumultuous encounter.
Consider the little, likely unhunted woodlots and thickets you pass through every day near your home. If you can obtain exclusive permission to hunt 10 to 40 acres in the ideal location, you will be allowed to scout and hunt it as you see fit. Also, a good walking stick and a pair of Everyday Carry Flashlights are necessary to reach these areas.
Scent Management is Extremely Complicated
Some hunters find scent control difficult. However, if you understand fragrance control, it can be accomplished in a few straightforward steps. Taking care of your smell is an essential element of the hunt and may significantly alter the outcome while hiking.
You should begin by washing with fragrance-free soap and drying off with a towel soaked with fragrance-free laundry detergent. The natural smells humans exude are an immediate red signal for whitetails, so you should minimize them as much as you can. You should also wash your hunting garments, trekking poles, and hunting gear in scent-free detergent and spray your boots and other belongings with scent-free spray before entering the hunting area.
When you have all these points checked out, you can then proceed to hunt which may include trap shooting, one of the ideal ways to catch a good deer.
Windy Days Make Deer Hunting Difficult
We have all sat in a tree stand while hiking with no prospect of spotting a deer while the tree sways from side to side. On days with strong winds, it is tough to move deer, although it is not that difficult for humans to move.
On extremely windy days when you deem it futile to sit in a stand, try a spot-and-stalk. Spot-and-stalk is an age-old hunting technique that has stood the test of time. In addition, when the wind is really strong, it is much simpler to get away with movement. Due to the constant movement of the trees and vegetation, a deer is unlikely to detect your every slight movement.
If you want to take a break or rest on your spot for a while during your strenuous hunting time, especially for senior hikers, having the best ear protection is crucial to avoid the wildlife noise and refresh yourself before getting back to finding a good deer.
In addition, deer are more prone to remain bedded during windy days. This offers you an advantage since it is far easier to stalk a deer that is not moving than one that is.
Author Bio
After doing her BA from ASU, Marcie Young held various jobs in different industries. She is now passionate about growing her blog where she writes about various topics related to gun safety, firearms ownership, and self-defense. She is a strong advocate of the 2nd amendment after a horrible experience she has had on the streets.
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