Science Horizons

The opportunity to hunt a deer while in rut is a unique experience that can produce tremendous success if done properly. Proper scouting is always a must. As the mantra goes in real estate: location, location, location. The same can be said for hunting the rut.

Once you have successfully found a scrape or rub line the next task is locating your surprise assault point. As always think about the wind bearing and topography of your surroundings before placing a blind or tree stand. Is your location an area deer are likely to visit on their way to feeding zones? Are they likely to pass through heading off to bedding area? After taking into thought these factors, you will be better prepared to decide on the area to hunt.

Is success eluding you while hunting a rub line or scrape? Attempt to hunt at different hours of the day. During the rut, a buck’s movement patterns are more likely to revolve around a hot doe than his stomach. Every year many bucks are shot in the rut at some point in the middle of the day.

If altering your hunting hours doesn’t work or just is not possible, there are other tricks that you can try to get the buck within range. If a friend has only just harvested a buck from another area, ask them for the buck’s tarsal gland. Be sure not to contaminate the gland with human scent. This can be done by handling the gland with gloved hands and transporting it in a sealed container. This gland can be hung close to a scrape or rub that you are hunting. The scent of a new buck in the area will bring the trophy buck you have been chasing out to investigate.

Another way to get a glimpse of the trophy you have been pursuing is find a different buck’s scrape. Again with gloved hands and a sealable container harvest some of the urine scented dirt and droppings from the other scrape. Then place what you collected on top of the scrape you have been hunting. The territorial buck in your area will come to see which one of his rivals is trying to steal his does.

Scent is an important part of hunting most animals. Scent is extremely important during the rut and while hunting rub lines or scrapes. Always hunt the downwind side of the rub or scrape. There are many scent attractants on the market that come in liquid and solid states. Bucks may be enticed into visiting their scrapes more often by adding doe-in-heat urine to their scrapes.

Another strategy to get bucks to move into view is to create a drag line. This can easily be done by soaking a scent free cloth attached to about 8 feet of string in doe-in-heat urine or a similar attractant. Pull this cloth across near by trails leading into your shooting lanes always being aware of where you step to avoid contaminating the area with your human scent. After you have fashioned your drag line, hang the cloth from a nearby tree for extra scent attraction. Scent hunting will often lead to your success in hunting that wary dream buck.

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Most deer hunters are now hunting from tree stands. If you are new to deer hunting, or if you have been hunting for a while but have yet to use this method, you should consider using a tree stand. The benefits of using a tree stand are that you will stay out of the deer’s range of view, you will keep your scent hidden from the deer, and you will increase the range of your view. You do need to take certain precautions, however, to make sure that you protect yourself.

There are many types of stands and most are safe to use. Some of these include ladder-type stands, climbing stands, and lock-on stands. Another type of tree stand is boards simply nailed to a tree. No matter what type of stand you are using, recognize that accidents can happen. If a stand seems insecure to you, do not use it. If you are thinking about using a new tree stand and you are far from your home or from people in general, it is best to wait. You would be not able to notify anyone in the event that you were injured. Do not take using a tree stand lightly.

You will benefit by becoming acquainted with some of the ways by which hunters injure themselves on or around tree stands. Falling asleep is one way accidents happen. It happens more frequently that you would imagine. Hunters also get injured when they slip while climbing in or out of a tree stand. You cannot avoid things like excess moisture on your boot, or an exceptionally damp step. The third way by which hunters suffer injury using tree stands is having a piece of equipment break. Nothing is 100% dependable. The most dependable way to avoid severe injury from these disastrous events is to wear a safety harness.

Many hunters know the danger of not using a safety harness, but they still use tree stands without one. Your safety harness will only serve you if you wear it. It is not good sufficient to put on the harness after you have settled into your stand. In fact, climbing into or out of your stand is when you are most probable to be hurt, so you need to be wearing it before you begin ascending your tree stand. It only takes a bit to secure and is well worth the hassle. A fall with a safety harness has minimal damage compared to one without a safety harness. The safety harness could mean the difference between a few bruises and a premature death.

There are a few additional steps you need to consider while preparing to use a tree stand for the first time. Tree steps and tie-on ladders are two favorite methods used by hunters. Some also use threaded steel steps for climbing. Steel steps are best for the bargain hunter. They are cheaper than the ladders. Test the steel step to make sure that it is strong, steady, and secure. Use threaded steel steps that will amply support your weight. If the threaded steps bend, hunters slip and injure themselves. Use a drill to make pilot holes for the steps. Some hunters opt to use climbing stands instead of threaded steps, but they are less affordable and limit you to certain trees.

Consider using a tree stand as you hunt. It is an competent way to catch your prey off-guard. Both your body and your scent are above the deer’s vicinity. It also allows for a fuller view as you analyze the landscape. Tree stands do cause accidents, though. Take all of the essential steps to prevent any major injuries. Use a safety harness to reduce the distance of your fall. Be sure that the steps you use to climb the tree are safe. Following these guidelines for using a tree stand assures a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Ethan O. Tanner Hunting climbing tree stands, deer blinds, deer hunting tips, deer hunting tree stands, deer huntings, deer stands, deer tree stands, Hunting, hunting ladder stands, hunting stands, ladder stands

Most hunters are well aware of the techniques and methods how to hunt deer, but newcomers and amateurs may need some deer hunting tips to get started down the right path in hopes of bagging that first buck. Here are some points to start with when hunting deer.

1. Start As Early As Possible.

You’ll notice that the hunting seasons are limited by dates but also be daylight hours. No guns are to be fired before sunrise or after sunset for the safety of all hunters involved. However, one of the best deer hunting tips you can follow is to start early. You should be in your deer stand or hunting blind before sunrise. Getting there that early will diminish the possibility of being noticed by the deer and allow you to be in place when the first specimens begin coming out for a drink and a bite to eat as the sun rises.

2. Remain late.

People who have acquired knowledge and offer deer hunting tips usually will tell you the ideal times to catch a deer are when the sun comes up and when the sun goes down. The sunlight during these times of the day can really affect the deer’s eyesight and being confused, they will come out in higher numbers since, besides the usual eating at these times, they probably won’t see you.

3. Do Not Wear Anything That Smells.

Remember that deer are sensitive to scents. Never use perfume, cologne, or after shave. Don’t even wear strong smelling deodorant. All unnatural smells must be minimized. In this way you avoid disrupting the deer’s extremely sensitive sense of smell. When a deer smells human smells, it will be spooked. So be sure to cover your smell whenever you are in the wilderness hoping to sight a deer. In fact, this is an occasion when you should consider showering later. It’s better not to shower in the morning before you go into the woods.

4. Silence Is Golden.

The most important thing to remember is, silence is the key. Of course, you want to have some fun with your friends, but remember that deer have a very keen sense of hearing. If you do anything but whisper, they will be sure to hear you. Sometimes, even whispering is too loud if it is a calm day. If you remember no other deer hunting tip, remember that one. The most minute sounds when you are preparing to shoot can chase that prized buck away.

Although there are more precise tips you can find to make certain you receive the most from your trip, these tips on how to hunt deer are the fundamentals and will start you toward the path of success and fun as a deer hunter.

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