Whether you have been hunting deer for decades or you have yet to seize your first buck, it is always a good idea to take some time to brush up on your hunting techniques. Even the most elusive deer can be caught when you hunt carefully, and we’re here to provide you with a few tips to help you get started.
First of all, make sure you don’t reek of a strong odor any time you are out hunting. Any buck you encounter will have a strong sense of smell, and there is a good chance it will detect your presence from far away. Don’t use any strong smelling soap or shampoo if you shower beforehand, and try to naturally cover your clothes and gear in dirt, leaves, and other types of debris from the hunting area. This will allow you to naturally blend in to the environment, making you more difficult to smell and see.
Going along with that, always take advantage of your surroundings. For example, if there is snow on the ground, look for areas where deer have been recently. If you see a spot where they have pawed for mast, try to find some nearby cover and wait until they return.
Even if you shoot and hit your target, you still have to catch up with it. Learning where you hit the deer and what that means for its chances of getting away are important. If you see bubbly pink or red blood, odds are you hit it near the heart or lungs. Darker blood means you may have hit it in the liver, and watery blood is usually associated with stomach hits.
Use these tips and others you have picked up along the way and you can expect a more successful deer hunt!