“The average hunter, like you or me, doesn’t typically have all the high level data at our finger tips to make educated observations. That said, we’re fortunate that this kind of data is actually made available for us,” says Wired to Hunt, which condenses the best of the 2015 Whitetail Report for its readers. “If you’re an avid whitetail hunter and/or concerned about the current state of deer and deer hunting in North America, this is a must read.”
“Just like with good hunting boots, good walking/jogging/workout shoes are important. Make that investment, start putting one foot forward and get going,” says hunter and writer for Deer & Deer Hunting, Alan Clemons, who suggests that hunters make some practical lifestyle changes to become better hunters. Hunting demands a lot of the sportsman. An easy way to feel better when performing the heavy manual labor required of most big game hunters is to improve your overall health. “Dragging out a deer…can be taxing even for healthy hunters. Being in shape can help you in the woods when you’re hauling out a buck or doe.”
“The exact same thing, time and again, even when your nervous system is in revolt,” that’s what your shooting method should allow you to do, says well-renowned archer, Levi Morgan. In this article from Field & Stream, Morgan reveals how he shoots so accurately and why he’s as good as he is—training. As far as bow hunting methods are concerned, Levi said, “I rely mostly on just two.” Aim and blindness aren’t usually associated with excellence in bow hunting, but they are the main components of Morgan’s training. “It’s a great all-around drill and the absolute best I know for target panic. I’ve seen it cure more cases than anything else.”
When it comes to hunting on private land, your name doesn’t have to be on the property deed. “I learned early on never ask for the ‘right’ to hunt someone else’s property,” says veteran trapper, Bernie Barringer, in a recent article from North American Whitetail. Offer respect and service to the landowner, and you could gain access to some great, untouched hunting land. Barringer recommends you, “make your request brief and to the point. If you’re asking to bow hunt, say so. Say what you want to hunt and where.”
“They’ll start acting like bucks again…they hang back in the hardwood close to their beds, and head to the fields after dark. But this is the easiest time to kill a good one,” said seasoned buck hunter, Harry Pozniak, in a recent article from Field & Stream. Understanding big game’s behavior in the early season is invaluable when pursing and killing whitetail deer. “We kill 70 percent of our early-season bucks from ground blinds, and most of our shots are 20 yards or less,” said buck expert, Ed Koger. Buck deer have patterns and personalities that, with patience—and maybe a few cameras—can be learned to increase your chances of a kill.
Failing to plan is essentially the same as planning to fail. When it comes to consistently tagging top-heavy giants, this popular adage is definitely true to its word. Shot opportunities at big bucks don’t come easy and that’s exactly why you better start planning and taking the right steps now. The following tips and deer management tactics will dramatically increase your chances of tagging wall hangers on your property throughout the entire season.
Avoid these commonly made errors this season and everyone at the dinner table will be asking for a second plate of your venison. Poorly Placed Shots – can lead to blood, stomach content and entrails tainting large portions of the meat. Hunters may also be forced to back out and leave the deer overnight to prevent pushing and possibly losing it, which is why accurate and lethal shots are so crucial.
Neglecting your food plot during the winter months is unwise if you want to attract deer to your property year-round. Plants grown in spring and summer months often wither in the cold, so it’s important to know which plants will thrive when temperatures drop. Growing a variety of winter vegetation in multiple feeding stations helps prevent overgrazing, and preset feeders will keep raccoons and turkeys from becoming competition. To make the most of your winter food plot, monitor activity with your Moultrie game camera, and access our helpful tips for maintaining your plants. For the full story, visit MoultrieFeeders.com.
Hunters often consider early season the most difficult time to hunt with sweltering temperatures, pesky mosquitoes, and fear-inducing snakes being the main obstacles. Concentrating on deer’s needs—mainly food and water—during the early season can make all the difference to your hunt. When the weather’s hot, deer gravitate to water sources and eat along their path to the nearest pond. Using trail cameras to pattern their movements will help you locate the perfect trees for your stand, making it possible for you to bring the big bucks home. Want more early season deer secrets? For the full story, visit MoultrieFeeders.com.
