How to Hunt White Tail Deer
The most challenging part of hunting white-tail deer is finding the deer. Good hunters take the preparation seriously. Always check your equipment and review any new hunting regulations before the season opens. If you spend your time finding and preparing your ideal spot, you're more than halfway there. Practice your aiming skills so that you'll be able to take action when the situation demands it, and only shoot deer that are of legal size.
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Things You'll Need
- Gun or bow
- Car
- Hunting blind (optional)
- Tree stand (optional)
- Camoflage attire
Instructions
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Check your equipment before hunting season opens to ensure everything is in good shape. You may wish to purchase tree stands if you are bow hunting, or blinds if you are shooting deer; whatever method you choose, purchase a scent-masking product to help camoflage your scent.
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Purchase any permits you may need for hunting season. Guidelines and fees vary by state, so check with your local fish and game department regarding hunting-season and other rules.
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Scout for an optimum location as whitetail season nears. If you spot deer in the woods or near a stream, mark the location on a map and determine whether this is public land or you'll need to ask a landowner's permission to hunt. The most difficult step in white-tail hunting is finding the deer, so you'll increase your chances if you scout prime locations.
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Set up any blinds, tree stands or other equipment that will provide you a base camp for hunting. You should do this several days before you plan to hunt. Remove any twigs or branches you might step on while getting to your hunting blind; your goal is to be silent and undetected.
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Arrive at your hunting area at dawn and complete any last-minute preparations. If you haven't put on deer scent, do so now.
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Wait until you see deer. If you have chosen a spot carefully, you will encounter them.
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Aim at the deer and take a shot with your bow or gun. If you are nervous about your ability to reach the kill zone, practice your shooting skills at a gun or archery range before the season opens.
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Tag the deer and get it to your vehicle. You will have to clean and dress the deer when you finish hunting.
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Tips & Warnings
Dawn and dusk are ideal times to see deer.
