White Tail Deer Hunting Strategy
Bagging a trophy whitetail deer takes preparation, skill, determination and patience. That means learning where the big bucks are and also being ready for the encounter. This strategy will help you find good hunting spots that actually contain deer. Once you are familiar with a herd, don't settle for the small bucks. Larger bucks, which are more weary and careful, usually follow the smaller ones into openings.
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Scouting and Preparation
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A big part of whitetail hunting is learning where the deer are and what their habits are in different situations. This is where scouting comes in. During the off-season, find an area with big bucks and then learn the hunting area, such as the terrain, wind patterns and feeding and bedding areas. Watch deer behavior carefully to see where they hang out and where they escape to when disturbed. This is a great place for a deer stand if you expect the area to be pressured during hunting season. It's helpful to make notations in a journal or area map for reference over the years.
Preparation includes target practicing and knowing your weapon's capabilities. The limiting factor for most modern firearms and archery equipment is the skill level of the hunter.
Stand Placement and Equipment
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After scouting and mapping the area, choose locations for stands (or a ground blind) that you can approach undetected. The wind should blow against the stand, from the direction that you expect the deer to come from. Remember to wash your hunting clothes and body with scent-removing soap.
Calls and decoys can greatly increase your chance of seeing a buck, especially if you scouted and know deer are in the area. Videos are great tools for learning how to be successful with these, and they can teach you more about technique.
Hunting
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Spending time scouting during the year will save you vital time when the season opens. Know when the herd is active and when it beds down. Be in position before that time, position yourself so they will come to you.
If you want to find a monster buck, long hours and dedication will pay off. It takes patience because time moves at a slower pace in the woods, even if things happen fast at the moment of truth. If the deer change their routine during the season, be flexible. With pressure from hunters or weather changes, they might use their less-traveled paths.
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