I hunt using a variety of techniques. Depending on conditions, I may use one or all of these techniques on a given day.
Tracking plays an important role in my deer hunting, especially when there is snow. Even if I don't see the deer I'm tracking, I learn a lot about the terrain and the habits of the specific deer I am hunting. Depending on how fresh a track is, I may choose to follow it or I might instead do a "perimeter check". By walking the perimeter of a certain block of woods that a track leads into, I can often narrow down the deer's location. When I have done that, I will either stillhunt through the area or set up in a likely ambush spot and do some calling.
On really windy days I spend most of my time stillhunting near bedding areas. Deer's senses area less effective on days like these, which makes them perfect for stillhunting. Also days with a light rain, or possibly with wet snow falling from the trees are excellent for this style.
When I am not tracking or stillhunting, I hunt from natural blinds. They may be just a stump surrounded by cover, or sometimes I make a blind out of natural materials. I use dead sticks to make a "framework" , then fill it in with brush and leaves. My favorite spots are on the edge of thick bedding cover, near a funnel or trail intersection where big bucks are known to travel. I usually will do some calling every 30-45 minutes.
I may use one or a combination of techniques in a day, usually I let my intuition guide me. The most important part of my strategy is to never give up!
Tracking plays an important role in my deer hunting, especially when there is snow. Even if I don't see the deer I'm tracking, I learn a lot about the terrain and the habits of the specific deer I am hunting. Depending on how fresh a track is, I may choose to follow it or I might instead do a "perimeter check". By walking the perimeter of a certain block of woods that a track leads into, I can often narrow down the deer's location. When I have done that, I will either stillhunt through the area or set up in a likely ambush spot and do some calling.
On really windy days I spend most of my time stillhunting near bedding areas. Deer's senses area less effective on days like these, which makes them perfect for stillhunting. Also days with a light rain, or possibly with wet snow falling from the trees are excellent for this style.
When I am not tracking or stillhunting, I hunt from natural blinds. They may be just a stump surrounded by cover, or sometimes I make a blind out of natural materials. I use dead sticks to make a "framework" , then fill it in with brush and leaves. My favorite spots are on the edge of thick bedding cover, near a funnel or trail intersection where big bucks are known to travel. I usually will do some calling every 30-45 minutes.
I may use one or a combination of techniques in a day, usually I let my intuition guide me. The most important part of my strategy is to never give up!
