Though a successful deer hunting season does not have to be capped with the filling of a tag, it is the obvious goal at the end of the day for hunters. For that to happen, a lot of things must fall into place. It all begins with the scouting and strategy to create a situation in which the hunter is likely to succeed. For many, the thought of frequency of hunting will ultimately lead to their best success. But truly it’s about hunting smarter and not necessarily harder.
Understanding the lay of the land is one of, if not the most, critical key to a successful hunt. So many resources can be used to read the layout of hunting property from Google Earth to more detailed maps with aerial and topographical indicators like Hunterra Maps. The importance is not only to understand the likely place to encounter a deer, but more so, the ability to identify the areas in which the deer are coming and going. Hunters must also take into consideration predominant wind direction, thermals, and entrance and exit to their spot. All of which will be identified through a great mapping resource.
It might sound crazy but a good evening of studying aerial photographs and topography can sometimes be a lot more advantageous than sitting in the stand. Proper homework can align the entire plan making a single hunt the most successful.
Stand placement is the most critical move a deer hunter can make. First, the time it takes to hang a stand can be scarce once the season starts. Next, the disturbance in an area should be kept to a minimum. But the most critical reason is that you will be investing time into a spot that may generate only one chance to be successful.
It is important to consider all avenues of stand placement including wind, cover, horizon/silhouette break up, and access. If just one of these do not work out, the entire hunt could be over fast.
At the end of the day, it often is also going to require a little luck on your side to successfully harvest a great buck. That said, it isn’t always about being out hunting all the time. Yes, it’s true you can’t get him if you aren’t there, however, some of the most successful hunts will occur the first couple times into a spot. Whether that is because of the hunting pressure being light, lack of scent in an area, or simply because you have waited until the right time. Understand how the deer you are hunting move, and when the best times to get after them will change the result every time.
Once all this falls into place, then you can figure out how to get the deer out of the woods!
