Category: Deer Hunting

Are You Ready to Make the Most of Deer Season?

Deer hunting is a beloved tradition throughout much of the United States. While numbers overall https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hunting–is–slowly–dying–off–and–that–has–created–a–crisis–for–the–nations–public–lands/2020/02/02/554f51ac–331b–11ea–a053–dc6d944ba776_story.html” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hunting–is–slowly–dying–off–and–that–has–created–a–crisis–for–the–nations–public–lands/2020/02/02/554f51ac–331b–11ea–a053–dc6d944ba776_story.html” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hunting–is–slowly–dying–off–and–that–has–created–a–crisis–for–the–nations–public–lands/2020/02/02/554f51ac–331b–11ea–a053–dc6d944ba776_story.html” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hunting–is–slowly–dying–off–and–that–has–created–a–crisis–for–the–nations–public–lands/2020/02/02/554f51ac–331b–11ea–a053–dc6d944ba776_story.html” target=”_blank”>have dwindled, each deer season sees plenty of new hunters trying out the sport for the first time.

As any experienced deer hunter knows, taking the shot is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Tons of prep work goes into a successful hunting season, much of it taking place long before the deer opener itself.

Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, it’s never too early to start getting ready for the upcoming deer hunting season.

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10 Things to Check Off Your To-Do List Before Deer Season

 

In prepping for the hunting season, it’s easy to overlook the little things. Once you’re out in the field, however, the little things are what matter most.

Here’s what to do in the weeks and months leading up to your next deer season:

1. Scout your location

Unless you hunt in the same spot each year, it’s never too early to find a good location. Don’t be that hunter desperately trying to gain access to private land the week before hunting season kicks off.

Many landowners are https://www.fieldandstream.com/5–types–landowners–youll–ask–permission–from–this–hunting–season/” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.fieldandstream.com/5–types–landowners–youll–ask–permission–from–this–hunting–season/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.fieldandstream.com/5–types–landowners–youll–ask–permission–from–this–hunting–season/” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.fieldandstream.com/5–types–landowners–youll–ask–permission–from–this–hunting–season/” target=”_blank”>happy to host hunters as long as they are safe and responsible.

Waiting until the last minute not only pits you against other hunters who are location-scouting but can also leave a bad impression on your local landowners.

If privately owned land isn’t an option, check out your local https://www.doi.gov/blog/everything–you–need–know–about–hunting–public–lands” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.doi.gov/blog/everything–you–need–know–about–hunting–public–lands” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.doi.gov/blog/everything–you–need–know–about–hunting–public–lands” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.doi.gov/blog/everything–you–need–know–about–hunting–public–lands” target=”_blank”>public access land. Some, but not all, public land is open to hunting.

Keep in mind that public land often comes with its own set of hunting guidelines. Not all publicly owned land is open for the entire deer season. There may also be restrictions on what time of day you can hunt.

2. Monitor the trails prior to deer season

When you plan ahead and have access to your hunting location long before the season starts, you also gain access to a whole host of information related to the native wildlife.

Trail cams may have turned into a hobby all on their own, but these https://www.bowhuntingmag.com/editorial/how–to–use–trail–cameras–throughout–hunting–season/327379” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.bowhuntingmag.com/editorial/how–to–use–trail–cameras–throughout–hunting–season/327379” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.bowhuntingmag.com/editorial/how–to–use–trail–cameras–throughout–hunting–season/327379” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.bowhuntingmag.com/editorial/how–to–use–trail–cameras–throughout–hunting–season/327379” target=”_blank”>little gadgets are invaluable to novice and experienced hunters alike.

By setting up https://amzn.to/3cwQocd” rel=”nofollow”>https://amzn.to/3cwQocd” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://amzn.to/3cwQocd” rel=”nofollow”>https://amzn.to/3cwQocd” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>trail cams in your planned hunting area, you can get a better idea of the local deer population and its movement patterns.

Some hunters set up trail cameras as soon as winter begins to turn into spring. For the average deer hunter, though, installing a few cameras at the end of summer should be plenty.

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3. Prep your cover

Your https://www.amazon.com/Rhino–Blinds–R150–RTE–Hunting–Realtree/dp/B07KXQ8VPM/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/Rhino–Blinds–R150–RTE–Hunting–Realtree/dp/B07KXQ8VPM/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.amazon.com/Rhino–Blinds–R150–RTE–Hunting–Realtree/dp/B07KXQ8VPM/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/Rhino–Blinds–R150–RTE–Hunting–Realtree/dp/B07KXQ8VPM/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>hunting blind or tree stand is home base when out in the field. Achieving the perfect set up is a must for a great deer season. It can also be tedious, time-consuming, and super noisy.

Once you have your hunting locale narrowed down, get out there and prep your https://www.amazon.com/Summit–Treestands–SU81119–Climbing–Treestand/dp/B00K0LISF8/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/Summit–Treestands–SU81119–Climbing–Treestand/dp/B00K0LISF8/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.amazon.com/Summit–Treestands–SU81119–Climbing–Treestand/dp/B00K0LISF8/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/Summit–Treestands–SU81119–Climbing–Treestand/dp/B00K0LISF8/?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>stand or blind. Ensure everything is sturdy and well-disguised. Be sure to account for any upcoming seasonal changes like falling leaves.

Ideally, you shouldn’t need to make any changes or adjustments on your first day out. Just show up and hunt.

Checking this off your to-do list early isn’t just about convenience. If you mess with your stand or blind too close to the deer season-opener, you’re going to scare away the exact animals you plan to hunt.

4. Clear all bait before deer season starts

Does your area permit deer bait or salt licks? More than half of all states https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/baiting–deer–continues–dwindle–midwest/370173” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/baiting–deer–continues–dwindle–midwest/370173” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/baiting–deer–continues–dwindle–midwest/370173” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/baiting–deer–continues–dwindle–midwest/370173” target=”_blank”>ban this practice. But if your state is one that does allow baiting, be sure to remove all bait before your state’s cut-off date.

Most states require removal of bait one month before hunting season begins. Always check with your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for exact cut-off dates.

Deer baiting laws can change drastically from year to year. It’s a good idea for all avid hunters to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations in their area.

Baiting laws can also vary greatly between private and public land. If you are hunting in a new location this deer season, double-check which laws apply.

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5. Take annual inventory

Even if you hunt every year, a lot can happen during the off-season. Start each new deer season by checking all your gear and supplies.

The most obvious thing to look at is your weapon and ammunition of choice. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Check your hunting apparel and cold-weather gear for damage or excessive wear-and-tear. The earlier in the season you can replace these items, the easier it will be to find them in stock.

Once the big-ticket items are sorted out, make sure you have ample amounts of small necessities like https://www.amazon.com/HotHands–Body–Hand–Super–Warmers/dp/B0007ZF4Q8?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/HotHands–Body–Hand–Super–Warmers/dp/B0007ZF4Q8?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://www.amazon.com/HotHands–Body–Hand–Super–Warmers/dp/B0007ZF4Q8?tag=dailyshooting08–20” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.amazon.com/HotHands–Body–Hand–Super–Warmers/dp/B0007ZF4Q8?tag=dailyshooting08–20” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>hand warmers, first aid supplies, duct tape, and anything else you regularly use during the hunting season.

6. Noise-proof your gear

It’s difficult to describe the sheer silence of the undisturbed wilderness. No amount of visual camouflage will prevent the local deer population from hearing your every movement.

First, ensure all of your wearables are as quiet as possible. This is also a good time to trial-run any brand new gear for the season. Better to discover that noisy zipper pull or creaking pair of boots now rather than out in the field.

Second, address any sound issues with your shelter (this is just another reason why setting up early is so important!).

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7. Eliminate odors at the source ahead of deer season

Even if deer can’t see or hear you, they can http://www.dailyshooting.com/10–tips–scent–free–hunting/” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.dailyshooting.com/10–tips–scent–free–hunting/” rel=”nofollow” data-wpel-link=”internal”>http://www.dailyshooting.com/10–tips–scent–free–hunting/” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.dailyshooting.com/10–tips–scent–free–hunting/” target=”_blank”>smell you. And it’s much easier to kill odors at the source than to try and cover them up out in the field.

The best prep starts when you stow away last season’s gear. Storing everything in a garage or closet won’t be enough — invest in an airtight tote or sealed bag for everything.

When you pull out your gear for the season, give everything a good wash. Do not use any scented laundry products. You might want to clean your washer and dryer first to remove any residual odors.

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8. Know your entrance and exit strategies

Good hunters know that even the best location is useless if you can’t get https://nclandandfarms.com/tree–stand–entry–and–exit–routes/” rel=”nofollow”>https://nclandandfarms.com/tree–stand–entry–and–exit–routes/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener” data-wpel-link=”external”>https://nclandandfarms.com/tree–stand–entry–and–exit–routes/” rel=”nofollow”>https://nclandandfarms.com/tree–stand–entry–and–exit–routes/” target=”_blank”>in and out undetected. Don’t sacrifice a great season for the sake of an unrealistic tree stand or blind setup.

There’s only one rule to nailing the perfect entrance and exit strategy: Steer clear of the places in which deer spend their time.

If you set up trail cams earlier in the year, use them to identify deer hangout spots and paths. This can take much of the guesswork out of getting to and from your shelter.

Of course, you should also use line-of-sight to hide your movements — even if you’re a good distance away from any deer.

Use dense tree lines and small hills to your advantage. An aerial view of your hunting spot can reveal a lot about which routes to try and which to avoid.

9. Monitor the forecast

Hunting in inadequate gear isn’t just uncomfortable. It can also be quite dangerous for those hunting in northern states or at high altitudes.

If you’re hunting in an unfamiliar climate, reach out to local hunters. You’ll be surprised just how valuable their advice can be, especially when it comes to braving harsh weather.

10. Know the process

Prepping for deer season often feels like a bunch of build-up to that perfect bow or gun shot. But there’s a lot you’ll need to do after landing that star buck or doe.

Will a successful hunt happen every season? No. But you need to assume you’re bringing home a deer regardless. Without a solid plan for processing, you’ll be left scrambling.

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Before the season begins, know exactly where you’ll be transporting your kill for processing (and how you’ll get it there).

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You’re One Step Closer to Landing the Perfect Shot

If you’re like many hunters, the days leading up to deer season are hard to patiently sit through. Fortunately, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started right now with some important planning and prep work.

Do you have any of your own must-do tasks for the hunting pre-season? Let us know about them in the comments below!

Featured Image by Steve from Pexels

12 Tips for Scent-Free Hunting

Although deer are not as aggressive as other species, deer possess a level of adaptability and defensive skills that allow them to protect themselves – their strongest asset being their noses. Over the years, there have been numerous types of gear and products that are specially created to help hunters control scent.




12 Tips for Scent-Free Hunting

Here are a few easy tips that will keep you scent free:

1. Use Odorless Detergents

Once you’re finished hunting, make sure that you use a detergent product that is manufactured specifically for hunting. Some of the best choices that you can find online or at local sporting stores include Scent A Way and Dead Down Wind.

2. Wash your clothes in baking soda

An alternative to store-bought hunting detergents is detergent you can make in your own home. Washing your clothes in baking soda can help eliminate odors picked up by deer. You can also make large quantities of simple DIY detergent composed of peroxide, baking soda, and distilled water.

3. Dry your clothes outside

After you’ve washed your hunting clothes, dry them outside. Hanging them outside to dry prevents indoor scents from clinging to your clothes like cleaning products, baking/cooking scents, etc.

4. Store your washed hunting clothes

Once your clothes are completely dry, place them in a large air tight container for storage until your next usage. For an added measure, you can leave odorless dryer sheets in the container with your clothing.

5. Use scent-free products

Take a scent-free shower before heading out into the field. Use scent-free body wash, shampoo, tooth paste, and deodorant. You can also use scent-sealed hunting gear to eliminate human scent, like scent-sealed slings, bags, and more.

6. Use scent-eliminating spray

Using scent-eliminating spray will help mask any remaining scents you have or you’ve picked up on the way to the field.

7. Scent-free baby wipes

For easy, inexpensive, and fast cleanup in the field, use scent-free baby wipes. An alternative for this is bringing rags that have also been washed in scent-free detergent, but they are harder to pack around than a package of scentless baby wipes.

8. Use an Ozonics Unit

Although some hunters may think that Ozonics Units are unnecessary if you’ve taken enough precautions to cover up scent, they still can help hide human scent in the field. Ozonics Units mask your scent in ozone and continuously work to neutralize scent throughout the time that you’re out in the field.

9. Wear rubber boots

Use knee-high rubber boots and tuck your pants into them. Make sure they are placed in an air tight container beforehand. Do not wear your boots at home or in any location to and from the hunting area.

10. Keep your stand site downwind

One of the most basic yet important rules for preventing the spread of scent in the field is to stay downwind. Check the direction of the wind before setting up your stand site to make sure the wind won’t be blowing in the direction of your target and their bedding/feeding areas. You can check predicted wind conditions on weather websites and apps beforehand, but be prepared to double check the direction of the wind once you have arrived. It’s best to have the direction of the wind blowing towards a cliff, lake, pond, etc.

11. Use the bathroom

Make sure to use the bathroom before you get a shower. This will give you a chance to clean off from any urination or defecation smells.

12. No smoking

It’s crucial to stay away from any smoking or chewing before, during, and after your hunt. If you go through the motions of showering and properly washing all of your clothes, just one cigarette will completely ruin all of that. Chewing tobacco will also make you detected easily — there’s generally a strong wintergreen odor in many varieties of it.

Making the Best Out of Your Scent-Free Hunting Experience

These are all excellent tips and techniques that can make you successful when scent-free hunting. If you use them, you’re much more likely to beat some of the big game’s strong sense of smell!

The Hunter’s Handbook: All You Need to Know About Pregnant Deer

Some people may have concerns about accidentally hunting pregnant deer. The good news is, U.S. deer hunting seasons are set up around the rut, to avoid having pregnant deer in the firing line. But, if you want to learn more about them, we’ve got you covered!

Deer are seasonal breeders and you can use the deer rutting season as your guide to avoid the problem of ever hunting a pregnant one. All six phases of rut are important parts of the deer reproductive cycle, but they are the best time to take deer without interrupting a successful breeding season. That is, allowing does to deliver fawns.

Understanding more about hunting, and how and why hunting seasons, and bag limits, were created is helpful to all hunters, so we’re going to cover a bit of that first.




A Super-Fast History of How Deer Seasons Came to Be

Once upon a time, many people took pregnant animals, because they were hunting all year round to keep their family’s fed. Deer conservation wasn’t even considered, because they were so plentiful. People have been hunting, after all, for a very long time.

German artifacts, as well as the cave paintings in France, show that deer hunting has been around even before the dawn of modern civilization. And, let’s face it, you cannot talk about American history without taking into account the role of hunting, both good and bad.

Early Native Americans used hunting as a rite of passage for men. It proved that the man was capable of feeding his family. For the Pilgrims of Plymouth, deer, and any other game were considered the property of landowning nobility when they lived in Britain.

The right to hunt was denied to the common man there. You can only imagine their delight when they found out that deer were plentiful in America. There were so many in fact, that as the populations of humans increased, there was a bit of a problem.

Fast forward…

In the 20th century, deer populations threatened forest growth and farms. To make matters worse, there was an increase of Lyme disease in humans where their numbers were high. That was due to deer and the common deer tick, which carries the disease.

By the second half of the 20th century, unrestricted deer hunting resulted in depleted herds. So, responsible hunters came up with a mandate to manage deer populations, so they don’t stress ecosystems. They also placed strict regulations against the hunting of pregnant deer.

Most hunters at this point in time consider themselves stewards of the land, and animals populations. Conservationists at heart, they want land, water, and animal resources to be well cared for and balanced — preserved for the next generation to practice the same natural, sustainable method of feeding their families.

Apart from this treasured hunting tradition, there are other numerous advantages of deer hunting that include:

  • Fresh, organic meat
  • Marksmanship
  • Cultivated survival skills
  • Time spent in nature

None of those advantages are possible if we don’t preserve deer herds. The way that we do that is set up hunting seasons, and to make sure that those seasons correspond to the rut – not during gestation.

What Is the Deer Rutting Season?

The rut is the best time of the year for any seasoned deer hunter. Bucks are usually on the chase for does, and they come out in the open fields during the day. They’re easier to draw to you with estrus scents, buck grunts, antler rattling, and doe in heat bleats.

The rutting season runs between mid-October and early December. When you spot a doe during this time, it’s a clear indication that a buck could be nearby.

How is rutting determined?

There are different theories out there on how you can predict the rut. From moon phases, temperature triggers and daylength.

Studies have dispelled any notions that the moon affects the rut. The rut will also happen regardless of weather conditions such as rainfall because deer get bred at the same time each year. Weather conditions only affect daylight deer movement, which is crucial information for hunters.

The theory of the photoperiod is the most widely proven theory for predicting the rut. It states that daylight length is what drives deer to breed. This happens within a specifically limited window in order to give the fawns the best chance of survival.

The Different Phases of the Rut

Deer display unique behavior during the six phases of the rut. You should use different hunting strategies to your advantage for every phase, of course. We’re going to briefly cover each phase.

The pre-rut phase

The pre-rut phase takes place from mid to late October. At this stage, bucks begin to exhibit rutting behavior, and you’ll likely find rubs and scrapes on tree trunks as well as digging shallow pits.

The best hunting strategy for this period is to find where the bucks are bedding. You can use the scrapes to narrow down the bedding area. Do not use calls during this phase because it will just scare them away.

Seeking phase

The seeking phase takes place between late October to the first week of November. Bucks start to try to find the location of does, and rut signs will be more prevalent. Mature bucks will begin walking in broad daylight while younger bucks go chasing females.

Hunting in the mornings can become more effective — especially around the bedding area. Using calls could work, but you should hold off until the chasing phase.

Chasing phase

Chasing begins when a buck finds the doe in estrus. As it approaches, the does run but still remain in sight. The buck follows her in pursuit, but little actual mating happens because every buck is just in pursuit.

During this peak rutting stage, the bucks will be less cautious, making them vulnerable to hunting. Bucks will use their antlers to fight for mating rights over does. Their high level of distraction is an advantage, giving you a better chance at a clean shot. You can track trails at food sources and open areas. Grunt calls and decoys will also be effective.

Tending phase

The tending phase is also called the lockdown stage. It takes place from mid to late November. Hunting at this stage is tough because most breeding happens in thick vegetation cover.

However, a strategic blind near bedding areas can offer a shot when the buck slips up and breaks cover.

Using doe bleat calls can also be effective as most bucks can still be lured into going after another doe.

The post-rut phase

The post-rut phase begins from late November to the end of the month. At this stage, most does are bred, but some might enter estrus at this stage. What changes here is that elevated hunting might pressure deer to be more cautious.

Hunting near bedding areas and on the trails to and from a water source is usually the most effective strategy to use because most deer hide during the post-rut phase.

Second rut phase

A second rut might occur at the end of the rutting season. Even though it’s not always guaranteed, the second rut phase can take place during the first three weeks of December.

Does not bred during the first rut go through a second estrus cycle. It’s also possible for yearling fawn does to become sexually active and go into estrus.

The best hunting can take place along bedding and feeding trails. And of course, wherever the does go, the bucks will follow, so open fields are once again a good location. Good placement of a stand in any of those locations should give you an opportunity to take a shot as well.

After hunting season ends, then the results of all that frantic rutting will take hold and does will gestate over the winter months.

How Long Are Deer Pregnant?

A pregnant deer will give birth after 180 to 200 days, depending on the species. At the end of the gestation period, the pregnant deer will give birth away from the herd. It is not unusual for a healthy doe to have twins or triplets.

Seasonal breeding in deer during the fall means that fawns are delivered when there is the most food available to them, during the springtime. Fawning takes place at the best time to allow the babies a better chance at survival.

Usually, the pregnant deer will choose an area of dense vegetation, or thicket, to protect the fawn from predators. The mother will also lick her fawn clean to disguise its scent as another protective measure.

The mother will then urge the fawn to its feet after 20 minutes of birth. However, it will be left hidden for the first week of life. Fawns are born with fur and their famous white spots that eventually disappear as it matures.

How to Spot a Pregnant Deer

It’s difficult to spot a pregnant deer until the doe is well into the third trimester. At this point, there is a significant bulging to the lower caudal abdomen.

A pregnant deer also tends to keep cleaning its skin and look around from time to time as a cautionary measure. You will likely find the deer roaming with another female that is also pregnant. Mostly, if it’s a doe, in early spring or late winter, chances are it’s pregnant.

Ethics in the Woods

You must maintain a high ethical standard of behavior when you go out in the woods. Most hunters know that regular practice with their firearm is part of ethical hunting. However, those good practices don’t just apply during hunting season.

If you are in the woods, and spot a fawn, there are some things you should know.

When a fawn is wandering aimlessly and crying, this could be a clear indication that the mother may have been hurt and won’t return. Seek help from your local DNR or wildlife rescue groups, there are right and wrong ways to help a fawn and the wrong way can end up killing it.

However, if you find a fawn lying quietly in the woods, do not disturb it. Their mom is most likely nearby and will get back to get fawn once you’re gone. The only time you can take a fawn to the animal rescue is when it’s ill or injured.

Avoid touching a fawn unless it’s clearly in immediate mortal peril, such as on a highway.

What to do if someone has touched a fawn

Does are keen on keeping their fawns scent-free to protect them from predators. If you have touched a fawn and you’re returning it where you found it, protect it too. Leaving human scent may cause the mother to abandon it, or draw other scavenging animals looking for our leavings, who would happily eat a defenseless fawn.

Put on rubber gloves and place a towel in the grass. Wipe the fawn’s body and get the fawn back to safety with your gloves still on.

Did you learn what you wanted to know when you read this post? Let us know down in the comments, we’d love to improve on future articles!

Estimating How Much Meat From A Deer Will Yield

When hunting, it is important to be able to estimate how much meat a deer will yield before killing it. This is for multiple reasons.

One: You are only allowed to kill so many deer per season, so if you are trying to provide enough food for your family, you need to make sure the deer you are killing will provide enough.

Two: It costs money to get a deer processed by a butcher, so you want to make sure you are getting enough meat for the money that it is costing you.

Three: It takes time to field dress the deer and carry it back to your vehicle, so you want to make sure your time is used on a deer that is worth it.



How Much Meat from a Deer Will You Get? 

Due to these factors having a good estimate of how much meat is important before killing the deer. The factors that go into estimating how much meat from the deer will yield is mostly based on the size or weight of the animal.

With practice you can look at an animal and know close to what it weights. Then you can figure out how much it will weigh after field dressing, which you can then use that number to figure out how much meat it will provide.

After reading this article, you will know what you need to consider to figure out how much a deer weights and then you will be able to have a rough idea of how much meat it will produce for you and your family.

Guessing Weight Based on Girth

So to guess the weight of a live deer you look at the girth.

Depending on where you live the weights can vary slightly, but with practice and experience you can get better at guessing the girth of the deer and knowing the weight before killing it.

For white tailed deer, which are the most common type hunted, a deer with a girth of 24 inches will weight around 55 pounds.

The girth is the distance around the body of the deer at the widest spot.

For each added inch the weight of the deer goes up about five pounds or so. This holds true till you start getting into bigger deer. Then the weight goes up more rapidly.

For a deer that is 30 inches in girth it will weigh around 90 pounds.40 inch girth weight around 182 pounds and so on.

When estimating weight it is also important to consider if it is a doe or buck. Does will pretty much always weigh less than bucks. Also, back to location, northern animals tend to weigh more than southern animals, due to population purposes. When go deer hunting, the best shooting sticks for deer hunting is important, you should have one. 

Finding Weight After Field Dressing

First before figuring out the weight of the animal you have to field dress it. This is not a field dressing guide, so I won't go into detail on how to field dress the deer, but you have to make sure it is dead and then cut it open with a sharp knife.

Cut thru the fur layer, and then the muscle layer separately for best results. You then pull the layers back and pull out the organs. By removing the stomach, intestines, and other organs now, it will make it easier to take back with you and keep the meat fresher, as those parts break down first.

Once you have field dress the deer, removed all the insides, it is time to wrap it up tightly to make sure no contaminants get into the meat as you are taking the deer out of the woods. At this point you can still not guess the weight yet though to get an accurate idea of the yield of the deer.

Their are still a lot of inedible parts such as the bones, head, tail, etc.. that are left attached, but you can start to get a better idea of the final weight of the deer and how much meat it will yield. Field dressing the deer usually causes it to lose about 20lbs from the previous estimate based on girth.

A typical northern doe will weigh around 105 to 120 pounds after field dressing where a southern doe fawn will weigh closer to 45 to 65 pounds after field dressing. Yearling bucks weigh 105 to 125 pounds field dressed, and other bucks weigh more. These are all estimates though and every animal and location is different.

How Much is Lost in Butchering

So how much meat is actually on the animal? How much of the weight is edible?

Well, if you have a butcher that is skilled and minimizes lose, then you can get around 75% of the post field dressed weight as meat. On average the weight is broken down to 71-78% meat, where the difference is 6-9% hide, 11-14% as bone, and 5-6% as blood. This does not factor in damage to meat though from a bullet.

The cuts of the meat are roast from the front end, and butt. Steaks from the middle and bottom of back. Ribs from the rib area and chops from area above that, and flanks from the belly/middle section. With this you can look at the structure of the deer and see how much of each type of cut you will get.

Conclusion

So now you know that the amount of meat you get all depends on the size of the deer after it is field dressed, and completely boned and the hide is removed and blood is drained.

You know that you can use the girth of the chest of the deer to determine a good weight estimate, but that location of the deer depends a lot on how much it weights.

A good formula to use to figure out how much meat you will get is to go by carcass weight which is field dressed weight divided by 1.331.

Then take that number and multiple it by .67 to find the boneless weight, and lastly take the boneless weight and multiple it by .7 to get a realistic idea of the weight of the meat you will get, so using this say the field dressed weight is 100 pounds. Dividing that by 1.331 gets 75pounds.

Then multiplying that by .67 gets 50 pounds for the boneless weight and then lastly multiply by .7 gets 35 pounds for the realistic meat yield. That means a hundred pound field dressed deer gets 35 pounds of meat.

Using this formula and practice, you will be able to figure out how much meat you will get before you even kill the deer.

Should I Go Deer Hunting With an AR-15?

The AR-15 is the rifle of the modern day. It is an extremely popular sporting rifle for quite a few reasons. But you may be wondering, "Should I go deer hunting with an AR-15?"

For starters, it is easy to operate and maintain. They are relatively inexpensive, and there are literally thousands of aftermarket parts available.

Due to all this popularity, it is becoming more and more popular as a hunting weapon.

Many people are using AR-15s for coyote hunting, hog hunting, and other varmint hunting. More and more people are starting to use AR-15s for deer hunting.

Are you wondering whether or not you should deer hunt with an AR-15? Let’s take a look at some of the facts.




Caliber of AR-15

Assuming we are talking about a true AR-15, they shoot 5.56 or .223.

However, AR-frame weapons are available in many calibers, both larger and smaller.

For deer hunting, 5.56 is a little on the small side.

So obviously, a larger caliber AR-frame weapon would be a slightly better choice for deer hunting.

ARs are available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .50 Beowulf, .458 SOCOM, and .300 Blackout, to name a few. These larger calibers would generally be better than 5.56 for deer hunting.

Given how easy it is to customize an AR-15, it would be pretty easy to buy a new upper in a different caliber, and slap it on any AR-15 lower receiver.

However, the point of this article was about using a true AR-15 for deer hunting, so we will focus on 5.56.

Ammunition

Using modern ammunition, 5.56/.223 can be a viable hunting cartridge. Most old-timers will be really reluctant to say that. Based on ammunition of old, most people wouldn’t go smaller than .243, which was still considered small.

However, with modern bonded ammo, available in both 5.56 and .223, these rounds are deadly enough for smaller deer.

A few examples are Federal Fusion in .223, Winchester Power Max in .223, Reaper ammo in 5.56, and Nosler Defense ammo in .223.

All of these are heavier, bonded bullets. For those that are unfamiliar, bonded bullets work by keeping the bullet together. Bonding the projectile together prevents it from separating. As a result, the bullet gets deeper penetration, which translates into damaging more tissue.

Weapon

If you are deer hunting with an AR-15, there are a few key aftermarket parts you should have.

If you are building an AR, or have multiple uppers for your weapon, a longer barrel would be preferential for hunting. The longer barrel can help to increase range and accuracy.

A quality scope is extremely important, as with most types of hunting. You are going to want a durable scope that is preferably waterproof and shockproof, to withstand the damage that can come along with hunting. Best ar15 scope for deer hunting is great way to know which is the best



Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

Other than that, the standard AR-15 parts will suffice. The standard trigger, collapsible stock, and handguards will likely serve you fine. However, you may wish to change things over time.

Other Considerations

Some states have magazine capacity limitations for hunting rifles. Make sure to look up your local state laws before using a standard 30-round AR-15 magazine.

Additionally, some states have a minimum caliber for game hunting. If your state has this, hunting with an AR-15 may be out of the question, due to the caliber.

Make sure you know your local laws before going hunting!

As I mentioned before, .223/5.56 is an acceptable cartridge for smaller deer. If you live in an area with large deer, such as Wisconsin, Iowa, or Nebraska, you really need a larger caliber weapon. In the more southern states, .223 will work just fine.

Conclusion

So, long story short, yes. You should go deer hunting with your AR-15, as long as it is legal where you live, you are using the correct ammunition, and you aren’t hunting large deer.

As a weapon system, the AR-15 performs extremely well. Due to its customizability, ease of use, and popularity, it is an awesome choice for deer hunting, as long as the correct criteria are met.

What Do Deer Eat in the Winter?

Depending on the location in North America, it is usually a simple task to see what the deer in an area are eating.

What do deer eat in the winter

What do deer eat in the winter

They graze in open fields and praries as opposed to poaching crops and farms, a serious plus for farmers and ranchers.

But the typical whitetail deer will put down 3-to 6-pounds of food every day. This is a tall order for the offseason, when peak harvests are done and there isn’t much popping out of the ground.




So what do deer eat in winter? Let’s take a look.

What do deer eat in the winter?

The first thing that must be noted about what deer eat in winter is that they are scavengers in the truest sense of the word.

Deer are not going to steal food from established plants. They don't have the nose or taste for row crops.

In their quest for offseason sustenance, deer are known to make their way onto people’s property. Their footsteps are much more noticeable in the snow than they are in the winter. Typically, whitetail deer are searching for eat corn, soybeans or cowpeas that are unguarded and not rotten.

Also keep an eye out for what’s known as "Old Man's Beard." This is a thick, greenish lichen that is common on spruce and amber trees that are either dead or dying. If you haven’t seen this stuff before, keep an eye out for tracks leading towards trees that obviously aren’t providing shelter for the deer. They aren’t rubbing antlers in the winter like they do in summer and fall, so there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll see the lichen on trees surrounded by deer tracks.

These items make up a large part of a deer’s wintertime diet. Additionally, they will scrap up what they can from grassy fields and open spaces. But the vast majority of deer aren’t going to get nearly as much protein in the winter as they do in the warmer months.

Here’s a great video on deer nourishment for the winter.

How to direct a deer to the best winter food on my property

In the western United States, farmers and ranchers should maintain corn and soy plants to attract deer to certain areas of their land. This also works if you want to keep the deer away from other parts of the land, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Resilient crops such as these work best for late-season feed. Corn is the deer’s lifeblood during these times. They will travel to find it, but once a pack of deer has identified a location that looks like a promising regular food source, they are going to do everything they can to remain in the area.

Remember that you don’t want deer eating at the same location all the time. Not only will this wear out the crops and soil, it can increase the risk of disease in the deer. Offset the planting times in different areas of your propery to scatter the deer’s dining habits and keep them moving around.

If you are deer hunter, you should own an deer rifle, i recommend ar 15 and best scope for deer hunting

How to keep deer from rummaging my property

Those of you who live on acres of property or who run a farm may see deer consistently perusing your fields.

This is a natural activity for them, and they aren’t going to notice simple hints that are left to deter them.

You want to keep them around, but don’t want them destroying certain parts of the property.

Eating wild male cheetal deer

Eating wild male cheetal deer

Like we mentioned above, deer are scavengers. Your open field contains the sparse plants that survive in winter, and the deer you see have likely spent immense time tracking it down. If you want to get rid of them, the best thing to do is plant perennial yields of tall crops on areas on the edge of the property.

This may not be possible for you. If not, resort to fencing. Once you’ve got that up, stick a guard dog out there in the yard. In the morning and evening hours, let the dog roam the property and hopefully he/she will stir up enough noise to shoo off the deer. (On a humorous note, this is a great way to get that dog of yours to earn his keep around the house!)

These are about the only other surefire ways to keep multitude of deer off your property.

What to do when deer bed near my property in winter

Deer want to remain as close as they can to their food sources, especially in winter time. It is especially important to direct their eating to different places on a regular basis.

What to do when deer bed near my property in winter

What to do when deer bed near my property in winter

If you are trying to study what the deer is eating in winter, first identify where they are sleeping.

What is nearby? 

In order to find their bedding, look for thick brush that is difficult to enter and exit. They will find the densest cover, particularly during times of incremental weather. Deer prefer thick cover from predators, humans, and frigid temperatures.

Beyond the more intensive winter bedding conditions, it is important to realize that because the deer aren’t getting protein as easily in the winter as they do in summer, they aren’t going to want to expel as many calories.

This is a big motivator behind their proximal bedding and eating quarters.

Conclusion

If you plan to bait or feed deer this winter, be sure to check for any regulations in your area.

Many states in the US have imposed limitations (and in some cases completely outlawed) feeding deer in the winter. These regulations are typically designed to keep herds from thinning due to illness.

But if you can get away with it, your next hunting outing or antler collecting search can be made that much more fruitful by keeping deer healthy in the winter.

Let’s spread the good word about responsible hunting and outdoorsmen practices – please give this article a share on your social channels.

We’re also always looking for stories from your neck of the woods. Drop a comment below this article and let’s all learn about the hunting and whitetail communities around the country and beyond!



Shed Antlers: A Natural Process for Deer

Deer are among the most mystical creatures on the planet. Long sought after by hunters. The cause of many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ among children and hikers. A regular sighting in many regions throughout the world.

But with how common deer are throughout North America, it’s surprising how little most people know about them. We’re aiming to change that.

Today we’re going to take a look at how and why deer shed their antlers.



What are antlers?

Antlers on deer are, for all intents and purposes, an extension of bone.

what's deer antler

what's deer antler  jans canon

Honeycombed bone, to be exact, that grows outside of the body. They extend outward from the pedicles. These are permanent fixtures on a deer’s head that develop during the first year of the buck’s life.

Each year, the antlers protrude outward from the pedicles.

There may be slight differences in the antlers year to year.

A buck’s health is one major reason for this.

The antlers will develop quickly. The process usually doesn’t take longer than two to four months and starts late in the Spring here in North America.

Testosterone, the male hormone, is the main factor in how a deer’s antlers will develop. Velvet is formed.

Over the course of the Spring, Summer, and Fall, the deer will typically rub his antlers against trees.

The velvet, as a result, shrinks and starts to tumble off, a procedure that actually benefits the animal because the antlers are strengthened and grow back again the next year.

The entire procedure is rehashed every Spring, and as long as the deer maintains decent testosterone levels he will keep his antlers deep into the Autumn season.

Here is a time lapse antler growth video:

Natural cycles which cause deer to shed their antlers

Why do deer shed their antlers?

It may not surprise you to learn that the reason this happens is purely natural. It all starts during the rut. Throughout this time, deer begin to lose the velvet on their antlers. It usually begins to happen in November in North America.

The biggest reason behind this is a drop in testosterone in the deer. As the testosterone drops, the antlers begin to loosen and eventually fall off. Without high levels of testosterone, the deer experience a weakening in the tissue, as well as the bones, at the base of the antlers.

Once a significantly low point is reached, the antlers fall off.

When does this happen?

There is a defined evolutionary process behind the shedding of a deer’s antlers. How familiar are you with photoperiods? Photoperiods act alongside the testorone to develop the antlers and determine when they will fall off. Genes also help determine early or late development and shedding of antlers because family history can have an impact on the overall health of the deer.

Emotional factors play into this as well. Deer experience social anxiety much like humans, which has a negative impact on their health and thus can lead to earlier dropping of the antlers.

A deer will generally lose his antlers at a similar point every year, barring medical emergency. Testosterone levels rise during the development and the subsequent shedding of the velvet. As the seasons begin to change, the physiological reaction of antler shedding is triggered.

When should a hunter get out and find the sheds?

Depending on where you are located in North America, early spring is typically the best time. Those in Colorado and southern parts of the country can start earlier because it typically warms earlier than it does in Canada, Minnesota, and other northern and colder areas.

We like to point out that while antlers can be found year round, the rise in popularity of collecting them generally means that if you aren’t on the ball early in the spring, there’s a strong chance that you will miss out entirely.

February for southern areas is a great time to start. Further north, March into April will suffice. Often, it depends on snow melt because the antlers might get covered over the course of the winter.

Light snow years mean that antler hunters can get out earlier than during heavy snow years. Ar15 with best scope for deer hunting is good choice in a deer hunt

Here is a great video of a buck shedding antlers.

How long does it take for a deer to lose its antlers?

This all depends on how rapidly the deer’s testosterone levels drop.

In many cases, this can happen in less than two days. The antlers may appear to be firmly affixed one day. Then, as the rut progresses and natural cycles occur, the antlers begin to loosed rapidly

Before long, a sudden jerk of the head or scare from afar puts that final feather on the dam. The tissue is no longer strong enough to support the antlers, and as a result they simply fall off.

How To Attract Deer To Your Yard

Generally speaking, peak condition bucks will hold onto their antlers longer than unhealthy or weaker bucks. They are able to maintain stronger tissue and remain in better physical condition, resulting in higher than average antler-to-head durability.

Late drop can be affected by a few distinct causes. Variable deer populations in an area play a big role. Low population means shedding won’t optimize until late March or April.

Second, first-year grovels that achieve rearing weight their first winter will come into estrous. This for the most part happens well after the pinnacle groove and is the primary driver of the second trench in many spots.

Also, circumstances like these will keep a buck’s testosterone levels higher for longer periods of time. If there is a lot of rivalry going on among male bucks, testosterone levels will peak. Strong mating seasons also have a similar effect.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got a general understanding of why and when deer shed their antlers.

The most important thing to keep in mind is what part of the continent you’re in. We can’t emphasize this enough- get out early! Early season leads to better antlers that are found with more ease and less time.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please give us a share on social media. We all love deer, hunting, and antler collecting. Help us spread the good vibes! If you have specific hints on antler collecting that relate to your area, leave them in the comments below. Let’s make this the ultimate resource for antler knowledge!



What Are the Best Shotgun Scope Options for Deer Hunting

What is the best shotgun scope available on the entry-level market right now?

There are a number of them, and most of them essentially get the job done the same way.

best shotgun scope for hunting

best shotgun scope for hunting

It is important to identify whether the shotgun scope you are looking to buy is going to solve your personal problems, such as increasing the line of vision, improving accuracy, or making the transition from the range into the hunting field.

The best shotgun scope for you depends on three factors:

  • What type of hunter you are, and your experience level
  • Whether you’re shooting long range
  • How important it is to you to have the top measurements in all categories

Let’s take a look at the best shotgun scope in those three categories: Shotgun Scope for the gear nerd needing top measurements/ for the experienced hunter/ and Shogun Scope for solving the problems of the everyday hunter



Top Our Pick For Best Shotgun Scopes For Hunting 

 

PRODUCT DETAILS    
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Editor's Choice

Nikon Prostaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7 x 32 black Matte Riflescope(Bdc 200)
  • Hi low mounts. No problems with clearance or mounting
  • 200 yard or higher moving targets.
  • Seamlessly consistent across both platforms, perfect for those trying out a new way of shooting
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Bushnell 751432 Trophy Riflescope, 1.75-4x32mm, 1" Main Tube, Circle-X Shotgun Slug, Matte Black
  • Focuses extremely fast as the top priority
  • Sluggers find consistency across the board. The reticle is best in class
  • The light transmission is fantastic
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Good in price range

Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope (4x32, Matte)
  • Perfect for short range hunting
  • This is the one scope on this list that really accentuates the ‘entry-level’ moniker
  • Perfect for twilight and early morning
 CHECK ON AMAZON

Top 3 Best Shotgun Scopes On The Market 

This is my review about three shotgun scope options on the market, it will help you find the best for hunting. Check out it:

1. Simmon Prohunter Prodiamond Shotgun Riflescope (1.5-5X32, Matte)

best shotgun scope

Best shotgun scope for the gear nerd needing top measurements

This scope has a design and features perfect for a serious hunter. At this price, it beats expectations easily. You may worry a budget scope cannot live up to the more expensive models, but when it comes to this Simmon scope, you would be wrong.

You get amazing optics paired with durable construction for a scope that will knock your socks off. When it comes to the experience, you get HD clarity coupled with high-quality, multi-coated glass that is water and fog proof that provides for excellent views. It also features a rubberized variable power ring.

Moving targets are no problem thanks to the TrueZero fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system and Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece. The 5x magnification and 32 mm objective lens suit your every need when out in the brush, forest, or field. The ProDiamond eyepiece offers about four inches of eye relief for the entire range.

This scope weighs in at 8.6 ounces and measures 11 5/8 inches long. It has a sleek look that pairs well with just about any rifle. The combination of high-quality craftsmanship, sleek design, and special features makes this a great choice when you need a scope that can stand up to the demands of a busy hunt.

Outperforms expectations in wooded areas where you are trying to take aim for a 200-yard shot and the line of sight is questionable.

The light weight is wonderful if you worry about the overall gun weight and want to keep it low.

No worries about bumping or moving the scope as it will hold to zero despite rugged conditions.

  • Hi low mounts. No problems with clearance or mounting, you’d think this scope was developed by the gun manufacturer
  • 200 yard or higher moving targets. If you use the gun for long-range shots, this scope will be the best of the entry-level class for your money




Buy It On Amazon.com

2. Bushnell Trophy Shotgun Scope with Circle-X Reticle, 1.75-4 x 32mm, Matte Black

Bushnell Trophy Shotgun Scope with Circle-X Reticle

Best shotgun scope for the experienced hunter

Best Shotgun Scope for the experienced hunter

The best shotgun scope for those already bringing a level of confidence to the table is this one.

The Bushnell Trophy falls behind others in magnification and eye relief, but not far enough that a confident shooter won’t be able to hit their target. If you are looking for a scope that focuses extremely fast as the top priority, this is the best scope for you

Bushnell really focused on the windage issue with this scope.

Mounting and elevation are secure and consistent across different guns, as you’ll find that hi low mounts typical among entry-level scopes will do the job. Get 1 inch rings and a mounting rail.

If you hunt in foggy or otherwise non-optimal conditions, or at altitude or across widely varying different seasons, this scope will give you a consistent line of sight. It’s versatile. You’ll never find yourself searching for a wipe or needing to remount in a situation where the scope should have performed

  • During the golden hour (either morning or evening), the light transmission is fantastic. You’ll have the best vision of the season
  • Sluggers find consistency across the board. The reticle is best in class

  • It isn’t as versatile as it could be. Experienced shooters will have to use their skills to make up for the reduced magnification





Buy It On Amazon.com

3. Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope (4x32, Matte)

Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope

Shotgun Scope for solving the problems of the everyday hunter

Shogun Scope for solving the problems of the everyday hunter

While the magnification (4x) is not a speck above standard, Simmons outdoes itself with the 4 inches of eye relief. Coupled with that is the Quick Target Acquisition, making this scope a great option for beginners and regular shooters.

The imagery is good for hunters of moving targets, especially deer, turkey, and others than tend to bounce as they trot. So this scope is perfect for deerhunting.

For newer shooters, the windage issue isn’t really a problem with the Simmons. It is the best shotgun scope for them because the elevation adjustment system isn’t going to budge, no matter the weather condition or season.

I like how easily it mounts onto my 870 remington shotgun. The one issue I have heard about with this scope is hard recoil. I recommend shooters to really fasten the scope securely and double check that everything is lined up right.

Most younger shooters that aren’t able to suck up the recoil as naturally may see problems if shooting many 3030s or similar rounds. But for less recoil, this scope will serve just fine

  • Perfect for short range hunting. You won’t find a better scope at 75 or fewer yards

  • Improves accuracy greatly, another reason why it’s best for beginners. This is the one scope on this list that really accentuates the ‘entry-level’ moniker

  • Light is collected and displayed really well. Perfect for twilight and early morning





Buy It On Amazon.com

Finding their niche

The best shotgun scopes on the market are all sufficient at basic daily hunting and range shooting.

Where they differ comes down to the slight intricacies of the manufacturer and how the scopes handle themselves once mounted.

You experienced shooters should go with the Bushnell Trophy Shotgun Scope, while I strongly recommend the Simmons scope for anyone who hasn’t used a scope before or is new to shooting. It is the most basic of the three

Conclusion

Overall, the best shotgun scope in this entry-level class is the Simmon Prohunter Prodiamond Shotgun Riflescope. Its versatility, high level of magnification, and ease of use make it a no contest for those not willing to break the bank on their shotgun scope.

Mount it securely and do a test run at the range before bringing it into field, and you will find a pleasant, replicable experience each time you hunt – no matter the location or time. If you have enjoyed this article, please share on social media so that we can get more hunters to put thought into their scope selection.

If you are using a shotgun, please consider buying the best gun safe for the money to store it.

Feel free to leave a comment – I’d love to get a conversation going

How to Attract Deer to Your Yard



Some of us are fortunate enough to live the dream, with a nice open piece of property behind our home. Perfect for fishing, backyard camping, and of course, observing nature. For the latter, you’ll need to know how to attract deer to your yard.

I live in a house that backs up to a vast landscape of hunt-able land.  Over my twenty years here, I’ve mastered several techniques that draw deer in and keep them around. The best part is that once a few deer come in, more always follow.

5 Tips to Attract Deer

Let’s take a look at my 5 techniques.

1. Increase the amount of shrubbery in your yard

This is key, as deer are constantly grazing. The more natural in appearance the plant life, the more deer will be attracted to it. Having shrubbery native to your area is equally as effective. For how to attract deer to your yard regularly, follow these tips:

  • Tall shrubs work the best in attracting deer to your yard. Taller plants can spread their seed further, which encourages additional growth as well as brings in wildlife that pick up on the smell.
  • The more unkempt the shrubbery, the more natural it will appear to the deer. This will pique their interest more than perfectly planted lines of bushes and plants.
  • This video shows a particularly effective deer attractant

2. Keep a calm and serene environment

Deer are skittish animals. They spook easily, and certainly won’t hesitate to bolt if they feel at all threatened. To attract deer to your yard, you’ll want to keep a quiet, peaceful environment. Minimize noise escaping from the home.

Along the same line, don’t have loud birdfeeders or clanging wind chimes hung from the porch. Deer feel comfortable solely in natural settings free from outside distractions.

Reducing the ‘barrier to entry’ helps as well. Deer aren’t going to hop over a tall fence that they can’t see through. Do everything you can to meld your yard in with the natural settings beyond your property.

They also aren’t going to approach bright light, so turn off your porch lights when not in use and don’t have unnecessarily bring or shiny objects sitting around. We’ve all seen how deer act when they are caught in headlights. The initial freezing, followed by a quick escape as soon as they feel threatened.

3. Have water available for the deer

If you’ve got a small pond in your yard like I do, then you’re in luck here. Mine is a natural water source, I don’t even have to feed water into it. The deer love it because it is exactly what they are used to.

If you haven’t got a pond, consider adding a water fixture of some type. Even if it isn’t natural (such as a bath or fresh water pool), you will still find that it attracts deer.  Avoid chlorinated pools, or anything with a bunch of chemicals in it. The point is to offer the deer a place to refresh and have a drink, and they can smell that chlorine a mile away.

  • If you live in an area with a strong winter, keep logs of wood in the water to prevent it from freezing.
  • Replenish the supply consistently so the deer come to trust the water source.

4. Have a large salt lick or other food source

To get deer into your yard, having a large salt lick for them to taste is a great idea. They smell it, which brings them in from afar. Once they’ve tasted it, they will continue coming back for it and may even hang around for a bit. This is particularly true if you have a water feature for them to enjoy – we all know how salt makes us thirsty.

I don’t recommend putting the salt lick on your porch. Deer will be more hesitant to approach if it’s that close to the house. They’ll like it more if it’s out in the yard, maybe on a fence. Or, better yet, right next to the water source.

  • If you can’t get ahold of a salt lick, a mineral block or other block high in sodium will suffice.
  • Keep it away from areas of heavy movement. No dogs, children, or other ornery activity should happen near the salt lick.
  • Corn feeders also work great. I have both a salt lick and a few corn feeders in my back yard. This gives the deer an easy source of food, which gives them (and their pack) ample reason to return again and again.
  • Deer love oak trees. Dotting your property with oaks will attract large numbers of deer. They feed on the twigs and leaves, as well as the acorns found on the tree.

5. Install grasses that deer love

There are a handful of grass types that deer love to graze. A good thing about grasses is that it will attract them from quite a distance and, if you have enough of it, keep them coming back despite the other techniques listed here. If you live in an area where it is possible to use one of these, then go for it:

  • Bluegrass
  • Wheat
  • Fescue
  • Minimize the amount of pesticides and chemicals in the grass, so as not to turn the deer away.

Ferns will also attract deer to your yard. Keep these ferns in shady spots, and do everything you can to help them thrive. The better the ferns, the higher the odds the deer will be attracted to them.

Now you have a basic understanding of how to attract deer to your yard. Hopefully, you live in an area surrounded by wildlife already – your chances of attracting deer are very high if you follow these steps. If you have any tips or techniques that you’d like to share, please leave them in the comments here so we can get a discussion going. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share on social media. Keeping deer around the yard is relaxing and surprisingly not that hard to do, it just takes some persistence!

Featured Image by glasgows

Learn How to Age a Deer in the Right Way

As an experienced hunter, one thing I’ve worked hard at improving over the years is knowing how to age a deer.

We all want to shoot the biggest buck possible, with the best set of antlers, and with years in the field comes the wisdom to which age class a deer is part of.

I manage a small whitetail property, and the last thing I want to do is take out all of the 2 ½-year-old bucks before they age and reach prime antler range. Here, we’ll discuss tips on how to age a deer.

And i wrote a article about how to find a deer sheds, it is helpful, let's read it.

How to age a deer

1. Young bucks (1 ½ years)

You can tell a young buck as their antlers won’t extend past the ears. They also tend to have a slim, tight body shape as judged by looking at their belly, and at the fact that during the rut they won’t have a bulky Here are some great photos of deer in different age ranges

Take a look at the body size. If it looks about average and has only those small antlers, it’s a young one. The tarsal glands will appear fresh and clean, along with the buck’s facial features.

Its stride may appear a bit clumsy and nervous as well

2. 2 ½ to 3 years

This is the age when it can be a bit confusing because the deer’s body size is approaching what it will be for the remainder of its life. Here’s a hint: look at its belly.

How close it hanging to the ribs and organs? At 2 ½ years, it will still appear thin and youthful. The buck’s movement and stance may still appear a bit awkward and frail, as it hasn’t yet acquired a life’s worth of muscle

Without looking at the antlers, if the buck looks like a full-grown doe but not quite an adult buck, you’re dealing with a buck in the 2-3 year range and its best to let it walk.

I encourage hunters to give themselves that extra second before shooting to look at the antlers and body shape, whenever possible, in order to spare the young ones and make sure they are bagging a trophy. Here is a video about aging deer in the wild:

3. 3 ½ to 4 years

At this point in the buck’s life, it is beginning to develop defining muscle characteristics and appear as a full-fledged adult.

The neck is beginning to swell during the rut and tarsals will show some wear and tear. The stomach will begin to sag a bit, and the neck will begin to meld itself into the shoulder with muscle in a noticeable fashion.

It’s stance and movement have stabilized and are beginning to resemble that of an older buck

The best way to tell if the buck is in this age range is to look at its rack and body characteristics.

Size wise, it will appear older and more fully developed, but by honing in on specific features a hunter can tell that this animal still has a couple years to go before its fully ready

4. 4 ½ years

By this point, the rack and body are developed to the point of resembling a fully aged buck.

When learning how to age a deer in this range, look at the legs first. Instead of the frail and weak stance of younger bucks, those in this age range will feature muscle and strength in their legs and stance, which will also be reflected in their noticeably intentional movement.

The stomach has begun to sag quite a bit, and the entire body weighs enough that the buck will appear to lean backward or have to settle itself when standing still

5. 5 ½-year-old bucks (Primetime!)

This is what we’ve been waiting for, and the reason why we pass on younger bucks.

Take photos of the buck, particularly its developed rack and fully shaped body. A buck that is this old will likely have a full-fledged pot belly and legs that are stocky enough at the top to resemble those of a much less agile creature. 

And the best way to have good target let's use best shooting sticks for hunting.

At this point, you’ll want to take your shot whenever you have the opportunity.

Look for a bulbous nose, muscles protruding the entire body and loose skin. Their movements are direct and well thought out, making these bucks quite a prize for those of us lucky enough to find one

    Conclusion

    Just writing about older bucks gets me excited for hunting season. Discussing how to age a deer is one of my favorite pastimes, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

    I am a stickler for ethical and educated hunting, and always encourage the sharing of valuable educational materials. Best handgun safe is recent my post to tell you 5 gun safe to storage your gun safety, check it out.

    With that in mind, please share this article on social media if you found it helpful. Remember, next time you’re in the field, take that extra moment to appreciate that you are hunting an aged buck and let the younger ones scurry along. It benefits us all in the end.

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