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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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).

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!

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.

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

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.

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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

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

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 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.

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’s the Best Coyote Bait for Property Hunting? (6 Coyote Baits)

When a coyote is becoming a nuisance on your property, the time comes when the only sensible option is to shoot it. But how to lure the poor bastard in to range, and keep him there long enough to get the shot off?

The preferred way to do this is with bait.

There are a number of options available that will suit the cause just fine, but a few stand out from the rest.

DO NOT buy bait from a store, as coyotes have become smart enough to recognize unnatural items. It’s important to be conniving to be effective.

Here are the best coyote bait for on property hunting.

Best coyote bait

The ideal coyote bait is the remains of a live animal.

The bigger and meatier, the better.

This can be tough, but keep an eye out for squirrels and other scurry animals that may be on the property.

It is encouraged to keep small animals and smaller bait options around for spells when there are many coyotes or little large bait.

They make decent bait in a pinch.

There are, however, a handful of better options. Let’s take a look at them.

Here is a video of baiting coyotes. But first, you need to know how to find coyote

1. Pigs or hogs

Hogs make a good coyote bait because of the smell and the fact that they act as a meat source.

The problem with dead hogs is that they can be difficult to come by. Your best bet is probably to ask a hog farmer if he has any meat available for you. Perhaps he will have a rotten hog carcass that he is willing to part with, or at least part of one. It isn’t necessary to have an entire hog, especially if you are only hunting one or two coyotes. They will be lured by the sheer fact that there is meat available that they didn’t have to work for.

2. Deer carcass

The best coyote bait is a deer carcass.
Coyotes are naturally attracted to everything about it, and will be lured in by the smell of a dead animal.

Deer carcasses have the benefit of being generally larger than most other live animal coyote baits available. This can confuse the coyotes, which is a good thing because they won’t suspect that it is a trap.

If there is frequent roadkill in the area, that can be a great source of deer carcasses.

Note: It is important to check local law to make sure that this practice is legal in the region.

It would be terrible to receive a citation for hauling a deer carcass when all you’re trying to do is hunt coyotes.

Another downside of deer carcasses, because of their size, is that it often takes more than one person to haul, relocate, and stage the dead deer. Other than that, deer are the best coyote bait for most situations.

You can also use meat or parts of an animal that you hunted yourself that aren’t being used. Any responsible sportsman is all about using every part of an animal they kill, and this offers an opportunity to do just that. Granted, another animal is going to be killed, but you can use that one as well or have it be feed for vultures or other wildlife.

3. Afterbirth

If you’ve got access to a farm or are a farmer yourself, horde the afterbirth from baby calves.

There is nothing that attracts coyotes by smell better than afterbirth. It is completely disgusting, but don’t actually touch it. Store in secure container and leave out at night.

When the hunt is ready, the stench will have already filled the air and attracted any coyotes in the nearby area. The downside here is that you have to use it right away, because who the hell wants to store afterbirth on their property? The timing is the issue that prevents this from being the best coyote bait. This scenario only works if your calves are born at the same time as you are needing to hunt coyotes on the property.

5. Beavers

We can’t condone illegal use of beaver for bait. But if access to a beaver corpse is doable, beaver can make a great option. Coyotes view beaver as a treat, something they don’t dine on every day, and will be willing to take more risks for the satisfaction than they would for other, smaller prey like rabbits.

This gives the opportunity to place the bait in a more ideal location for the hunter. Bring them in a little closer, and take the shot before the coyote is able to haul off the bait.

6. Where to place the bait

This is one of the most important factors in coyote hunting.

The bait must be placed in a location that:

a) attracts the coyotes without tipping them off that it’s a trap, and
b) is convenient for the hunter to target and shoot them while they’re there

In order to find the perfect location for coyote bait, first analyze your shooting location.

Is it well hidden? In a trench, or elevated? What kind of angles are you dealing with, and what are the weather factors? Make note of these, and then walk the perimeter of the area.

The goal is to find a spot that doesn’t require any movement on your part to get the shot off. If the coyote bait can be staged in an open area, or at the crest of a berm, the shot will be easier.

If the problem is that there are no open areas, consider cleaning out a spot or shifting the hunting field altogether (if possible).

I recommend you should bring the best ar bipod in coyote hunting. It will help you.

Conclusion

There are many other options when it comes to coyote bait.

But these four are the best options.

They aren’t always going to be available, so it’s best to be able to find bunnies, squirrels, geese, etc. to use in situations where larger bait is absent. As always, be sure to follow any local laws and practices for coyote hunting.

They may be a nuisance, but so is a hefty fine or punishment.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please blast it out on your social channels. Have any tips on best coyote bait? Leave them in the comments below!

5 Frequently Question You Need To Know About Coyote Howls?

Coyotes are among the most common animals hunters run into both at home and in the wild.

They are spread across the US, with the eastern coyotes being larger than those seen out west.

Coyotes are interesting animals, and very vocal to boot. They are one of the few animals not easily displaced by expanding cities. Coyotes are often seen sprinting across roads, railroad tracks, even parking lots of shopping centers.

Perhaps their most notable trait is the coyote’s howl. Let’s take a look at some basics of coyote howls, and everything you need to know about them.

Everything you need to know about coyote howls

Do coyotes howl?

Why do coyotes howl?

When do coyotes howl?

What do coyote sounds mean?

What should I do when I hear a coyote howl?

Conclusion

1. Do coyotes howl?

The short answer is YES!

Coyotes do howl, and because they travel in packs, they often howl all at once.

A coyote howl is kind of like a high-pitched squeal. In some ways it is similar to a dog bark and in other ways it is very different.

The howl starts relatively calm, with some yipping and squealing. As more and more coyotes join in, it starts to sound like a group of old people laughing hysterically all at the same time. In the most annoying, high-pitched laugh possible.

Many who live in Western areas like Colorado, Utah, and other states encounter coyote howls regularly.

Those that live on the fringe of big cities or in rural areas often here the howls at night, after dusk, as the pack moves towards their location for the evening.

Here is a great video of coyotes howling:

2. Why do coyotes howl?

The coyote howl is the main form of audible communication between coyotes.

Coyote packs, typically families, may spread out to hunt on their own.

The howl, in this case, would be started by a pack leader with the intention of bringing the pack back together again.

A prolonged session of howling may indicate that the pack is spread out. As more and more coyotes join in, the collective howl continues to get louder and more prolonged.

Embracing the true pack mentality, coyotes are territorial creatures. One pack crossing onto the territory of another pack (often a larger or more settled one) is severely frowned upon. This is a frequent source of why coyotes howl. The howl is basically a warning, as if to say “Stay off my lawn.”

3. When do coyotes howl?

The main coyotes doing the howling are the small group (often 2) of lead coyotes who are mated and head the pack.

Because of the way that their howls change pitch as they are emitted and pass through the surrounding environment, it often sounds as though there are as many as a dozen coyotes howling at once.

This is usually not the case when orders are being barked.

However, other coyotes will howl when they need to respond. If other pack leaders are in the area, they may decide to start howling as well, and this is when coyote howls really get going.

They can stretch across acres of terrain. In suburban areas, because coyotes aren’t turned off by the houses and development, this often causes quite a noise disturbance.

The lead coyotes howl when they need to alert the group to come back together. They also howl when they are disturbed or upset.

This type of howl will be done usually by only one coyote at a time, and isn’t meant to cause a whole chorus of replies.

If you are walking your dog and the coyote catches wind of it, he may emit a howl at the perceived threat. This can also happen when no dog is present.

4. What do coyote sounds mean?

Typically, coyote sounds reflect the current communication needs of the coyote.

Whether that be a warning from the alpha coyote to the rest of the group, or one coyote noting a threat.

It can also mean that there is a disturbance or annoyance to that particular animal.

Often, coyotes will howl to alert the group of a threat real or imagined.

Maybe a coyote is wandering around the edge of a territory and comes across something of note. A howl may then be used as a signifier.

Coyotes have great hearing, and can often comprehend a howl and its purpose from over a mile away. This is especially true during group howls, as the sound carries across the landscape. A coyote may emit a howl so that others in the pack know where he or she is and can find their way to their family member.

Here is a video of different coyote howls and noises.

5. What should I do when I hear a coyote howl?

If you hear a coyote howl, but can’t see the coyote, the first thing to do is keep an eye out. They are nearby, and are likely aware of your presence. They aren’t prone to attack humans straight away. They also spook easy and will retreat if they feel threatened.

In most cases, the coyote howl is internal communication between the pack and not intended for you at all. When more than one coyote is howling at a time near you, they are using normal communication to call the group back together or perform other routine tasks. It can sound intimidating, but shouldn’t necessarily be perceived that way. Coyotes aren’t usually on the prowl for humans in highly populated areas.

Still, it is advised to move away with caution. Absolutely do not run at the coyote or throw sticks or rocks at it.

Conclusion

This should give you a basic understanding of coyote howls and what their intended purpose is. If you are using ar10 rifle, i have the post about the best ar10 scope for hunting, you will find the good scope for your ar.

As you can see, these howls are not usually meant to be threatening to humans in any way.
The coyote communicates with those in his pack regularly, and the howl is their standard verbal diction.

There is no need to fret when you hear a coyote howl. Instead, stop and listen and try to figure out what you think the coyote is trying to say.

Share your thoughts on coyote howls down below in the comments.

Also, please share this article on social media so that we can spread awareness of what coyote howls mean and break any preconceived notions that are just plain false.

Coyotes are lovely creatures.

Hunting a Coyote? Let’s Find How to Trap a Coyote

Is a coyote being a constant nuisance to you, your property, or your animals? The best option for you may be to learn how to trap a coyote. This is a tricky task, but it can be done.

GrowingDeer

I trapped my first coyote at the age of 22 after several failed attempts over the years. My grandpa had the method down to a science, but it took me many tries to finally get it right.

Here in this article I’m going to fill you in on how to trap a coyote, and mistakes to avoid during the process.

Identify the correct coyote.

Coyotes travel in packs, but are very individually motivated when certain instincts chime in.

This is important when it comes to how to trap a coyote because if you catch the wrong one, your damage problems are going to continue.

Before ever setting the trap, do some studying and observing of the coyotes in your area.

National Park Service

Most problem-causing coyotes are youthful males at the peak of their strength and ability. Because of their highly agile demeanor, these coyotes have enough confidence in their skill at getting away (mixed with a lack of control over their instincts) that they are more willing to take risks.

Once you’ve caught a coyote, look for tell-tale signs of livestock damage.

Check their teeth and paws for evidence of a killing. Check their fur for any signs of your property and your livestock.

Use a large quick-response trap

Some characteristics of the trap I always use, that I got from my grandpa:

6-inch jaw spread. This is a minimum. Due to their speed and high level of awareness that coyotes maintain, you’re not going to fool them into stepping in anything smaller than that
Number 3 coil. This one is the right size and speed to trap the coyote before they have a chance to get their paw or body part out of the way
Any part of the trap must act as one unit. If you have problems clamping onto the coyote, the answer is to increase the velocity of the closing mechanism. I highly encourage you to buy a new trap from a reputable dealer instead of modifying one that you already have

Set the trap where there is evidence of disruption

Coyotes are prone to return to areas that have been fruitful for them in the past. Set your trap near the area where an incident has occurred. If you have any type of a livestock decoy that can assist the situation, set it up there.

Here is a video on trapping coyotes.

One place I really have found great is elevated areas. I like to place the trip off to the side of a ridge peak. Always in the direction I suspect they are moving in as it relates to where the incidents are occurring.

Here are the most frequent areas I’ve had success when working on how to trap a coyote:

Feeding areas. Coyotes smell not just your livestock, but their food. This draws them in because they sense the double whammy. When setting a trap here, be sure it is somewhere that your animals are not going to step in
Small openings. Coyotes work their way into holes in fences, yards, and other areas that provide a sort of secretive entrance and exit. This makes the perfect place for you to set a trap, because the only animal that is covering that ground is going to be the coyote
Trails and paths. Coyotes appear at night along trail ways and other more clearly marked areas that they tend to move away from during daylight hours. I always catch my coyotes at night when visibility is down and they are more likely to make a mistake. Paths make for an easier way for the coyote to get towards their preferred destination, and thus their guard may be lowered as they move along them

Confuse the coyote and lure him in

Try to catch the coyote when he least expects it. I’ve found digging a hole and basing my trap setup around that is a great way to get them caught when they can’t wiggle their way out.

Decreased mobility is going to work in your favor. By trapping them partially in a hole or by placing some feed in a hole just beyond the trap, your odds of success will increase.

Here is a video on how to make a dirt hole set.

Also, note the decoy strategy here. The more factors you have working in your favor, the better. How to track a coyote boils down to outthinking him, and taking advantage of him where he is weak. Hills, food, and animals are three of those areas.

How to trap a coyote: What to avoid

Coyotes are smart animals, in addition to being incredibly fast and agile. As such, any type of cage trap isn’t likely to work. The animal will detect it from afar and steer clear of it entirely.

Wisconsin

Another thing to avoid is breaking the law. Depending on where you are located, there may be differing regulations and advisable procedures for setting, trapping, and handling a coyote.

Always check with your local wildlife department or animal control sector to find the best way to solve your problem.

Additionally, don’t set up your traps near dry brush.

Coyotes tend to stick away from these kind of areas as them make noise, startle them, and generally aren’t productive for them. The same goes for hay and other animal edibles that coyotes don’t like.

Do some research on what attracts coyotes in your area and incorporate those things into your strategy.

Conclusion

Trapping coyotes is tough, but by following these best practice your odds of getting rid of the nuisance will increase.

If you have to trap a few before getting the right one, so be it. After all, your livestock and income are at stake here.

If you have enjoyed this article, please give it a share on your social channels and do your part to increase awareness. Have a strategy that works in your specific neck of the woods? Check my recent post about the best gun safe for the money to storage your weapon of coyote hunting.

Leave a comment below so that any in the region can adopt the same policy.

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

How to Find a Coyote Den?

Do you know how to find a coyote den? The toughest thing about finding a coyote den is the pure intelligence of the animal.

Coyotes have great instincts and are quick to adapt to different situations – natural and predatory. Coyotes should be monitored if you have livestock or significant agriculture, and there are multiple steps on how to find a coyote den that we will discuss here.

Research a coyote den’s characteristics.

First and foremost, note that coyotes do not use dens year round. They primarily use them for pupping, or when elements drive them inside. Typically, coyote dens are located on hillisides and deep creek beds that allow for easy digging and earthmoving. Loose shrubbery and branches also come in handy, giving the coyotes a bit of extra security. Here is a great video about coyote dens:

Pups move out at a young age, but remain active in any hiding spots around the den. Coyotes frequently sleep outside, and despite being near den, aren’t necessarily going to be in it. Keep this in mind when approaching.
Dens are typically located below ground level, sometimes up to five or six feet down. There will be a dug-out tunnel that leads to a main living area that is expanded and can fit multiple coyotes.
Coyotes typically rotate between multiple dens. They will be spread out around an area, and the animals are very careful not to lead others back to their den. This is what makes it so challenging when learning how to find a coyote den. Here is a great article explaining the basics behind coyote denning.
Identify water sources nearby where you suspect a den may be. The coyotes need to drink water, so if you can confirm they are drinking from a certain source than you are on the right track.

Identify where you’ve seen or heard the coyotes.

Likely, you’ll hear them howling at night, or in the early evening. On the edges of nature preserves, parks, green spaces, and hillsides, coyotes actually tend to make their presence quite known- it’s the exact location that is much harder to pinpoint. Then comes the process of finding a coyote den. Plan to devote several days to the process, if you’re really serious about finding it.

You may find scat or other remnants of their presence in areas near your home. Try walking about fifty feet further out and seeing if you find more, if so, you have identified which direction they are coming from. Here are some tips to help everything go smoothly:

Coyotes typically prowl about five or six square miles from their den, in any given direction. The further they roam from the den, the more on edge they will be. This means they will be more easily startled and quicker to retreat.
They are quick and often deceiving because you’ll hear them in one place one moment, and in another the next. Try to track where you most frequently see or hear the coyotes. Even if that’s not their den, you’ll have a general idea of their path and where they spend the most time.
If you aren’t having any luck, try howling and seeing if you can generate a response from the coyotes. Try different pitches, tones, and cackles that resemble those made by the animal

Where could other prey be located near your property? Maybe their coming around has nothing to do with you or your property. If there are collections of prey, bodies of water, or other attractive elements nearby, try tracking them from that spot back to the den. For basic tracking techniques, check out this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpWmfw3lmS0

Track the coyote back to its den.

If the coyote has attacked any of your livestock, you’re likely very upset and wanting to get the pesky coyotes as far away from your animals as possible (if not take it a step further!). Be careful when searching around at night, and definitely DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG WITH YOU. Coyote hunting is an exciting activity, but one best done alone.

The animals spook easy and even if you do locate a den, the odds that they will return there are very minimal if they know that you have found it. All things considered, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem tracing the suspect back to its den from the site of the kill. Here’s what to do:

Look for blood stains, trampled shrubbery or plants nearby the kill site. Figure out the most likely direction of escape and trace the potential route with your eyes back to a nearby hillside or embankment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04cmkr6da6c
Identify a game trail or other foot markings left by the coyote leading up to the hillside or embankment. If you can’t find any obvious trails, look for markings left on nearby trees or other larger vegetation.
Follow that path as closely as you can. Remember, it may be up to six miles, so having a four-wheeler or motorbike may come in handy. Although you’ll want to be as quiet as possible during the final or actual approach.
When close, let out a coyote howl and see if a response happens. If you get one, don’t be surprised if you do not receive another for quite some time. Be ready to track based on the one howl that you got from the coyote.
Always be careful! Shoo them away but don’t put yourself in danger.

Conclusion

Locating a coyote den is often a lengthy process. Personally, I enjoy it because it’s a good excuse to get out into nature and focus on something direct and real.

Remember to track the coyotes via sounds, tracks, and any sightings you encounter, for several days before attempting to locate their den.

I always suggest perusing around your property regularly just to keep aware of any new ‘neighbors’ and to establish a firm presence and authority.

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Featured Image by wplynn