Your absolutely best hunting tips that the magazines won't tell you about

[Selfdfenz]

Re: Lures

Perhaps both PsOv are correct but for different reasons. I've watched too many bucks follow and shot off of scent lines to think they don't work. I can also say for a fact I've seen deer hit a scent line and go the other way. After thinking about that duality for a couple of years I have a theory.

My unscientifically based explanation:

General rule: If the rut hasn't started lures are likley to scare deer.

Aside from that, in areas where there are many hunters and many of them are using lures the first day of hunting season must seem like the mother-of-all-hot-does has fallen from on high. Heii I can even smell the stuff on the wind sometimes. Within minutes the deer connect the dots and it tipsthem to the fact humans are also out and about. They start to be repelled by the lures. They go hide. I have some info from trail cams indicating they go nocturnal right then. Bucks and does. When the fuds give up after Week 1 and things settle down scent-wise, the adventurous ones will begin to circulate again and, if the rut gets cranked up young bucks will get careless during daylight. The old, smart ones continue to do their loven and moving around in the dark.

If you hunt in an area where lots of hunters are using scent lures and you can keep your area clear of lures, deer will move into it. Look for tracks. I think you will find the deer are moving and hiding in your clear area. You'll find tracks in places there were no tracks before and some will be from the dominant buck in the area.

In places were there are few hunters, or the use of lures isn't too common, lures can work and work well as long as the rut is starting and you know how to use the lure. A little goes a long way if you play the wind / put them out were deer are moving but not too close to where they are / etc.

Having said all that I'm of the school of thought that the scent blockers are a big waste of money. Apparently one of the big players in that market is being sued for false advertising.

Best

S-

 

[koja48]

Seen this in magazines, but I always carry a fold-up slingshot & some marbles . . . great for spooking a critter out of a bottom below you & with a little practice, good for bagging grouse/rabbits quietly.

And Doc . . .

get on the ground and roll all about like an old dog

. . . great idea & never thought of that before, but it still sounds like a Kodak Moment my partners would perpetuate at a lot of future hunting camps . . .

 

[chemist308]

The most important thing I have to add is to shoot often during the off seasons. Of course this seems obvious, but during the off season, months away from the hunt, it seems frivolous when you have summer projects to do. But it's so worth the time spent.

Get a game cart, chain it up to a tree and cover with some brush within half a mile of where you plan to hunt big game before you hunt--maybe the night before. Shooting an animal that weighs as much or more than you do is quite a rush. Dragging that same animal SUCKS.

Remember to pack a camera. More people will believe you saw an albino deer you thought was too beautiful to shoot when you tell the story...

 

[coelacanth]

I have to agree with the folks who say. . . . .

camo is not a factor past 30 - 40 yards. Scent is very important but yours is more so than anything you bought in a tub at Wally World. Patience is the key, most animals we hunt are more patient than we are and they evade us because of it. You're gonna' have good days - bad days - and some that are hard to figure. Spend time in the woods, learn them - learn your prey - and learn yourself. No system has worked better since we decided we liked a little meat with our veggies.

 

[eliphalet]

Read some Elmer Keith once giving me an idea that worked.
Was stalking, trying to sneak up on some deer and had a wide open area with just short sagebrush I had to cross where the deer could see me, no way out of it. I got on all fours and crawled, just kinda moseying along so I didn't look like a human, Deer stayed put. took off my logger boots and ended up tip-toeing the last 100 yards or so in my socks to be quiet in the dry grass. Wind was in my favor and the deer never knew I was coming.

OBTW. I was just wearing jeans and a shirt, never hunted deer with camo ever in over 40 years since my first deer hunt.

 

[Harve Curry]

Your absolutely best hunting tips that the magazines won't tell you about:
Save your money on all the odorless stuff. Keep the wind in your favor.
Don't hunt when the wind begins swirling or is unpredictable.

Camo works to keep you from contrasting with the background, it depends on how close you want to get.

When you are stalking closer then 200 yards, carry your boots and go in your stocking feet. If you can hear your footsteps , they can to.

If there are hills go high before hunting time and glass all over. Use the high ground. You don't always need to go to the top either, sometimes the game is on top.

Use descretion with your calls. You might be calling me in.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

+1 on what mustanger said about scents. I have better luck without them. Years go i triend tinks and scared away a big 6 pt that was coming in until he smelled it....then turn around and ran

 

[Moon]

Great topic. Here are my tips:

1. Put talcum powder in a small squeeze bottle. Spray the stuff into the air to determine which way the wind is blowing. I use a small bottle that was originally used to package alcohol hand sanitizer.

2. Always carry a small bottle of 100% DEET and a head net. Costs less than $6 total, but can save a hunting trip if the bugs are unexpectedly miserable.

3. Be still. Then you will not need camo, scent covers, bizarre clothes filled with charcoal, or any of the other consumer junk that is pushed on hunters these days.

 

[koja48]

1 More . . .

Actually HUNT! Many folks want the easy game.

 

[mustanger98]

The most important thing I have to add is to shoot often during the off seasons. Of course this seems obvious, but during the off season, months away from the hunt, it seems frivolous when you have summer projects to do. But it's so worth the time spent.

Not only does off-season shooting keep you familiar with your gun(s), but why not enjoy it.

Remember to pack a camera. More people will believe you saw an albino deer you thought was too beautiful to shoot when you tell the story...

I can't tell ya'll how many times I've been out and wished I had a camera with me. There's so much more to hunting than the deer you shoot or that albino you couldn't legally shoot. There's all the other wildlife that's memorable.

camo is not a factor past 30 - 40 yards.

Remember, I'm one of the non-camo guys. I've had deer walk within 15yds and never got alarmed.

Scent is very important but yours is more so than anything you bought in a tub at Wally World.

Right. If the deer smell you, and you smell like meat because that's what you eat, that's what'll spook 'em.

Patience is the key, most animals we hunt are more patient than we are and they evade us because of it. You're gonna' have good days - bad days - and some that are hard to figure. Spend time in the woods, learn them - learn your prey - and learn yourself.

Yup.

Save your money on all the odorless stuff. Keep the wind in your favor.
Don't hunt when the wind begins swirling or is unpredictable.

The only odor items I've bought lately, and that was last year because I still have plenty, is some odorless laundry detergent (so they won't pick up a soapy smell) and some fresh dirt cover scent. I had decent result with those last year, but I don't say they made or broke a hunt.

As for the wind, while I like to stay downwind as much as the next guy and maybe more than some, where I hunt, when the fronts come through, the wind does swirl. I don't seem to see quite as many deer when it does.

3. Be still. Then you will not need camo, scent covers, bizarre clothes filled with charcoal, or any of the other consumer junk that is pushed on hunters these days.

+1. All you really need to hunt, aside from the legally prescribed orange, is a good rifle and a good pair of boots.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Wind in your face sun at your back and get at least two ridge lines over from the nearest road.

Caliber ain't nearly as important as comfort and familiarity when it comes to rifles or bows.

Camo is a fashion statement when it comes to rifle hunting it has very little practical use learn to use the available terrain and light patterns to get into range without being seen. It's got it's place in bow hunting though.

Short mags are for tourists. The 7MM is nothing more than a belted .30-06 in real life performance on game. Don't try and make it into a long range death ray.

You won't read about a lousy caliber or a lousy gun in a gun mag. The new .30 TC may be the most ridiculous example of this in the history of gun mags.

99% of the big trophy's you see in hunting mags were taken on a private high dollar land.

I'll stop before I make anybody else mad.

 

[mustanger98]

I'll stop before I make anybody else mad.

Nahhh... keep going. Who do they think they're kiddin' anyway?

 

[mustanger98]

I just thought of more in the last couple of minutes.

Wind in your face sun at your back and get at least two ridge lines over from the nearest road.

I like having the sun behind me... it's easier to watch the area when you're not being blinded. Two ridge lines over though... that's not possible where I usually hunt (it's my Granddaddy's property and it's right out my back door). There's only one ridge between the road and the creek and I'm usually on top of it.

Caliber ain't nearly as important as comfort and familiarity when it comes to rifles or bows.

It's like they say, hunt with the rifle you're most comfortable and confidant using.

Short mags are for tourists. The 7MM is nothing more than a belted .30-06 in real life performance on game. Don't try and make it into a long range death ray.

My dealer has his shelves pretty well packed with those short mags. I'm thinking he must sell a lot of it to tourists. He's still got serious stuff like .30-30, .30-06, .45-70 and such. As for 7mmMag, people who think "long range death ray" don't seem to understand outside ballistics.

You won't read about a lousy caliber or a lousy gun in a gun mag. The new .30 TC may be the most ridiculous example of this in the history of gun mags.

I watched Guns&Ammo TV the time they reviewed the .30TC. They were talking about .308/.30-06 ballistics with less recoil. I wasn't impressed. I already load and shoot .30-30 and .30-06 and I have a feeling time will prove those more versatile than the .30TC. I already do a wider range of loads in either of my .30calibers than they showed for the .30TC. And the rifle... it seemed nice, but not really any nicer than a Model 70 or Remington 700.

99% of the big trophy's you see in hunting mags were taken on a private high dollar land.

Yup. You know, though... I've thought it'd be kinda funny if I shot the state record buck, or even top end of the Boone&Crockett records, right here behind my house. I've heard those guys who shoot record bucks get to go on the lecture circuit and tell what they did special. I think it'd be funny if I got to go on the lecture circuit and tell the truth. I'd have all the sales reps mad as hell at me.

 

[RyanM]

if you take a bottle to pee in while hunting, place some fresh dug earth/old leaves/moss in the bottom to help reduce the potency of the smell of your urine; leave uncapped only as long as needed to do your business

A bunch of peanut shells will totally, 100% kill the odor. Try it!

--------------

When you are stalking closer then 200 yards, carry your boots and go in your stocking feet. If you can hear your footsteps , they can to.

Carry a pair of moccasins to slip on, instead of going in stocking feet. Less chance of getting worms (or at the very least, wet socks), and just as quiet as bare/stocking feet. The American Indian tribes that use moccasins knew what they were doing.

 

[eliphalet]

Actually HUNT! Many folks want the easy game.

Yup, Never shot a animal that I wasn't out looking for and plenty only because I was persistent.

I'll stop before I make anybody else mad

I kinda thought it was well said.

 

[redneck2]

Just remember, there are few things that always work and few things that never work.

Does and young bucks will tolerate a LOT that mature bucks will not. "Absolutes" that apply to other deer typically do not apply to book bucks, though there are no absolutes.

About the only thing I can think of that's an absolute is, the older the buck, the smarter the buck (other than rut).

I just try to stack the odds in my favor. If camo may or may not help, why not use it? If scent blocker may or may not work, why not use it (other than a little extra cost)? I had to buy a coat and pants anyway, so I got scent blocker Gore-Tex.

Boots....I gave up on Rockies years ago. Leather or cloth leaves scent. The lugs pack with mud and make them heavy as hell. I use knee length lightly insulated rubber boots. Water proof, scent free, and light. Add super insulated socks for cold weather.

Short mags are for tourists.

Why would you want to shoot a tourist?.....

Oh wait, we have some around here....never mind

 

[nosualc]

Cold weather tips from 20 yrs of Minnesota deer seasons:

Cotton wicks warmth away from your body. Cotton socks, t-shirts, sweat shirts, denim are all cold weather no-no's. Even the best pair of space-aged thermal long underwear won't keep you warm if you wear cotton underwear underneath. I'm a big fan of multiple layers of wool and fleece.

I'm a big fan of pac boots. Rubber waterproof lowers, wool or space aged liners, more or less loose fit. Warm. I used to be a big fan of sorels, but they've gone to the hand-basket recently. Baffin boots are expensive and worth every penny.

A single pair of good wool socks in a good cold weather boot will keep you warmer than two pairs in the same boot. IMO, two pairs just makes things tighter, restricting the blood flow.

Deer hear well, and deer have a great sense of smell. But, after having several deer look blaze orange me right in the eye from 15 yds or closer without being spooked, I firmly believe that deer see differently than we do. Besides being color blind, they don't see shapes very well. They do see motion. Watch the wind, be quiet and still, and you can wear any thing you need to keep warm (camo unnecessary).

-nosualc

 

[countertop]

A single pair of good wool socks in a good cold weather boot will keep you warmer than two pairs in the same boot. IMO, two pairs just makes things tighter, restricting the blood flow.

Can't agree more. Back when I used to ski competitively (waaay back when) I wouldn't wear any socks in my ski boots - or if I did, just a light liner.

Heavy thick socks restrict blood flow. Keeping the blood flowing is the most important thing you can do to keep your feet wrong. Remember this in the stand too. Have a comfortable pad to sit on, one which doesn't cut off the circulation to your toes (and keep those toes moving in your boots). Your feet will stay warmer.


Moccasins?!?! Thats a great idea. Would have had a nice 8 pointer the other day if I had brought some with me (got made on the stalk in because my foot crunched some dried corn stover from about 150 yards away)

 

[Bezoar]

easy rules to live by when hunting deer

1. do not use use lures/scents that are either out of season no doe in heat or buck in rut scents when the rut isnt on. As well as do not use cover scents that do not fit your geography. Meaning if you are hunting in sage, dont use "magical pine cover scent"

2. Save money and dont go big into bait piles or feeder systems. At most sprinkle a few handfuls of corn around the areas they frequent most. That will make them come earlier then they would otherwise. ie, before dark.

3. Hunt along the deer trails leading to OTHER peoples bait piles. Make sure you are off in the woods abit, tend to stay downwind. However if the bait piles are of the illegal poachers brand, be sure to make sure no one sees you.

4. LEARN the reaction patterns to your local weather system. Where i live, a calm day after a real gusty one is a GREAT day for hunting. Same goes for a sudden air pressure drop with any form of snow.

5. belted magnums are not required to kill deer. Wee powered flintlocks do a good job as well.

6.Make sure your gun and cartridge is capable of killing wolves/coyotes at range in case you must fight them off. Nothing like gutting a deer in the evening when you only have a knife and you can hear the coyotes howling within 300 yards.

7. Hang the dead deer back legs up to cool and drain. The back legs have the most meat and such have the most blood content, so let them drain properly. Also makes bunging sooo much easier.

8. Temperature drops faster when you are staionary. So dress properly.

 

[sm]

Take care of your feet.

Includes, not limited to:

-Properly trim toe nails.
-Footwear properly fitted, broken in before hunting/hiking in them.
-Silk or Poly socks worn first then appropriate sock for conditions.
-Extra Silk/Poly and Socks, change often,
-Spare laces.
-Moleskin and Liquid Skin
-Extra footwear, to wear when not in hunting/hiking footwear, to allow these to dry out. Extra Footwear, should also protect feet.

 

[mustanger98]

2. Save money and dont go big into bait piles or feeder systems. At most sprinkle a few handfuls of corn around the areas they frequent most. That will make them come earlier then they would otherwise. ie, before dark.

3. Hunt along the deer trails leading to OTHER peoples bait piles. Make sure you are off in the woods abit, tend to stay downwind. However if the bait piles are of the illegal poachers brand, be sure to make sure no one sees you.

In Georgia, last I noticed and I should check again here in a minute, we can't legally hunt within sight or within 200yds of bait. Laws vary from state to state.

4. LEARN the reaction patterns to your local weather system. Where i live, a calm day after a real gusty one is a GREAT day for hunting. Same goes for a sudden air pressure drop with any form of snow.

That's about how it is where I live. Pretty much anytime right after a front moves through is better hunting that while it's moving through. And the biggest buck I saw last fall... this was the Sunday before Thanksgiving and when he came out, it was two hours till dark, cold, slight breeze from him to me, and spitting snow. This story involves an adrenaline rush, a miss, thankfully a clean miss. Also thankfully though, I got my buck on Thanksgiving Day, 20minutes before dark... 65degrees and no wind but they were still chasing does.

5. belted magnums are not required to kill deer. Wee powered flintlocks do a good job as well.

In Georgia, we're allowed to use patched round ball and loose powder, so flintlocks are accepted... by some. Others think you have to use inlines that look like a Remchester and jacketed bullets. Another part of the bill of goods hunters are sold.

6.Make sure your gun and cartridge is capable of killing wolves/coyotes at range in case you must fight them off. Nothing like gutting a deer in the evening when you only have a knife and you can hear the coyotes howling within 300 yards.

Good idea, but where I hunt, as much as I like having extra range, my farthest shot is 150yds and that's on deer or coyotes. Most directions, it's much closer. Good case for having the 1911A1 along loaded with HP's.

 

[scout26]

ummmm, be lucky......

 

[redactor]

The new .30 TC may be the most ridiculous example of this in the history of gun mags.

It looks suspiciously similar to the 7.5x55 Swiss, only beating it by a couple hundred FPS... I'm sure that in a modern-strength rifle the 7.5x55 could be bumped-up a notch or two...

 

[mustanger98]

Re: post #48

It looks suspiciously similar to the 7.5x55 Swiss, only beating it by a couple hundred FPS... I'm sure that in a modern-strength rifle the 7.5x55 could be bumped-up a notch or two...

If you'll notice, 7.5x55Swiss uses a 150gr .308 bullet. The .308Win. and .30-06 both use a 150gr .308 bullet... in fact, they both use several of the same bullets. Now, unless I missed something, the .30TC also uses a 150gr .308 bullet.

Now, notice the case lengths.

7.5x55 Swiss
.308Win is 7.62x51
.30-06 is 7.62x63.

My point is these are all in the same class. They were all designed to do about the same job. I do agree though the 7.5x55Swiss round maybe could be loaded hotter in a more modern rifle. The .30-06 got that treatment.

I'm guessing the .30TC case is a bit shorter than the .308Win case. However, they're saying the ballistics are the same. They probably are... to a point. I question that sort of thing though. Less powder, to me, means less effective range. But with a hunting cartridge for shots taken under 300yds, does it really matter? I'll stick with my .30-30 (7.62x51R) though. I already know it does the job I ask of it.

 

[CoRoMo]

For big game...
Scout the hunting area as much as you possibly can. Each time out, reenact this up coming hunt. Go where you plan to go, at the time of day you plan to be there, move slowly, quietly. Try to find the animal that you plan to hunt as many times as possible before the season opens. Take notes.

There is no such thing as "too early in the morning" to start your hunt.