Deer hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Not only is hunting a unique challenge in that people have been doing it since the beginning of time, but it also reduces your grocery budget by providing a large quantity of meat. The benefits of hunting are numerous, and if you’re just starting out, it’s important to learn as much as you can. Here are some deer hunting tips for beginners that will help you stay safe and make the most of your time in the woods.
Find a Mentor
Hunting is difficult. Trying to learn how to do it by yourself can lead to severe mistakes that could actually put you in danger. Look for an experienced hunter who can act as sort of a mentor to you. People in your community, Facebook groups, and family friends are all great ways to connect with men and women who’ve been hunting for decades.
While there’s a lot you can learn from reading and taking courses, there’s also a certain amount of experience that can’t be taught in a classroom. Experienced hunters will be able to teach you tricks and tips that only come from years in the brush.
However, if you find someone willing to let you tag along, be sure not to ruin the experience for them. Stay quiet in the field, buy their meal, and try not to distract them from their own experience. This will help provide a rewarding and enjoyable hunt for everyone.
Invest in Quality Equipment
It’s been said that a hunter is only as good as his weapon. Whether you’re interested in bow hunting or prefer rifles, make sure you invest in a quality weapon that won’t fail you in the field. Weak or compromised rifles may not be enough to take down a deer, causing pain and suffering from a mere flesh wound.
Once you’ve invested in a quality weapon, you need a place to safely store it, upholding its integrity for years to come. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase a quality gun safe like those from Liberty or Rhino Safes. Consider browsing our selection of gun safes today to find one that’s right for you.
Simple Hunting Tips for Beginners
While an experienced mentor and a quality weapon are arguably two of the best assets for beginner hunters, that are several other tips that will help you gain experience quickly without making common mistakes, Here are some simple tips for beginners.
Hide your smell
Deer have an incredible sense of smell and can tell when something isn’t right. Hiding your smell is more than just showering. They don’t only notice body odor but any scent that’s foreign to them, such as body washes or soaps. Use odor-neutral soaps and deer cover-up. Be sure to bring some extra with you since the longer you’re in the woods, the more time your body has to produce new oils and smells.
Stay quiet
Mature bucks are a prize for any hunter. However, they reach maturity due to their skill at remaining alert and listening for sounds. Any noise you make may scare them off. Keep noise to a minimum, and if you accidentally make a loud sound, don’t move for several minutes. This will give any deer you put on high alert time to calm down and lower their guard.
Learn to speak deer
One of the best hunting tips for beginners is to learn the language of your prey. Just like any animal, deer have a language. While you’ll never be able to speak it fluently, it’s important to recognize different calls and what time of year works best for each.
Survey the area
This is an important step that many hunters fail to take. Surveying your hunting ground ahead of time gives you familiarity with the terrain. It will show you the best places to set up your blind, where you might encounter deer, and where they may run off after being shot. Take away their home-field advantage by learning the landscape.
Mind the wind
Be careful of the wind. Not only can strong winds throw off your shot, but setting up your stand upwind from the deer is a dead giveaway. While you can take steps to cover your scent, you should still always stay downwind when possible. This will limit your chances of being smelled.
Pack a lunch
Hunting takes a lot of patience. It’s likely a successful hunting trip will take you well into the day. Most hunters are too optimistic and don’t bring lunch, causing them to get hungry and take off around noon to grab a quick bite. Once other hunters start clearing out, deer may become more active. This is your chance to outsmart the other hunters as well as the deer and find your shot. That being said, don’t pack anything too stinky.
Limit your calls
Deer are intelligent, and they can recognize when something isn’t right. Even if you learn their language and sound the right call, making too much noise or calling too frequently will alert them that something is up. Limit your calls to once every 20-30 minutes. This is more natural and has a higher chance of attracting a deer.
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