11 Tips from Expert on how to hunt for a Deer

Deer hunting has been around for decades, if not centuries. Initially, people went on a hunt to kill the animal for further preservation, eat the meat or use the coat for clothing and other reasons. Over time, the primary objective behind killing deer is due to the high demand for deer meat.

Not only does it have a unique gamey taste, but deer meat also has one of the highest protein levels, making it quality meat for consumption. Hunting deer around is a unique experience, no doubt but it comes with a lot of legal stipulations and complications.

If you are entirely new to deer hunting and want to get started, we’d recommend reading through this comprehensive guide for a holistic understanding.

Tips for Deer Hunting – Legalities and Easy Beginner Tips

As we said, deer hunting is quite an experience in itself and this is something that almost every advanced hunter would tell you. However, what you need to understand is the fact that hunting deer comes with a lot of legalities and regulations.

This section will walk you through the regulations and the list of hunting tips that shouldn’t get you in trouble in the future.

1. Sort out the necessary permits

Deer is, at the end of the day, wildlife. So, the last thing you want to do is pick up your rifle and go aimlessly hunt a deer that you don’t have any permit for. This can land you in jail and complicate a lot of things in your life.

So, your first step to hunting deer is to sort out any and every kind of permit that you need. This might include permits from your local Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Office or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

You can fill out the information for the permits online or you can end up visiting the offices physically and then get your permit sorted from ther

2. Sort out the state laws regarding firearms for hunting

Deer is quite fast and quick. So, if you want to make up for a successful hunt, you need to be proactive as well. And, the only way to do that is by looking into the best rifle for shooting.

However, when it comes to choosing the hunting rifle, you first have to cross-check the permits and hunting regulations with your state laws. You don’t always need a firearm for hunting deer but it is no doubt one of the most proficient methods. 

So, before you go about your hunting expedition, you need to slow down and visit the local law enforcement officials to get the green signal and idea about the firearm possession and usage for hunting before you pull it out.

3. Get all the required equipment

Only having access to your weapon of choice isn’t enough to hunt a deer. You have to be mindful of the clothing you are wearing and the hunting spot you are choosing for the mission. Next comes the equipment that you’d need to set up the hunting area.

Ideally, we’d recommend that you have all the following equipment when going deer hunting:

• Hot seat
• Binoculars
• Rangefinder
• Fanny pack
• Weapon or ammunition

Once you have all this equipment, you can set up a camouflage disguise around the hunting site and that should prepare you for the hunting experience.

4. Scope out the area

When you are planning your deer hunting expedition, always start your research by finding out the best spot for the hunting. This is where all the fun lies. Since you are hunting for deer meat, you have to find the best deer and buck in the area.

However, since deer are quite smart and quick, you will often have a hard time keeping up with them while hunting. What we’d recommend you do is stay low when researching the best spot for hunting. If the deer spots you in close vicinity, be assured that they won’t make a comeback since they avoid human interaction.

Your ideal spots for hunting would be some of the densest parts of the forest. Since it’s quite a risky expedition, we’d recommend that you go out in groups for hunting.

5. Climbing tree stands works well

If you are visiting the deer hunting spots that are popular in the forest, chances are that the tree climbing stands will be already installed in those areas. But, if they aren’t already in place, we’d recommend that you install them individually before your hunting expedition begins.

You can find a lot of commercial tree stands available in the market. We’d recommend picking the options that have a good reputation in the market and will be able to withstand your body weight. This is a very important factor to look out for.

6. Hunt with a friend

Not just the enjoyment part, deer hunting is generally a lot safer when you do it with a friend as well. You are less likely going to find yourself in unwanted situations during the hunt. Since you will likely be in some of the densest parts of the forest without any cellular reception, having a friend around ensures that you will have someone to fall back on.

Also, even if you don’t take someone with you during the hunt, we’d recommend that you at least inform a friend or family member about your hunting plan. Let them know where you are going and how they can find you in case you don’t return within the stipulated time.

7. Spray cover scents

Your body odor and pheromones shouldn’t pose as a distraction when you are out hunting. What we’d recommend you do is spray down a cover scent all over your body. This will mask your natural scent, providing you with an additional layer of safety and protection.

Also, if you want a cheaper way to cover up your scent, we’d recommend using baking soda since that works quite effortlessly. Always keep some extra with you during the hunt in case you do end up needing more at the run.

8. Lure in the deer

Deer will avoid human interaction as much as they can. This means that if you want to hunt them, you have to either bait them with food or lure them in with some other methods.

Deer calls make for good luring techniques since they work without any fail. You aim to mimic the estrus bleat sequence and that should serve as a way to bring the deer closer think another deer is in distress.

The doe estrus scent is also another luring technique. This is a great way to attract bucks if you want to make the big hit and bring home a good array of buck meat. Buck urine and rattling antlers work quite well as well.

9. Set up the hunting site

When it comes to taking the final shot, you have to be extremely patient. The last thing that you want to do is drive the deer away by scaring or startling them. So, instead of being impatient and creating rustling and restless noises, your work is to set up an ideal hunting site.

This is where most people go wrong. What we’d recommend you do is prep the area with some camouflage hunting cover and then wait there for at least some time before you implement any of the luring techniques.

Patience is what assures a successful hunt. If you are being restless and not following through with the hunting guide, there is no way you’d score a successful hunt in the process. Also, wait until the deer is quite close to then make the shot. If you shoot from a farther distance, you will either miss or injure the deer.

10. Practice humane killing

With deer hunting, you want to ensure that the animal dies without any discomfort. And, to do that, you have to make a one-shot kill. It is precise and kills the deer on the spot and without any hassle at all. 

Also, once you have made the shot and killed the deer, your next step is to assess the blood to check which vital organ you have hit with the shot. Brown hair and pink blood indicate you have hit the heart or the lung. If the blood is dark red, you have likely hit the liver.

However, if the blood is quite watery and light red, you have likely shot them in the stomach. Irrespective of the hit, you should always try to kill the deer with a single shot.

How many of these tips for deer hunting were you aware of? Given that deer hunting is such a popular recreational activity across multiple countries, doing it the right way is what makes all the difference. If you were unsure of the process and the tips regarding the hunting rules and regulations, we hope this guide gives you all the answers. We’d highly recommend discussing the laws with the enforcement officials and the wildlife authorities before hunting.

11. What weapon can I use for a deer hunt?

There are a variety of weapons that can be used for deer hunting, including firearms, bows, and crossbows. Each weapon has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Firearms are the most popular choice for deer hunting, because they are relatively easy to use and are very effective. However, they can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Bows are another popular choice for deer hunting. They are quieter than firearms and can be more challenging to use, but they are also more accurate.

Crossbows are a newer option for deer hunting, and they offer the benefits of both bows and firearms. They are relatively easy to use, but are also very accurate.