Five Deer Hunting Tips For Beginners

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

For those who love the outdoors and being closer to nature, deer hunting is an excellent activity to jump into. Beginners, however, can often be a little intimidated by the weapon and the process of tracking a wild animal. The good news is that there are a few tips that have been passed down through generations of hunters to make your experience more enjoyable and successful.

#1-Get a License
Before even planning a trip out into the woods, contacting your state’s game and parks commission is a must. There are a variety of licenses based upon the type of deer you plan on hunting, the time of year and whether you plan on hunting with a gun or a bow. These licenses also all vary on where you reside or plan to hunt and differ even between adjacent states or within areas of the state.

Getting a hunting license typically involves a hunting safety course, which as a novice, you’ll be sure to find informative and useful. The time and money spent on this course will be invaluable in keeping yourself and any hunting partners safe and may even provide a few extra tips to bag that first buck.

#2-Hit the Range
It’s really happening, the deer is yards away and has no idea you are even there. The perfect shot is in the sights and… you miss.

It is imperative before you spend hours trying to get that perfect shot, actually shooting is already an acquired skill. Whether using a gun or a bow, some quality time at the range will increase your comfort level with the weapon and increase shooting accuracy. Be sure to practice in positions that you’re likely to be in during the hunt to turn the story from the one that got away to a trophy on the wall.

#3- Don’t Get Noticed
The number one reason you won’t see any deer is not because you can’t find them, it’s because they can too easily find (and avoid) you. Keeping noise to a minimum by moving slowly when tracking a deer, you must prevent the instinct to chase. Try to choose paths as free of debris like leaves and branches as much as possible and stop for a long time if a loud noise is made near a deer as it will look for the cause of the noise for minutes instead of seconds like humans. If faster movement is demanded, acting un-humanlike is the goal, use interspersed quick, little steps instead of normal walking or running.

When setting up your blind or stand clear as many leaves and twigs out to prevent unneeded noise in case any movement must be made to get a clearer shot later.

#4- Don’t Follow the Wind
Greater than sight or hearing, a deer’s sense of smell is its most powerful method of detecting hunters. Keep smells to a minimum, scentless soaps and deodorants are recommended during hunting season. Don’t skip on the showers though as body odor is easily noticed as well. Even more important than the smell coming off your body is the delivery system of those smells, the wind. Knowing the wind pattern in relation to the deer is essential. The best way to stay hidden from deer is to always remain downwind by moving to position the deer between you and the direction the wind is moving from.

#5- Know Thy Enemy
Deer, like all animals, are creatures of habit. They will often eat, drink and move in the same areas at the same times of the day. Knowing these patterns can put you in position for success. Research can occur through your own observations and talking with other local hunters to find the best paths to take and spots to set up. Treat every hunting excursion as a learning experience, even take notes throughout the day, and soon the label of novice will wear off and the more experience hunter will shine through.