Hunting deer is almost always a unique experience, regardless of whether or not it will pay off in the long run. However, our hope must be that we can get something big, fast, safe, and also not disturbing the natural ecosystem. If you want to increase your success rate and have fun, I share some suggestions that might help you when hunting deer.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Before the Hunt
Step 1. Get an official permit from the local Ministry of Environmental Conservation office or the Ministry of Natural Resources office
Check the official website. There you will find information and requirements for obtaining a deer hunting license. Licensing fees range from $40 to $200, depending on each region, after which you will get important info for the hunt later:
- How long the hunting season lasts. Usually, the "season" is divided by the type of weapon used-for example: rifles, bows and arrows, etc.
- How many tails can be hunted?
- What kind of deer can be hunted
- Other safety requirements, such as hunting clothes and hunting hours
Step 2. Also pay attention to the gun laws in your area
Because usually, the most hunters use rifles. Go to the gun licensing office in your area. Never play with the law, obey it, if you can't use it use a bow or arrow which is safer to use. If you understand and all the conditions have been met, immediately make a hunting license.
Step 3. Wear hunting clothes according to the rules
What you wear may seem trivial, but it's definitely more than you think about how important it is to you. When you meet other hunters, try to blend in, then ask about things you don't understand, which you use later, that will determine whether this hunt is successful or not.
- Orange. Deer can't see very well. If you are going to use a rifle, make sure how much orange you will use.
- Camouflage. Make the clothes that will be worn later look good, can blend in with the surrounding colors but also look cool. Depending on the current season, you can adjust the colors that will be used later.
- Boots. Purchase a pair of Gore-Tex, 800-Gram of Thinsulate-Ultra Insulation, Cordura Nylon. Gore-Tex is able to make your shoes waterproof, 800-Gram of Thinsulate-Ultra Insulation will keep your feet warm, and Cordura Nylon will make the leather material on your shoes last longer.
Step 4. Get the right and appropriate equipment
Besides the weapons used, clothes, stamina, you will of course need the right and appropriate equipment. I will share some suggestions that you might be able to use when hunting later.
- Seat Warmers. This will keep you warm while hunting. Look for some foam. Cut the foam about 8 inches, then tie it to the chair that will be used for hunting. Keep in mind, this should only be used when the weather is cold, rainy or snowing.
- Binoculars. The thing you will most often do when hunting is to spend time sitting still. If you have good binoculars, you will certainly be able to determine the distance and time before you start aiming at your target.
- Toolbox. You will need to bring a toolbox that allows for insect repellent spray, flashlight, small knife, first aid kit, compass, lighter, etc.
Step 5. First find the location where the stag usually passes
If that's what you're after - why not? – You have to know where it is. Large stags are usually smarter, their brains developed with the idea of avoiding humans as much as possible and avoiding predators in the wild. Therefore, I will share suggestions of any possible locations to be able to find them:
- Find a place that looks dense, which is not possible for humans to walk, that's where the deer usually live. Cedar bushes, swamps, find deer footprints and wait around the area.
- Large deer are usually in the shade and a bit high to rest. This is where they usually take refuge from the threat of predators or from humans.
- On the outskirts of a small river there is usually a large deer dwelling. In a place like this the deer can drink and rest without feeling threatened.
Step 6. If necessary, prepare a tree stand, although it is usually already available on site
However, it would be better if you bring your own preparations. Designate several different locations before starting the hunt, as deer often change habits. Changes in the weather and human activities can really affect them.
- There are several kinds of tree stand brands that you can choose from. Prices vary from size to size, shape, additional features on the tree stand such as stairs, and materials used.
- Make a simple tree stand but can be used on a tall tree. It doesn't have to be good, the important thing is it's safe when you sit on it.
Step 7. Place bait in several locations if you have a hunting permit
But in some areas it is not possible to put bait at a distance of 300 yards, so if you are going to put bait, it is better 1 week or 10 days before hunting. Examples of baits that deer like:
- Corn
- Apple
- Carrot
- Mineral licks
- Beet Sugar
Part 2 of 4: On the Hunt
Step 1. Invite your friends or family
Hunting will be more fun when you are with responsible and trustworthy people such as friends or family. But if you are going to hunt alone there are a few things you need to pay attention to for safety reasons:
- Always make sure the phone battery is fully charged.
- Tell the people closest to you about your hunting event, about your return that you may not have planned when. This needs to be done so they don't worry too much about your hunting plans.
- If you don't hire a guide when hunting, bring a GPS or map of your hunting area and study it first; Remembering a little bit about the conditions of the location can help you not to get lost when you start the hunt.
Step 2. Watch for markings on tree trunks when hunting
Scratches and strokes that occur because the area is often traversed by deer. So it's better to find a waiting location near an area with lots of such signs.
- The scratches on the trees and on the ground indicate that in that area there are large deer that often pass by. The sooner you find it, it can be an indication of a good place to hunt.
- Abrasion on trees occurs during the mating season, male deer often rub their antlers on tree trunks to attract the opposite sex. The amount of abrasion determines how big the deer is.
Step 3. Use a scent switch when hunting
Deer have keen senses, especially hearing and smell. This will be very useful especially when the target is a large deer.
If you don't want to use a scent switch, try using baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in liquid soap and then take a bath using the mixture. Even if you are brave, you can also brush your teeth using baking soda. Baking soda is the cheapest way to mask our scent while on the hunt
Step 4. Lure the deer to your nearest location
Master hunters usually have many techniques to lure deer to come closer to their waiting area. Here are some methods you can use:
- Use deer summon. The deer caller can use your own voice or it can be a "doe in estrus" which can be purchased at a hunting supply store.
- Doe estrus scent. Use spray doe estrus, spray in some waiting areas. In some cases, there are even deer that will follow the smell of estrus and without realizing it, the deer is approaching where you are waiting.
- Male deer pee at the start of the breeding season. Male deer guard their territory, especially during the mating season.
- The sound of horns clashing at the beginning of the breeding season. The sound of the horns clashing can be used to lure other deer to come closer.
Part 3 of 4: When Pulling the Trigger
Step 1. Be patient
Once you've covered your scent, put on a deer summon, and hope that it's a large stag with enough range to fire a shot. Be patient, a good shooting range is around 20-30 yards, don't try to shoot if the distance is still too far; the chance of targeting vital organs will be small if the distance is still too far and will only make the deer scratched and the deer will run away.
Step 2. Get up as soon as you get the chance
When a deer walks over, try to stand up. But if it fails, the deer will be afraid and run away.
Step 3. Remain calm when the target is in sight
This is very important, because if you are not calm, the shot will miss and it will only drive the deer away.
- If using a rifle, make sure the ammo is fully loaded. And all you need to do next is shoot carefully, don't miss.
- If using a bow and arrow, make sure the arrow is ready to shoot from the bow. Standing position is highly recommended when using a bow, because the body will be more free to move.
Step 4. Aim at the top shoulder, neck or head
This will make the deer die faster than being targeted at other parts which will only make the deer torment first.
Step 5. If your shot hits a deer, check for blood
As a good hunter, you should be able to shoot and kill him with just one shot, not by torturing him. To see which part your shot hit, you can look at the color of the blood:
- Brownish and pinkish with air bubbles, chances are your shot hit the heart or lungs. The good news is that you are a good hunter, because your prey can die with one shot.
- Dark brown and red, chances are your shot hit the heart. Your prey deer may last a few seconds, but you are still a good hunter, because the death process does not last long.
- White and like bile, chances are you'll miss your shot, and you'll need to quickly find your deer by following its trail.
Part 4 of 4: After the Hunt
Step 1. Try to determine where the deer is when you shoot it
Starting from the area where there is blood visible. Check for any visible blood marks, and see where the deer are going. Use a compass, GPS, dog (if you have one), track where the deer went, but watch your way, lest you get lost.
Wait about 30 minutes before you start tracking it. This will give the deer a chance to lie still, then bleed to death, but if you chase after it, the deer will be spurred on again and may run off somewhere
Step 2. Follow the trail of blood until you find your prey deer
Look at the grass and leaves to see which way the deer are going. I'll share some tips that you can use so you don't lose track:
- hydrogen peroxide. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray a small amount on the area where the traces of blood are visible, and the traces of blood on the liquid will appear immediately.
- Use TL lamps. Portable TL lamp costs around $20, able to see traces of blood and can see in fog.
Step 3. When you have found your prey deer, make sure your prey is dead
You'll probably need your friend's help to pull him out of the woods.
Step 4. Learn how to skin a deer carefully
Cut the meat whole and well. Hunters in general always learn from hunters who are already proficient by learning good and correct methods. As much as possible find a hunting partner who is already proficient. In addition to security reasons, it can be used as a friend to chat as well as a mentor in matters needed when hunting.
Step 5. Enjoy your catch
Appreciate the animal that you are willing to kill by using the meat as best you can and only hunting the number that is allowed.
Tips
- An HT or 2 way radio can really be very important when hunting. Use this so you can always communicate with your hunting partners. When you get your prey, you will immediately be able to contact your partner to help you pull it out of the forest. You can also enter the hunting area deeper. If there are other hunters around, they will be happy if they can communicate with each other to keep an eye on each other for game deer, or maybe if a bear approaches so that they can warn each other. Chatting via HT can also make the atmosphere a bit warm even though the weather is very cold. A good HT is one that can reach a distance of up to 12 miles and has 5 watts of power.
- Safe or relax! Gloves, hats, headgear, do not put carelessly. As much as possible unite / sew these things with the clothes you are wearing. So that the objects were not easily detached/fallen while hunting.
- Ask the hunting supply store owner about hunting methods and about the locations you will be visiting.
- Always pay attention to the surrounding area when hunting, the signs there are not only for the deer but also for the humans passing through the area. If you always pay attention to the signs, the chances of an accident or irregularity when hunting will be greatly reduced
- If the deer try to attack you, run. They are bigger than you. Deer are strong animals, especially from you.
Warning
- Never enter someone else's land, unless you have permission to do so
- Read (page by page) the hunting guide provided by your hunting area manager. Besides being free, this will certainly be very useful later.
- Hold your gun properly. Keep your finger off the trigger if you're not ready to shoot the game. Make this a habit when hunting.
- Always keep the tip of the gun away from those around you and make sure your line of fire is safe from anything while shooting. In this way, unwanted things can be avoided.
- Besides having to have a hunting license like a car sim, you also have to take several courses on hunting.
- Always make sure what you shoot is a deer, not a human.
- Be careful when climbing or descending trees.
- Avoid areas where large stags often gather together. Because usually the male deer is guarding the pregnant female deer. So don't hunt just because you want to see the deer that will be born.
- You can't just hunt in any forest, always make sure you get permission before hunting. Be a good hunter.
- If your shot hits a deer, don't leave the deer, but don't chase it right away. Some deer will even be able to run for miles even though they are injured because their adrenaline is pumping, then they will die in vain from blood loss.
