Monday, September 08, 2008
Tips On Safely Taking A Whitetail Deer
Good whitetail deer hunters leave nothing to chance. They plan ahead, and if conditions are wrong for Plan A, they know enough to switch to Plan B.
Many hunters always have a loose plan for the day. They may tighten it up or switch plans, but most successful bow hunters will always have a plan in mind. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
*Have a somewhat detailed plan and a good idea of how and where you will hunt.
*Have a good knowledge of the terrain and where deer travel.
*Always be downwind of where deer move. The key word is always.
*Know which deer frequent your hunting area. Some areas are better noted for big bucks than anything else. Have everything in your backpack you’ll need. An extra release, more Game Tracker string, compass, light, matches, Space Blanket and other items.
*Wear clean clothing and clean rubber boots.
*Shoot two or three times at a target before going out. Know exactly where your bow is shooting.
*Use a Game Tracker device. It can help eliminate long hours of searching for a weak or nonexistent blood trail.
*Use only razor-sharp broadheads. Factory sharpened heads are rarely sharp enough.
*Wear a safety harness when hunting from a tree stand.
*Visually inspect all stands before committing to them. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
*Inspect areas within shooting range for open shots, and commit them to memory. Know where you can shoot.
*Use a grunt call sparingly. Too many hunters call too loud and too often. Err on the side of too little and not too loud or often.
*Know your best shots and wait for either a broadside or quartering-away shot. Never take a low-percentage shot.
*Pay attention to what other deer are doing while you wait for your buck to turn and offer a good shot. Make certain you can draw without being seen or heard.
*Pick your shot. Never shoot at the center of mass, but pick the exact spot to aim. Concentrate on not lifting your head at the shot because it can cause the arrow to go high. Follow through!
*Know your ideal shooting range and never exceed it.
*Always sit quiet and motionless. Be still and be quiet, and draw the bow smoothly and silently.
*Know a deer’s body language. It will tell hunter what the animal will do. Each deer is as different from other deer as fingerprints, and that means that each animal can and will react different to various stimuli.
*Hunt alone. A solitary hunter is quieter, moves less, and there is less chance of one person spooking a deer than two people.
*Be prepared for a shot at any moment. Deer hunting means paying attention. Never be caught with the bow anywhere other than in your hand.
*And an extra bonus tip for good measure. Shoot once, shoot straight and don’t miss.