Free: Contests & Raffles.
Slow down!Being quiet is important, we all know that. But deer and elk are noisy, too. The thing is, deer (and elk) don't walk like humans, they take one or two steps, and stop, and look around. If you want to avoid spooking the deer, you have to do what they do.So, how do you do this? The theory is very simple. Take two steps, and stop. Look around. Slowly look around (ideally with your eyes, not your head.) Only then do you take another two steps.If you do this, you can literally walk right up to deer (sometimes).
First I will say stay positive. You are with the majority if you are not successful. As others have said slow down and keep the wind in your face. Next I will say is enjoy the little things, mountain sunrise/set, the beauty, and the fact that you are outside enjoying what many never take the time to enjoy. Last, you get out what you put into a hunt (scouting, attention to detail pays off). Good luck and have fun.
I'd like to see you with a mentor, or if you have cash, a good guide. It's overwhelming to start out on your own not having been at least exposed to it, worst thing would be to shoot a deer then have no clue what to do with it after the shot. A big Whitetail is heavy, I can't pack it far with out first breaking it down to manageable bits. So before you go hunting, make sure you have a good foundation on how to break down animals, rabbits and grouse are a good start!Have you been grouse or rabbit hunting? Can you gut and clean them? Well a deer is pretty much like a big giant rabbit. The best way for a beginner to hunt whitetail is to put your back to a tree and sit there, let the deer come to you. first though you need to find trails and areas they move through to feeding areas during the night. Anywhere near hayfields, cattle or orchards will hold lot's of deer. Also ponds, logging areas and edges of old burns and tree farms will have deer moving through. It doesn't do any good to sit all day long if the deer aren't coming through your area. Don't try to stalk through the woods like Elmer Fudd, deer can hear too well, see movement too well and their noses will smell you out even with the best cover scent spray gunk you can buy.
Go to the range before the hunt. Not the gravel pit.Go to a nice range with nice shooting benches. And no time limit. Take two three boxes of ammo. Don't have anything else planned that day. Leave the non shooters at home.Take the time to know exactly where you are hitting.Don't settle for close. Dial it in.Be friendly to everyone one you meet.Good luck.
