Road Hunters/Road-Hunting - does it spook deer? (new hunter)

[EastLake13]

I had a question generally about road hunters/road-hunting and whether it spooks blacktail.

My brother and I hunt 437 and hike in behind locked gates during rainy conditions. We had luck last year, but haven't seen a lot of deer sign in the spot we usually try (could be all the fresh bear scat). We went in another area with open gates on a logging road, and saw hunters in trucks ripping up and down throughout the parcel. We decided to leave on the assumption this would not enhance our prospects of spotting a ghost.

I honestly don't know if the cars affect deer behavior. Should we stick to walk-in areas or is it just as well hunting road hunter racetracks if we get out and head into the bush?

Thanks for any insight. This forum has a lot of useful information--pointed me towards Hunting Black-Tail Deer by Louis Terkla.

[Rainier10]

I haven't hunted in blacktail areas for awhile but when I used to it didn't seem to affect them that much.  Where I hunt mule deer now it doesn't affect them a ton other.  They tend to just hang out a couple hundred yards from the roads and only cross them when they have to.                           

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

My opinion is that it depends on what your after..
.
Plenty of deer hang out near active roads.
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Just the dumb ones get taken out of the gene pool.
.
Think about what you hear when your walking a road, and a truck comes driving along.
You can hear them from a long ways off.
.
It's unusual traffic that makes them nervous.
New open gates, more traffic before daylight...
These will change behavior patterns.
But the deer are still there.

[Platensek-po]

Not sure about driving, but opening morning I had a stalk ruined by some a$$hat driving around honking at every clear cut. Every 5 min he would get to a new clear cut and start honking again. Ruined the morning for me at least.

[EastLake13]

Thanks for the responses everyone!

[deerlick]

they like the sound of my truck

[Stein]

There are tons of deer hit by trucks every year.  That said, there is a difference between deer species and places, some are just about tame and others never see a road.  In general, roads don't attract deer.  If you have an area that has roads cut through it every 1/4 to 1/2 mile, the habitat will have to be incredibly attractive for them to hang out there and it will be much more likely it's does and very young bucks.

In general, I would say you will see more animals if you get at least a hundred or two yards from a road, but that is a very general rule.

I also agree that roads that have a "normal" amount of traffic are much different than those that have little to none and then all of a sudden 100 trucks the day before opener.

I hunt a field adjacent to the highway and they don't mind the traffic, but, as soon as anyone stops they immediately take note.  If they get out of their truck they will almost always at least put more distance if not outright bolt.

[buckfvr]

Page 87 item number 6 of your 2020 regulations.  It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a motor vehicle.  Yes, road hunters spook (and never even know it) much more game than they harvest.

[jrebel]

I know guys that are crazy successful road hunters.  Heck they sometimes have killed very nice animals.   The way I figure it.....to each their own.   I’m of the mindset that vehicles scare animals in different ways than foot traffic but both (all) styles of hunting spook animals .

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Page 87 item number 6 of your 2020 regulations.  It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a motor vehicle.  Yes, road hunters spook (and never even know it) much more game than they harvest.

There are a lot of people with handicapped licenses that can legally shoot from their vehicle.  But even the rule you stated doesn't mean you can't spot an animal from your vehicle and get out and get off the road and shoot.

[Taco280AI]

I've hunted elk and muleys in areas with a lot of quad and dirt bike traffic. If you were riding the deer would stand there and stare at you, had bucks 30-40 yards away a few times. If they saw you on foot, they'd bolt immediately. They were just used to it so didn't care.

[Rookie24]

Page 87 item number 6 of your 2020 regulations.  It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a motor vehicle.  Yes, road hunters spook (and never even know it) much more game than they harvest.

Your last sentence... can you provide a link to the study and or article regarding this? Would be an interesting read.

[carvermoe]

No diss to the above posts, but I have been confined to a wheelchair for 47yrs.
Being more or less a road hunter the whole time, I have witnessed hundreds of times
Seeing deer ghost away,especially black tail , from vehicles as they approach them.
A lot of deer are taken from roads, but every hunter I know see more animals and
Legal animals further from the roads they can get. The mule deer areas that I hunt steadily decline in sightings with the increase in traffic.sorry to say but people are
Getting way to lazy in their style of hunting.. to each their own, but I would stay behind the gates if I could

[fishnfur]

Turned out to be a good thread.  I don't have a lot of issues with road hunters.  If you don't want them around you, find a remote clearcut or park and get into the woods.  Honking or throwing rocks to try to scare deer is another matter.

From my readings years ago on iFish forum in Oregon, there were many hunters who (were sitting on clearcuts when vehicles arrived) said that the deer just freeze when a vehicle comes into a clearcut.  They're harder than hell to see, so for the most part they are safe if they are standing still.  The deer stay frozen 15 minutes or more, and resume normal activity once the vehicle leaves.  IDK if this is correct, but it sounds reasonable. 

Some other reference from years ago - possibly Iverson (?) said that you have to go at least 400 yards into the bush from a road to get into buck territory/range during the early season.  During or near the rut, a big buck could be anywhere, which is why some people road hunt. 

[RB]

Page 87 item number 6 of your 2020 regulations.  It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a motor vehicle.  Yes, road hunters spook (and never even know it) much more game than they harvest.

There are a lot of people with handicapped licenses that can legally shoot from their vehicle.  But even the rule you stated doesn't mean you can't spot an animal from your vehicle and get out and get off the road and shoot.

 

Not to mention a guy could spend from before daylight to darn near dark and be driving out back to camp and see a shootable animal, step off the road and shoot it. It happens all the time, or hit the brush before daylight not see what you want to see and be heading to a new spot for an evening hunt and have an animal cross the road in front of you. Not all road hunters are the same 

[GUscottie]

I know guys that are crazy successful road hunters.  Heck they sometimes have killed very nice animals.   The way I figure it.....to each their own.   I’m of the mindset that vehicles scare animals in different ways than foot traffic but both (all) styles of hunting spook animals .

I believe there is a time and place for it. This year, we "road" hunted to locate deer while glassing. We are glassing sometimes 2-3 miles away from where roads are. Rather than randomly hiking in. We also are hunting a "migratory" route for deer. A buddy of mine and I both shot a couple mashers 400 yards from each other and 200 yards from the road... Not my preferred style of hunting, but when the deer are moving, they are moving.

My preferred method is glass, hike, glass, hike, etc....but if you can do the glassing while in a warm truck (when it is 0 degrees outside), why not? I'm willing to try something new.

[pianoman9701]

I've seen a lot of critters while I've driven. It seems to affect elk and mature bucks the most.  I'm old but can still put some miles on my boots. But once or twice during the season, if we aren't on anything, we'll take a ride in the truck with a hot cup of coffee. As long as it's legal and you have proper access, do your own thing. . Just remember: tomorrow, you may be in a different physical condition than you are today. Change happens fast. Be careful about judging how people choose to hunt.

[Aeron]

I don't care whether someone road hunts or what not.  This past week though, I have seen ten fold more hunters in my hunting area than I have seen in just the past five years of going in there.  The other night after dark, Thursday I believe, I came walking out from behind a gate and as I was packing up the truck (just gear, not a deer unfortunately), four separate parties of hunters in trucks were headed down the mainline.  When I drove off of the spur road to turn on the mainline, I am not kidding, a DOZEN rigs drove down the hill and three drove up the hill. I had to wait, like as if it were a damned stoplight! lol.
Previous years I have seen MAYBE one or two trucks in the area on a weekend. 
I don't know how many were road hunting, but I have no doubt that the traffic will have an impact on deer movement.  Due to the increased human presence in or out of vehicles, I have changed my plan drastically. Hiking further and deeper into the woods, and staying away on weekends. 
Part of the problem that I see is the increased number of locked and gated roads lately in this area.  There are a few ungated areas up this way, and it seems that everyone is focusing on those areas because the access is easy.  Two years ago this area i hunt was locked up at late buck, but I have been walking/biking in three to four miles on the road for access. As I get older, I will probably do less walking and more driving, but for now, I gotta get away from the crowds. 

[Magnum_Willys]

The traffic outdoors has increased up to tenfold this year in some areas from my limited observation.   At one trailhead in Indian Heaven in the GP I counted 64 cars one day in September and these were mostly just hikers and some berry pickers.  Good to see the Country getting outdoors.    Same in Idaho - early season hunter numbers were most ever and makes it more important to get off the road.

[Jingles]

Probably not going to make many friends but if you fall into this category not being a friend is no loss on my part.  Unless you are physically unable to traverse the terrain why don't you stay home and watch cartoons with the rest of the children in the family. To those that are proficient long time road hunters just shows you never took the time to learn how to actually hunt.

[jrebel]

Probably not going to make many friends but if you fall into this category not being a friend is no loss on my part.  Unless you are physically unable to traverse the terrain why don't you stay home and watch cartoons with the rest of the children in the family. To those that are proficient long time road hunters just shows you never took the time to learn how to actually hunt.

Jingles....I met you and thought our time BS'ing was great, you appeared to be a good guy.   With that said.....your comments on here are about as abrasive as 40 grit toilet paper!!!  They also come across as very uniformed and judgemental.  I will use me as an example.....I hunt all three disciplines (rifle, muzzy and archery).  I also hunt solo, with hunting partners and with my family.  Depending on the hunt, my time and who I am hunting with will dictate how I hunt.  I have been 20 miles deep on horseback in Idaho, I have been 10 miles deep on foot in Montana, I have roadhunted and I have sat on the porch of my cabin watching the food plot.  All of them were very valuable experiences that made memories that will last a lifetime.  Hell, some of my most memorable hunts have been with my young kids while sitting in a blind that we drove our side by side to.  If that makes me or anyone else less of a hunter, well so be it. 

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Probably not going to make many friends but if you fall into this category not being a friend is no loss on my part.  Unless you are physically unable to traverse the terrain why don't you stay home and watch cartoons with the rest of the children in the family. To those that are proficient long time road hunters just shows you never took the time to learn how to actually hunt.

Jingles....I met you and thought our time BS'ing was great, you appeared to be a good guy.   With that said.....your comments on here are about as abrasive as 40 grit toilet paper!!!  They also come across as very uniformed and judgemental.  I will use me as an example.....I hunt all three disciplines (rifle, muzzy and archery).  I also hunt solo, with hunting partners and with my family.  Depending on the hunt, my time and who I am hunting with will dictate how I hunt.  I have been 20 miles deep on horseback in Idaho, I have been 10 miles deep on foot in Montana, I have roadhunted and I have sat on the porch of my cabin watching the food plot.  All of them were very valuable experiences that made memories that will last a lifetime.  Hell, some of my most memorable hunts have been with my young kids while sitting in a blind that we drove our side by side to.  If that makes me or anyone else less of a hunter, well so be it.

I was thinking 30grit but tomato tomato.

I think Jingles was getting after the "I only road hunt though I am completely capable crowd".

"To those that are proficient long time road hunters just shows you never took the time to learn how to actually hunt." Which isnt you Jrebel.

To each there own. I could never do it. Even Remy Warren would tell you at times he's road hunted. Again not the crowd I think Jingles was going after.

As to the OP's question.....

The deer are still there they just have moved away from the road. How many times have you heard the hunt from the trail head. I've been on hunts where I was glassing a hill for days. Moved to that hill and glassed to the hill I was on to find a dandy shooter bedded on the hill I was glassing from. Which happen to be the hill the trail was on....

Also liked the some spook to a vehicle some spook to foot traffic. Best way to hunt a turkey on private land is in a white t-shirt. What is the animal use to is the question and when that gets messed with thats when the animals get funky. If the road is open year round and gets traffic year round they are not going to give to S's if someone is road hunting it. Increase that traffic by 50-100% and sure they will notice and be more cautious which tends to be the case near an opener of any season.

[birddogdad]

have some spots i run near dirt roads for my aging dad.. has been a steady procession of road hunters for past 2 weekends from daylight to dark.. hard to get my 80YO father a place off the road to sit, not too far in but enough to get away from those real big game warriors!

[jstone]

It only spooks them when you slid to a stop. Jump out and yell Deer!!!!!
Then slam the door to chase them.
Other than that they just stand and stare.

[Jingles]

Jingles....I met you and thought our time BS'ing was great, you appeared to be a good guy.   With that said.....your comments on here are about as abrasive as 40 grit toilet paper!!!  They also come across as very uniformed and judgemental.  I will use me as an example.....I hunt all three disciplines (rifle, muzzy and archery).  I also hunt solo, with hunting partners and with my family.  Depending on the hunt, my time and who I am hunting with will dictate how I hunt.  I have been 20 miles deep on horseback in Idaho, I have been 10 miles deep on foot in Montana, I have roadhunted and I have sat on the porch of my cabin watching the food plot.  All of them were very valuable experiences that made memories that will last a lifetime.  Hell, some of my most memorable hunts have been with my young kids while sitting in a blind that we drove our side by side to.  If that makes me or anyone else less of a hunter, well so be it.
[/quote]

jrebel
In your response you clearly stated that road hunting isn't the only way you hunt and I am sure that it isn't and As I clearly stated "unless you are physically unable to traverse the terrain". personally I have no problem with those that are physically challenged in fact I have the utmost respect and admiration for those that are PHYSICALLY challenged and get out to enjoy the sport, however those that are NOT physically challenged and still spend more time in their vehicles instead of the actual woods because they are to lazy to get out and use some boot leather should as stated stay home and watch cartoons with the rest of the children
 Now let me explain why I feel this way If at 72 years of age and having overcome the affects of having polio I have no  sympathy or respect for those that are healthy and not had to overcome any type of physical debilitation that ride around in vehicles saying they are hunting.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Probably not going to make many friends but if you fall into this category not being a friend is no loss on my part.  Unless you are physically unable to traverse the terrain why don't you stay home and watch cartoons with the rest of the children in the family. To those that are proficient long time road hunters just shows you never took the time to learn how to actually hunt.

That's some funny stuff right there.  Some of the easiest deer I have ever shot have been far from any road.  And some of the toughest ones have been close to roads.  Those remote deer are relaxed and don't even know you are danger if they happen to see you. Some of them are curious of what the heck you are.  Those road deer know exactly what you are as they see people most every day so they are spookier. But they are there. 

I grew up hunting thick timber and some edges near the local power lines or a farmer's field. We were either still hunting or making drives to someone on a stand. Never even considered hunting a clearcut. What self respecting deer would be out in a clearcut was the thinking at the time. Then I started hunting with a girlfriend's dad when I was about 20 and he was a confirmed clearcut hunter and very good at it. It opened my eyes to new possibilities.  Later in life I hunted with a guy who had some physical disabilities and he mostly road hunted but would also glass a lot of clearcuts and occasionally would take a stand and I'd do pushes to him. He taught me a lot about road hunting. And there are definitely times when road hunting can be the most effective way to hunt depending on conditions. For one thing, you can cover a lot more ground than walking.

My favorite way to hunt is either still hunting or spot and stalk. But there are times when road hunting is just the ticket.  I'm not going to limit myself by being stuck on way way of hunting.

[fishnfur]

 

Way off topic.

[Skyvalhunter]

what makes you say that

[GASoline71]

Who gives a rip if people road hunt. They can knock themselves out.

That just means less people deeper in the woods where I wanna be. 

Gary

[Taco280AI]

Who gives a rip if people road hunt. They can knock themselves out.

That just means less people deeper in the woods where I wanna be. 

Gary

 

[Whitefoot]

Lol.. My morning entertainment.   

[7mmfan]

Who gives a rip if people road hunt. They can knock themselves out.

That just means less people deeper in the woods where I wanna be. 

Gary

 

   If people want to road hunt, great, good for them. I do it from time to time as well. Can be dang effective in the right scenario. Otherwise, the more people driving around, the less people there are away from the roads where I'm hunting. We should start a pro-road hunting campaign, try to get more people to do it.

[vandeman17]

Who gives a rip if people road hunt. They can knock themselves out.

That just means less people deeper in the woods where I wanna be. 

Gary

 

   If people want to road hunt, great, good for them. I do it from time to time as well. Can be dang effective in the right scenario. Otherwise, the more people driving around, the less people there are away from the roads where I'm hunting. We should start a pro-road hunting campaign, try to get more people to do it.

No kidding. Some times road hunting is a great break for the mind and body. I have had days after a morning sit in a stand or long hike that a warm rig and change of scenery for a little while is just what the doctor orders. I guess I shouldn't tell Jingles that I am physically fit either or else I might lose my "real hunter" status

[7mmfan]

I will add, that I'm a terrible road hunter. I have never shot an animal while road hunting. I drive to fast, I keep my eyes on the road, not on the hill. A couple years ago in Idaho I had an opportunity at a nice buck. I saw a glimpse of a deer above the road as I drove by. I stopped, got out with my binos and looked. Sure enough, nice buck. Went back, got my rifle, loaded it, grabbed my sticks, just got set up and he walked off. Never saw him again. If I was a better road hunter I would have known to just get out with my rifle and shoot it. So it goes.

[Buckhunter24]

I love road hunting with my older family members. Hot coffee, a six pack of raspberry filled, powder sugar coated donuts and a small chance of shooting a deer is a pretty good way to spend a rainy day...

As far as spooking deer, you will definitely see some running off before you could ever get out, get clip in and shoot. In the rut there's always a chance the will stare right at you and stay put, even a mature buck. My nicest blacktail was right off a private logging road when I was a kid. Road hunting is also in season scouting, especially for blacktail ive found it to be helpful in locating deer then getting out and hunting.

[rtspring]

Spooks them right into the truck!

[WapitiTalk1]

Spooks them right into the truck!

Ha, that'll work. Dandy buck RT.   

[Doublelunger]

My old man is primarily a road hunter.  He's got his general buck 12 out of the last 13 years and probably 26 or 27 out of the last 30. Unit 101 & 204.

[Angry Perch]

I've shot blacktails 7 straight years; 4 rifle, 2 archery, and 1 muzzleloader. I figure the cumulative distance from my truck to where I pulled the trigger for all 7 of them was about 120'. All seven times the deer was hanging in the garage before dark, and my wife and I had liver for dinner. If road hunting is wrong, I don't want to be right!

As for blacktail being scared of the truck? Their ability to be invisible (so they think) is their downfall. They just freeze and stare. I hunt in a managed forest, and drive a white F150. They see a hundred of them a day. It's like clear-cut camouflage!