Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Shaqdiesel on September 17, 2014, 07:41:12 AM

Title: New to bowhunting and deer.
Post by: Shaqdiesel on September 17, 2014, 07:41:12 AM: Hi guys, I finally broke down and bought a bow this year and have decided to get into deer hunting, up until now, I was waterfowl only. I am hunting public land, mostly in the whiteriver unit in the timber and I was wondering if there was anyone that could give me any tips for that style of hunting, I have only seen one doe and that was opening day. I decided to take thursday off work because it looks like it might rain and give it a shot, I am planning on going before day light, I am wondering if I should try to sneak into a clear cut and wait for daylight or if I should be glassing clear cuts, Im open to any tips or suggestions because I dont know deer like I know ducks. Thanks.
Title: Re: New to bowhunting and deer.
Post by: JJD on September 17, 2014, 09:45:13 AM: I hunted both upland and waterfowl exclusively after giving up big game hunting years ago.
I got into Archery year before last and am enjoying the challenge, I bet you will too.
I'm not much help as I am over on the east side and don't hunt the kind of country you hunt.
Just wanted to wish ya the best of luck, there is a bit of a learning curve to the game, but stay after it, ya will catch on.
Title: Re: New to bowhunting and deer.
Post by: DoubleJ on September 17, 2014, 11:35:08 AM: Get to the woods before daylight

walk around woods for 6 hours, slow and quiet, covering 500 yards total in that time being very careful to stay silent

stop and rest for lunch

get started again and walk another 500 yards over the next 7 hours

after the last minute of shooting light, make the 1/2 mile walk back to your truck

spook 2 bucks and a doe feeding 15 yards from your truck :bash:

Welcome to blacktail hunting!
Title: Re: New to bowhunting and deer.
Post by: DoubleJ on September 17, 2014, 11:38:43 AM: Just kidding. My best advice is to find active trails and follow them until they open up into a well used small open area full of fresh sign, preferrably next to a clearcut. Those small openings adjacent to clear cuts can be a gold mine. Find a downwind set up spot on that small opening and wait. That is MY personal approach but I hate spot and stalk. Many will tell you spot and stalk is the best way to tackle blacktail but for me, the above works best
Title: Re: New to bowhunting and deer.
Post by: bobcat on September 17, 2014, 11:41:22 AM: I would try to get to a vantage point at first light and try to spot a deer in a clearcut, and then figure out a way to get to it.