If you have an interest in hunting, deer hunting might be ideal for you. There are several factors to keep in mind while hunting, and it can seem daunting. With the right preparation and planning, you will be able to bag a mature whitetail successfully.
There is a common concern of deer hunting being very expensive and very tiring. The experience is worse when you are unable to get the bounty and all your efforts go in vain. Contrary to popular misconceptions, you can successfully fill buck tags when you strategize properly and take the right preparations.
This article will discuss how to effectively plan a DIY whitetail hunt in simple steps.
List What You Need
It is crucial to list all your hunting essentials at least a week before starting your journey. Listing the necessary items beforehand and packing accordingly will reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important. When you make a list, you can also find items that you will need but do not have in your inventory.
Planning and making a checklist ahead will prevent frustrating last-minute shopping. In other words, it will reduce any waste of time and exasperation. When loading your items on your truck or any other hunting vehicle, check off each item in the list.
Avoid throwing in all your hunting essentials in the trunk at the last minute before your trip. If you do so, you are bound to forget an important object. For your convenience, follow the basic checklist in the following.
- Backpacking tents
- Water bottle
- A pair of hunting clothes
- A clean set of sleeping clothes
- A clean towel
- Camping food
- Hunting license
- Gun that has been cleaned and tested
- Land permit
- Fully charged batteries
- Game camera
- Binoculars
- Blind or tree stand
- Ammunition
- Flashlight
- Backpack
- Gun case
- Gun cleaning kit
- Hand and foot warmers
- Rain jacket
- Hunting vest
- Boots
- Scent attractant
- First aid kit
- GPS
- Bug spray
- Deer tags
- Permanent marker
- Dressing kit: knives and gloves
- Strong ropes
- Scent reduction wash
- Scent reduction spray
Pack Light
It is best to avoid packing too many items. A huge number of belongings can make you feel overwhelmed. Moreover, carrying heavy luggage can also be quite inconvenient. It will also be very difficult for you to find the right item you need amongst the mess.
Rummaging through your belongings to find the right gear wastes a significant amount of time and is also quite cumbersome. Simply pack all the essentials. For keeping everything organized, you can use separate totes or bags.
For instance, you can take one bag where you keep all the hunting essentials like binoculars, guns, gloves, and ropes. You can take another bag or a plastic tote to keep your hunting apparel. By using separate bags and being organized, you can save time and hunt efficiently.
Choose the Location
It is recommended to research the nearest hunting locations. Get all the information you need regarding the location. From the terrain descriptions to the laws and regulations, one needs to know of all the required details of the location.
With the advent of technology, you can assess the various aerial photos of the location. Opt for terrain that has shrubs, trees, bedding ridges, creeks, swales (marshes), and round cliffs. Deer usually take shelter or graze in such topographic conditions. It is also easier to hunt them in these landscapes.
Obtain a Deer Tag
It is wise to read up on the state hunting regulations and permits. You also need to meet the requirements of getting the deer tag. Deer tags are mandatory for all whitetail hunters, and you need to keep them throughout the entire hunting trip. There are different requirements and regulations for deer tag usage in different seasons.
The information from the tagging processes and their validation gives important harvesting information. This information is used to set future deer hunting seasons and their limits. Such control helps in maintaining the natural ecosystem and keeps track of the natural resources.
First, you need to choose a location and then get the deer tag accordingly. You should familiarize yourself with the application and validation process of the deer tag. You can get the tag after meeting the requirements. Some states offer drawings whereas others offer over-the-counter tags.
Map and Scout the Location
After choosing the location and getting the deer tag, you have to map out the selected location. Spend ample time on the aerial photos if you are living far from the location. If the venue is near you then you can visit there and assess the terrain.
Pinpoint the areas you want to explore and gather as much information as possible. You also need to plan how to explore these areas and hunt efficiently. Mapping the location will help you immensely in deciding which direction to take when following a deer. It will also save you an ample amount of time and energy.
By pinpointing the areas remotely on aerial maps, you can scout the terrain as soon as you arrive. For efficient scouting, you need to set up scouting cameras. Spray the scent removal aerosol all over yourself when you are scouting and hunting. Keep an eye out for any movement and new scrapes. Cameras are your best friend here.
Mark the location by taking the picture of the spot with obvious signs of deer presence and leave the scene immediately. This needs to be quick as you do not want to alert the nearby bucks. Continue marking areas in this way so that you can keep track and find your prey instantly.
After marking the areas, revise the photos you took. It is best to spend at least one day scouting the entire area physically and with cameras. With the help of scouting, you can also come up with a plan of attack. After assessing the marked areas, you can decide on which place to hunt.
Go back to the region you liked the best and prepare your gun and set your hunting blind. Now is the time to take your binoculars out to look for any subtle movements. Again, ensure that you have scent removal spray all over your body.
You also need to be as quiet as possible. Simply follow the rule of thumb of being extremely low-key. Once you see a buck, aim, and shoot.
Final Words
Deer hunting might seem time-consuming, but it can be an exhilarating experience. With the right planning and implementation, you can successfully get a prized deer on the back of your truck.
