For entertainment I listen to a lot of talking heads about hunting deer, but you approach hunting deer with common sense. I am now 65, started hunting when I was 14 with my Dad. He did not over think the sport, the first bit of info he gave me was that I was not hunting deer, but a giant rabbit. I was always blessed in that I had our farm to hunt plus the Hoosier National Forest which surrounded it here in Southern Indiana. However. on opening weekend of shotgun season we headed for a section of public land where the pressure was so heavy that before daylight the amount of flashlights on the ridges surrounding us looked like a lightening bug convention. But dad and I sat in a creek bottom that was thick with briars and cedars. Never saw a hunter down there, around daylight the shooting would start, and without fail, the vast majority of opening mornings we both would have a deer by 11:00. Dad died 15 years ago, but to this day on opening morning I still head for that creek bottom. Semper Fi, USMC.
Never been deer hunting before and I don't have anyone to teach me. Makes me extremely grateful to live in this internet age where I can POP all of my questions into a search bar and find useful information.
Hunting in my experience has a lot to do with understanding the critters and their surroundings! I never hunted from a blind but ether seeing them moving to an area or walking to an area where they gather staying in high ground if possible. I have had an advantage growing up on a farm with wooded areas near a marsh on our land! I sat on high ground again, watching them from a distance. I hunted deer with a single shot rifled barreled 12 gauge shotgun as it is lighter to carry and you only get one shot anyway! I made my shots count that I new the deer was going down.
I’m not sure where you live but if you are close to southwest Missouri I would love to take you out on my 400 acre property. It would be completely free of charge and you would only have to pay for your tags! I love to pass along hunting knowledge and experience to those looking to get into it.
There is a million deer hunting channels on UA-cam and I have to say this channel is one of my favorites. It’s great to see a guy who can talk a bunch of knowledge and show us results.
My uncle and I went hunting last year. We are both novice big game hunters, and I can give you a whole list of mistakes that we made. We set up next to a small river, upwind of deer of course, and didn't see a thing. However, that entire morning, fish were feeding right in front of us. The next day we brought some poles and had one of the best fishing days ever. Take what nature gives you, because the only use your plans serve you are to get you out there.
@@TennesseeBass849 but if you set up those 3, your so close to your others your being counterproductive bc your spooking the deer that are between you and your second stand on your way over.
I’ve never had any problems hunting deer but I don’t focus on bucks . I prefer does the meat is better eating. Especially while hunting moose cows are better eating. I’m 80 now and been hunting since I was a very young kid. Great job guys. 👍🇨🇦
Liked, saved, subscribed, and rang the bell! This guy knows what he is talking about! I see so many hunting videos promoting gadgets and fads. This is real hunting advice garnered from years of experience. I always take my ATV hunting with me...and it stays on the trailer where it belongs unless I need it to extract a deer I have killed. My philosophy is to hunt all the way to the tree stand/ blind and all the way back to the truck.
I haven't watched the whole video but yes, wait. If he's laying down bleeding out let him. They're not always dead. I put a poor shot on a 140" buck. I jumped him by walking in. He jumped and ran and I'm guessing he clotted.
They taught us that in my hunter education class. Wait 45 minutes. Seems like an unbelievably long time, but I guess it makes sense. Problem is if you shoot them right at dusk, then you have to track them in the dark, and if you wait until morning the coyotes will get the carcass first. All part of the experience!
As a tracker with a trained tracking dog I am SO HAPPY to hear you emphasize backing out after a questionable shot. It really is the biggest factor as to whether that deer will be recovered after a bad shot.
This may seem stupid but I just setup 360 degree trail cams with 4G at all my hunting stands on my 150 acre property. I figure I don't have much land so I take notes on which animals are where at certain times. My daughter planted thousands of berries of all verities (from seed) and when walking through the property you can't go more than 50 feet without being able to eat berries in any direction. Problem is now we have black bears.
I'm 27 years old nobody in my family or even group of friends hunts.. I just picked up a bow last year I've gone on 1 unsuccessful hunt with a tag everything else has been cottontails/coyote. There's so much to take in especially not knowing anything about anything but so far I love it. I hope to continue learning thank you for the video
Haha pretty much me. I'm 27 and no one in my family hunts and I never even thought about it despite camping a lot when I was younger. Two years ago I went out with a friend who just bought a bow and went out elk hunting. We ended up in a wooded area completely surrounded by elk before daylight and they were bugling their heads off all around us. Coolest experience ever. Got a bow of my own summer last year and am wanting to ramp up this year.
Amen to that. I heard an ATV on WIs opener and sure, enough 20 minutes later deer camp running. Love the neighbors 😁 and their ATVs. Diane got to see some of the deer where she was hunting...spooked them roughly 600-700 yards and they probably didn't even realize there were deer there. Ha, I like walking too 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions every herd can be different. I’ve watched deer on one part of our lease not be affected by machinery and the other side, 4 miles away, they take off at the slightest sound.
Reef, I've had similar experiences. I hunt deer and turkey on a place adjacent to the Mississippi River (often under the river) where between the barges, railroad, and quarry noise the critters never get much peace. We just cannot get a tom to shock gobble and the deer aren't too nervous. Other places I hunt have remarkably different behavior.
Living in Wisconsin I never hunted in a blind that I new our area on our farm tracking their movements before the hunt! I used a 28 in single shot 12 gauge shotgun with a rifled barrel as I made sure one shot will put it down! I always hunted from higher ground with the wind in my face getting closer sometimes on my belly in tall grass at times! This is hunting not waiting for the deer to walk by!!
My father was a prolific deer hunter and probably bagged over 100 bucks. Some really nice ones too. Most of his activities were for meat and he preferred does for the taste, but when he had meat in the freezer he'd switch to trophy hunting bucks. That thing you mentioned about the deer patterning hunters, you're the only person I've heard mention that besides him. It's true too. If you're predictable in the times you hunt or you spend too much time in one area, the mature animals will either leave the area completely or go fully nocturnal. Once they feel that pressured and go nocturnal, the only times you're going to bag those animals is if they're spooked out of their bedding areas by another hunter and they're driven to you.
thank you for taking the time to make this video, and sharing your knowledge! I'm prepping for my season here in IL, and have finally gotten to a point in my hunting tenure that I will choose to be very picky on what I shoot. I'm starting to rely more on skill versus luck, and helpful tips like your video will continue reinforcing my approach.
I am a self thought deer hunter and so I listen to others whenever they are talking about deet hunting I have been told by several people to go sit in my tree stand all day when the wind is constantly changing direction is this really a good idea
I have to say thank you. Yesterday I was hunting a little over a mile back in the VA mountains. Raining steady and I was getting wet and highly frustrated. I just texted my brother at 3pm and told him I was going to head out. Before I did I looked on your website and read some of your advice about rain and weather and hunting the breaks. It gave me a second wind and I decided to stick it out. We are in prime rut and I was in between bedding. 330 six bucks come running a doe. I shot the biggest buck I have to date. I’m not good at aging but the taxidermy said he was an older deer and he would let me know after checking his teeth. A few minutes later a 3 1/2 year old 9 pointer came down. I couldn’t resist so I took him too. I have to thank God for the opportunity and I thank you for the information you put out there for us!!
Man I love to hear that feedback and I am so happy for you!! The grind is worth it, isn't it? Thanks for letting me know and I hope the info helps others too...
My product is simple , I wash everything I own and myself in baking soda to eliminate odors. Great info well done. My tip is an old indian method of entering an area walking in a flowing creek and not on the land.
It's great to hear common sense, reasonable advice that works for the average Michigan hunter. So much of what is out there is for the once-in-a-lifetime fantasy hunts. Keep it up!
Thank you very much Antonio...that really means a lot to me! Just trying to help as much as possible - most of the info out there is really poor for the average person so I have a mission to offer information that fits more appropriately for the average hunter 👍
Thank you so much for these videos. I’m planning on taking up bow hunting this next year and eventually rifle/shotgun. You’ve provided me with a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have possibly learned in the same amount of time from my in-laws that are hunters
I’m a new subscriber. Excellent work. Been binge watching your videos as my son and I are preparing our very first deer habitat. If you find yourself in Missouri, let me s know. This is really awesome information! 👍
I’m a firm believer in getting information from more than one source but on deer hunting, I keep coming back to these videos because since taking up archery, I have seen a direct correlation between the information put out by Jeff and what I see in the field. I find that I’m probably still sitting in a stand more than I should and need to work on my discipline in that regard. So much great information here! 🏹
The problem with leaving a deer overnight is coyotes I have seen many deer picked clean sometimes you will have a property filled with coyotes and then deer will be fine and sometimes you will never see a coyotes for years and your deer will be picked clean
Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I feel it is really informative and useful. There is one thing that I adamantly do not agree with that seems to becoming more of a practice and that is "waiting until the next day." I do agree with backing off for a few hours and even until after dark, but I do not agree that anything should be left overnight. The majority of the time people wait for the next day is because it is not a great shot. A gut shot deer sitting overnight is not a good thing for meat recovery and many will argue that the meat is no good after siting overnight when gut shot. Secondly, leaving an animal overnight exposes it to predators for longer than necessary. I can't tell you how many times someone I know let a deer sit overnight only to have it destroyed by coyotes by morning. Are you going to eat that deer after coyotes picked it apart? Think about that. To me, anytime a hunter let's a deer sit overnight they are indicating that they are not in it for the meat, but only for the trophy. A better option in my mind it to back off for an hour or two and (before you actually go hunting) invest in a handheld thermal for tracking [following state guidelines]. This allows you to track and spot before they jump up and run. I have used method this on multiple occasions because it allows you to see if the deer is dead or sitting upright. If it is sitting upright, then sit your ass down and wait... might be a long night before it dies, but that is the price you pay for a poor shot and you owe that to the deer (or whatever it is). Not only does this enable you to monitor the deer and be there when it dies, but your presence will deter things like coyotes from getting to it before you. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the video and the information you shared. Thanks again!
Agreed. I heard someone say they wait 18 hours before they go looking for their buck... I just walked away from the conversation. That's not someone I care to associate with.
My ATV broke down a few years ago and I never felt like paying to get it fixed. Turns out this has been one of the best decisions I have made on my 175 acre hunting property. Walking or even riding a mountain bike to and from stands and using a cart to recover deer has greatly reduced the felt pressure on my property during hunting season.
The number of curious deer I’ve seen during brush clearing a watch or hammering a ground blind together blows my mind. Make a little crack or ting and they run, pound nails and they come check it out...
You can also ride a bicycle right up to a deer without it running away, I do it all the time. The second you put your feet on the ground though, they run.
Thank you for providing useful information that can be applied on my small hunting area of around 200 acres. I get so tired of watching the big shows that are on these world class hunting resorts talking about how they couldn't have done it without their (insert sponsor here) when all they had to do was show up and pick the deer they wanted. I've been looking for a real hunter that isn't beholden to his/her sponsors in their videos. Once again THANK YOU
Thank you...I really appreciate you watching and it means a lot that the info helps and is practical...without all of the sponsor hype! I hope the hunting industry changes...but man, it's almost like a NASCAR victory speech nowadays...
Thanks again, I've had success again this year taking your advice. Not letting deer pattern me. Harvested heavy 10pt Coxsackie, NY 9am 300yds between 2 favorite stands from ground. Thank you
Thanks great tutorial, subscribed. I'm one of those guys - I tromp loudly into the woods, leaving all sorts of scent, spooking every creature for miles. I sit in my blind for hours, and the rare deer that comes into view busts me right away and snorts to warn the others. Hunting is an art, like playing the violin - obviously it can't be learned in a day or even in a season. But it's still fun to be out there! Season starts Monday morning here and will be re-watching your video to remind me some of these great tips.
This is a really good list. I started hunting when I was a kid and then as an adult I went into military and then college so I just got back into it 3 years ago. I'm 30 now and one thing I've noticed that I've learned over that past couple seasons is to not overthink it. I shower with baking soda before my hunt as well as wash my clothes with baking soda and then head out to the field. Spray some dead downwind and set my stand up according to wind. That's about it and I've seen a LOT of deer.
My 1st year deer hunting with my fiance and we've made just about every mistake.. Thank you so much for this video.. But we have had fun together.. Next year will be much different
My son is 11 and this will be his first year whitetail hunting. I shared this video with him. Thanks for making it & thanks for not trying to cram products down our throat the whole time! Great video!
@@keithlucas6260 That's awesome! My son finally knocked a small buck down yesterday. Today is the last day here in Nebraska and he has one more tag to fill. I am really tired 😫 LOL But he is ready to go get another one!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...took both with his AR.... He was just given a youth .243 and I had to scramble to find ammo for it....after a week of searching the internet and calling stores, I lucked out in going to Academy Sports before they opened and stood in line on the day they get ammo. Scored the 3 box limit on 5.56, grabbed 3 boxes of .243 and a box of .270, now everyone is happy.
@@keithlucas6260 Dang! Close call! Haha Ammo is hard to get these days for sure. Glad to hear you got what you needed. My son is shooting and old sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser. When I finally found some ammo online a couple of months ago I bought a case of 200. Haha 😄 He would have shot every round by now target shooting if I would have let him. I told him it costs me a dollar every time you pull the trigger son!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...great, oddly enough I stopped last week at Walmart as I never shop there, and found ten boxes of the 300 WM @ $54/box and the only ones on the barren shelves...they're still there as I've already purchased 300 rounds months earlier.
Hard part for me is hunting public land. I’m new to the area and I’m always over considerate of other hunters who’ve had seniority on the land so trying to find a good spot with just the perfect wind direction for that given day in Michigan is proving to be very difficult so when I find a blind or make a blind in a spot where I’ve seen deer in range that’s about all I can do unless I want to trudge all over and ruin everyone else’s day Trying to find a different location. what I look for is the food source and the place they travel through. I’ve hunted private land my whole life taken some good bucks. But this public land is a whole new beast I’m just waiting for someone to say some thing pretty much. Also I’ve sat in places where I feel I have potential and get dog walkers at prime time ruining my hunt. So it’s a shot in the dark for a guy like me with limited options. However this information is very useful regardless of how much property you have access to thank you Jeff
I have hunted public land a lot in my later years. Had blinds & stands stolen, people walking around all times of the day. Had a guy set up so close once we could have had coffee together. BUT if you harvest a decent animal on public land YOU can call yourself a hunter. After the wildlife has a horde of people putting stand's up. Then they hear 50 slammed vehicle doors. (That ruffles my fur) That public land is nocturnal. They're dug in deep or they've moved off public land to private land. They're not stupid. It's like you're going and putting up a stand in your neighbor's living room. Show up opening day with 25 other guys then wait for your neighbor to get up off the couch to make a shot. I would bet your neighbor knows you're hiding there lol. Well remember you're in the deers living room. Yep so you shoot a deer on public land. You will be very proud of yourself, as you are Hunter. It's way more challenging. Everyone should do it, especially if you are the guy that walks out into the private land every year and shoot your deer opening day every year. That was me for many, many years. Until I moved. Still have property but it's just quite the distance to drive. It's more of a gopher a week or two property. But if you're one of these guys please try some public land hunting. Put yourself to the test. WARNING: IF YOU HUNT ON PUBLIC LAND YOU WILL RUN INTO EVERY TYPE OF JACKASS MORON NON HUNTING HUNTERS THAT THINK THEIR FRED BEAR. PEOPLE WILL STEAL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SO LOCK IT UP THE BEST YOU CAN. DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE. I GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IF I BLIND HUNT I SET IT UP EVERY MORNING AND WHERE I DECIDED TO HUNT BUY CHECKING MY MAPS. AND DO YOUR PRESEASON HOMEWORK EVERYTHING WILL GO HAYWIRE AFTER OPENING DAY BUT YOU WILL HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT'S GOING ON. OH YEAH AND THEY PASS LOSS SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO PREVENT THIS BUT YOU STILL HAVE THE RANDOM NON-HUNTER THAT LIKES TO BANG POTS AND PANS AND CERTAIN URBAN AREAS IF THAT'S YOU KNOW ALL YOU GOT IF THIS HAPPENS DO NOT CONFRONT THEM CALL DNR THERE ARE LAWS TO PROTECT YOU.
Thanks Jeff for taking all the helpful information you keep put out there. I only wished I would have found your channel a little sooner. I will however start implementing as many of your suggestion as I can when appropriate. I've had a rough couple of years health wise, so I would love to be able to spend more time hunting around my land. With all the information I've gathered from your videos, I should be able to improve my hunting success around home in southern Vermont greatly. So thanks again Jeff.
i'm 18 I have always loved hunting but never got to do it growing up my family doesn't hunt with that said when i turned 18 I went out and bought myself a crossbow and a blind and started on my own. Videos like this are much appreciated in the learning process for me. I managed to get myself a doe right at the tail end of the season after many hours of sitting in one spot every night for over a month. This video should help me maybe get one sooner in the season or possibly get a doe and a buck. Keep making these videos they should help plenty more young hunters like me who never got the hands on experience growing up.
I didn’t start hunting till I was 41. My first season I got two deer one being an 8 point. I’ve been a bunch this year and have only seen deer twice. Shot at one with a crossbow but missed low. Learned you really need to have your yardage down (get a range finder). Keep at it! Never stop learning.
I live in Maine and there is vary few big bucks. Would love too hunt in the south. But will never be able to afford a guided hunt, so I take what ever buck i can. Thay are all trophy bucks to me. Have fun out there and be safe.
Keep in mind, a lot of these will be location based. Every deer that's been killed on my property in Eastern KY has been in the morning and often heading to food sources. Some deer will pay more attention to smell than others. Sound is definitely a big enemy though. Over hunting isn't a thing when done properly imho (scent and noise control and being sure not to spook them while in stand) as most of us don't have the funds to put up 5 different stands.
I was hunting my brothers 88 acres in KY and the first day, being unfamiliar and not sure I'd find his stand I drove the ATV within 100 yards, that was Sunday. I saw several 4 point bucks about 40 yards off to my right and a six point 100 yards in front of me but held off shooting the 6 that day, I just don't shoot a buck with 6 or lower points. If I shoot the 6 he is magnificent. I didnt go back to that same spot until Thursday morning but this time I parked the atv about 1/2 mile away. I was in the stand by 05:52 and downed the 8 pointer at 07:46 using my Stevens .270. He went right down and lay still after about 2 min. It was a good 82 yard shot.
Great video! I as a disabled hunter I am stuck with my ATV or hunting right out of my truck a lot. I am a paraplegic and can walk a little with crutches. The problem with walking is it takes a lot of effort and I get very hot walking a short distance, especially with a lot of clothing on hunting here in Maine. This is one reason I hunt a lot of places all day. I hope that if I made any noise in the morning I am hoping that it is forgotten about by evening. There are a lot of things I have to do differently, believe me I have hunted since I was about 10 and I was not a paraplegic till just after my 23 rd birthday, I have hunted just as you described for years. It is very frustrating but you can only do what you can do. I love to hunt and be in God's country. There is nothing better. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank you. God bless and Good Hunting! Maine North Woods Hunter (Shane)
Call me what you want but you can’t argue with results. I rarely sit in a stand for long. I used to be able to sit in a blind for hours upon hours and be content just observing my surrounds. Anymore I get up and walk and see what I can get moving. I use the wind to my advantage and move at a crawl. As we’re all aware though, there’s no sneaking up on a deer, so it requires some fine marksmanship
For scent control, I hear great things about ozone generators. I've used, I don't own, a scent locker with ozone generator, a scent lock bag, and scent thief and I do feel that together, depending on the level of hunting pressure in the area along with other factors like rut stage and how you approach or hunt in general, it can absolutely HELP, it is NOT the magical potion that ppl want it 2 be though. I.M.O. I need every edge I can get out there, as a compound bow, state land, ground hunter, I'll tell ya. Life's hard enough out there already...
Whitetail Habitat Solutions this is my first year hunting whitetail and your channel has been very helpful. I was able to shoot my first deer a couple weeks ago.
I have been hunting deer since 81 exclusively with a bow since 84. I know alot of the things you talk about but sometimes don't practice them. Its good to be reminded of thing you knew, your a whitetail coach.
Disappointed to see so much negative feedback on this one Jeff! It should go without saying that there will always be variables where certain practices do or don’t apply. I take all the info you offer and tweak it to my circumstances. I’m tagged out! Shot a 9 and 10 pointer two days in a row during rut.
Ha, thanks Jay! Only averaging 2.5 thumbs down per 100...so it's all good! Lots of jealousy and bitterness this time of year ☺️ That's awesome too with your success...congrats!
I'm new to your channel, I've been hunting for quite a few years now and I have to say I genuinely enjoy your content. You have good insight on things with a good attitude about it.
Regarding scent control, what's your thoughts about keeping gear in a container with cedar limbs from the hunting area? Not trying to hide my scent, but trying to blend in... Thanks!!!
I've always liked that option s lot...in particular if it only includes materials directly from where you hunt. I'm always hunting in all kinds of conditions for at least 4 months...traveling too. So a container with either very clean clothes or some kind of scent enhanced...is my only option. I like it...I think it works well too!
Keep in mind that he didn't say you can't help your odds. He just said that you cannot bank on fooling a deers nose. Been hunting for 26 years and he is absolutely right. You can't count on fooling a deers nose, but as he said, you can help your odds. It's just foolish to go in and not play the wind because you think that the $15 bottle of scent away is going to take care of it or because you took extra measures to disguise your scent. ALWAYS play the wind and it's going to help your odds. It won't always work, because we all know that as soon as ole mossy horns steps in range, the wind is going to swirl and hit the back of your neck. :) happy hunting.
I want everybody that watched this video to not make the mistake I made. Do what he said, if you don't see the deer drop dont go in to look for him immediately. Wait. I shot a 11 point buck we had on camera during the rut 2 years ago, I immediately got down from my lean to and went in the thicket looking for him because I was so excited, I saw him with my own eyes jump up and run away leaving a thick blood trail. I trailed that buck for 6 hours, he had crossed a bayou twice and still continued to bleed, then the blood stopped. I went the next day with my buddies dog trying to find him but we never did. I still to this day have dreams that I found that buck, please don't make the mistake I did.
Even when I see an animal drop I still wait 30 minutes. ESPECIALLY with bear. You never know when that animal can wake up and if you find yourself in that situation, finding that deer would be the least of your worries lol.
Meh! I’m guilty of most of these “don’t do’s” and I’m at seasonal success rate of about 65-70%. I am a serious hunter, (hell, that’s my last name) but I consider my success rate good enough. If all these tips help you, God bless. But, my issue is the guys who crap on everyone who doesn’t do all the crap they do. Get over yourself. I appreciate this video because these are good tips and the guy doesn’t come off as a condescending jerk know it all. Happy hunting and God Bless.
Just trying to offer info to help hunters up their game if they would like, with tips them to help them shoot them best bucks in the area nearly every season. Mature bucks are a much harder whitetail to, scout, prepare and hunt for, than does, fawns and young bucks. I have a friend who in the 2000s shot his 50th buck in a row in 50 seasons. Less than 10 were 2.5 years if age or older. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. BUT, he did the same thing for 50 years and was happy with those results. What I try to offer in this channel is for hunters to make changes and reap the rewards of continually trying to be be the best hunter that they can be, every season. In a constant state of learning and honing their skills...if they have time to, and if they desire.
Excellent advice ??? He's literally repeating everything we learned from the first hunting vids that hit the market ! He's just repeating common knowledge. I can find an old video clip from the 90's that talks about the exact same subjects time and time again. ... Have you been living under a rock ??? Only difference is this guy spends tens of thousands of dollars and highly modifies the properties he hunts... this is fantasy land hunting from a sponsored up dude who just repeats the same stuff we learned 30 years ago ! He talkes about how you should take the long , hard way o your stand to avoid your scent, then jumps on a5 thousand dollar electric bike and rides off... He always says x,y,z product to the common guy while wearing $1,500 worth of sponsored xd clothing. I cannot make this up !
Thanks for the tips, especially about ATV'S. We have a new member in our hunting club who ran out and bought one plus one for his GF who hunts as a guest. We have rules about them during gun season but not bow season. They use them every weekend even in September. I need to speak with them!
This is my first season and I'm learning a lot. Thank you for your content. I didn't realize it was okay to leave a non-dressed deer out over night and get it the following morning.
Well it definitely depends on how warm it is...and make sure that you leave a jacket or something nearby to spook the coyotes away. Thanks a lot tho, I hope the channel helps you out a lot!
I shot a doe last night. She ran into the thick stuff before dying so I left her there & dressed her this morning. It was about 30 degrees overnight so the meat didn’t spoil
Whitetail Habitat Solutions there's no leaving a dead deer in the woods around here... the coyotes will move in with a human standing right next to it... the deer population is so high because there is no way to get above them in morning.. the state land areas in my area are 1000ft of vertical in less than a mile.. I can shut off engine and lights on car and roll into the grassy part of parking area at well over an hour before grey light and listen... the deer are racing up the sheer face and landing on private land... one way in from backside but then you have to climb the other side of the 1000ft vertical and walk a mile and a half to get to the saddle the top ones travel to private land... even when you see one (usually a whole herd) it is an hour before sunrise and can't shoot them anyway... crazy, but I still keep trying to crack the code but it's tough... I missed a buck on opening day, my Remington ammo misfired ... spent the next afternoon with my Savage Axis and a box of new Winchester ammo re-sighting in my rifle.. yes unfortunately on the same state land. It might help if NY like other states actually allowed half hr BEFORE official sunrise and AFTER sunset but..... I LOVE NY❤️NOT...
@@rickparshall I'm Aa,,,30 year veterian of hunting ,I have harvested many white tail and mule deer ,,,if the temp is around 40 and less your meat will be good ,,trusting my word dont go by it ,,,,but after 3 girls and one son ,,and 12 grandkids,,,we have only eaten deer meat and elk and moose and carabo,,,but mostly white tail and black tail deer which we have had to find some times on the third day of a 40 degree ,,,the meat was fine ,,,,don't go past this period ,,,and remember,,,the temps have to be 40degress and under to be ok,,,,as soon as you deww find it ,,dont worry about the glan cutting just get the field dressing done ,,,then take it to a presser to take care of the rest ,,,,been doing this for years raised all the kids and grand kids on it and I'm teaching it to them ,,,so thay can have a knowledge of were we get our meat and the correct and uncorrected way of receiving what the lord gave to all of us to eat ,,,
What great information shared. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge from over 30 years with us. My knowledge base has increased just from the few minutes spent with you! Take care and happy seasons!
I fire up my woodburner early with some wet wood. Put on some jeans and sit on the back porch with my coffee and cigarette. The smoke covers the smell or at least that's what I tell myself. It works every year
Thanks brother, new to whitetail, 40 rs old, need to learn the basics. like can I have coffee in my blind? didn't know if deer could smell it. great vid!
Ha, too funny Jason...in a way tho...not burning out stands 😁 Less is definitely more when hunting mature bucks. If you want to consistently kill them that is... You are very welcome and I appreciate your comments 👍
Jeff I had one of my target bucks show up as I was hanging a stand last weekend. I was on the ladder and had to hug the tree as he went right by me. I don't think he spooked cause he didn't run pass me. He did stop but my back was to him so guess he looked but then just continued on his way.
Awesome advice, thanks. I first started deer hunting in the late 80s in Cass City/Deford area, mostly off Cemetery rd. Now closer to Kingston (also) in the thumb of MI.
Thank you. I’m a late life hunter. I started at 47 because I had no one to teach me as a boy and well, life happened. I’m 51 now and am transitioning into public land for the first time. Leases in Texas have become so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. I used to spend 2k but now the average is well over 6k. Just finished scouting an area for bow season. I think what I have learned here will be ofhelp. Especially the knowledge about not pursuing shot deer too fast. I know I have lost at least one that way, and probably a hog or 2 as well. Thanks!
I have had good success hunting in the same stand from sun up to sun down but only when its my first time, maybe 2nd time in the stand for the year. Ive seen big bucks step out at about noon and graze for a half hour before going back to cover. But where i live i usually see them about an hour before dark.
I used to wait till morning on bad hits but unfortunately I lost a couple deer to coyotes I cant even begin to describe the let down when I spotted the rack and ran over to a picked over carcass. Couldn't even tell where I had hit him. So I would say before you leave one till morning consider the predator/ scavenger population in your area and decide if you're willing to take that risk. Because anymore here in southern Minnesota I'm not.
I feel ya with teaching the wife. When you teach what you love, you have collect years of info and i too get excited and do the same thing. But people can only improve a few things and once and its better to let them focus on those until its habbit then introduce a few more. It can be overwhelming when someone tells you to do 20 or more things at once. So i usually try 3-6 depending on how receptive learner is. Developing any true skills or wisdom is many small improvements over a long time. Each hunt pick a few small things and make the hunt about improving them, you are as skilled as you are because of the 33 yrs amassing knowledge and building skills. As long as the person is enjoying themselves the will keep doing it. Small consistent improvement becomes great over time.
always get a kick out of 'experts' from the mid-west USA, hunting on private cultivated land for deer that are easier to dial in on than the six oclock news.
It is good to hear someone say dont make excuses for what you kill. I hunt to put meat in my freezer, and the last time I checked, a big rack cant be eat!
Can you provide a link to your hunting camo? I just got my first rifle and I'm about to buy some camo for this years deer season. Would love to only have to buy 1 nice set
I had a bad habit of tracking too soon and lost a couple. I made a gut shot this yr. So I waited ten and a half hours and went right to where I saw him "walk" to.....he was there!!
There is absolutely nothing you can do to fool a mature bucks nose. The best form of scent control is making sure you are downwind of a buck with your stand location...not upwind
Thanks for the great tips. I like Sitka gear a lot. It's on a par with my climbing/mountain clothing but they haven't got their fabric quiet enough. Traverse cold weather hoody is quieter than wool even brushed against any tree or rock. The ascent and mountain pant sound like corduroy. I get it they want them to last but I have patagonia climbing pants lasting 15 years in the mountains that are quieter for a synthetic. I'd pay for a much quieter pant that is less durable any day. I'd really like to see them do a still hunter/northeast tracker clothing run in open country with a 50/50 wool poly pant double seat and knee fabric with a 90% jacket no hood and a game pouch to hold a liter of water and primaloft vest. . That would be their best offering to date!
Don’t leave logs horizontal in your hunt area. It does not permit you to quickly notice a deer body when it comes nearby. Keeping your scent in the woods everywhere all the time helps it become just part of their environment and not something new. They’ve got great noses. Keep a few of your old shirts with your sweat scent in the woods in various places and replaced periodically. From 61 years hunting in the northern Minnesota woods! Anything and everything left in the woods becomes just part of the woods after 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years. Must be nice to have all those discretionary funds to do all those full head mounts.
Enjoyed your video. Deer hunting has been commercialized to the point it's almost absurd. Blinds, exotic camo, scents, ATVs, high tech firearms with top heavy optics...Trail cams....I don't know...Old Timers (not that long ago) hit the woods with a wool hunting coat, decent pair of boots and a 30-30 or 12ga they bought down at the local Sears/wherever.
c s yeah all I use is an old m65 field jacket with a German wool commando jacket. I use much boots (I live in ky very wet) and some cheap thermals. I don't own a fourwheeler yet but I am looking for one to help get deer out. Sadly I have to hunt with my old man who can't walk around very well. We've hunted for 5 years and only got 2 bucks. Here soon I'll hunt on my own and can track them.
For entertainment I listen to a lot of talking heads about hunting deer, but you approach hunting deer with common sense. I am now 65, started hunting when I was 14 with my Dad. He did not over think the sport, the first bit of info he gave me was that I was not hunting deer, but a giant rabbit. I was always blessed in that I had our farm to hunt plus the Hoosier National Forest which surrounded it here in Southern Indiana. However. on opening weekend of shotgun season we headed for a section of public land where the pressure was so heavy that before daylight the amount of flashlights on the ridges surrounding us looked like a lightening bug convention. But dad and I sat in a creek bottom that was thick with briars and cedars. Never saw a hunter down there, around daylight the shooting would start, and without fail, the vast majority of opening mornings we both would have a deer by 11:00. Dad died 15 years ago, but to this day on opening morning I still head for that creek bottom. Semper Fi, USMC.
Are you a Marine?
James Dare are you asking me?
Semper fi
@@L8nightride1 No. I was asking “Hammerhead”... Aren’t you a Corpsman?
@@isaacpattison2174 God Bless the brave men and women that never came home. Semper Fi.
Never been deer hunting before and I don't have anyone to teach me. Makes me extremely grateful to live in this internet age where I can POP all of my questions into a search bar and find useful information.
Hunting in my experience has a lot to do with understanding the critters and their surroundings! I never hunted from a blind but ether seeing them moving to an area or walking to an area where they gather staying in high ground if possible. I have had an advantage growing up on a farm with wooded areas near a marsh on our land! I sat on high ground again, watching them from a distance. I hunted deer with a single shot rifled barreled 12 gauge shotgun as it is lighter to carry and you only get one shot anyway! I made my shots count that I new the deer was going down.
Just get out there. U learn more by being in the environment.
On my 3rd season and in my 40s. Do not miss it, make some friends hire a guide (at least once). Spend time in the woods.
I’m not sure where you live but if you are close to southwest Missouri I would love to take you out on my 400 acre property. It would be completely free of charge and you would only have to pay for your tags! I love to pass along hunting knowledge and experience to those looking to get into it.
Ryan Fry
Moving to Central Arkansas in the beginning of November. Would love to join you for the 2021 season if you don’t mind.
There is a million deer hunting channels on UA-cam and I have to say this channel is one of my favorites. It’s great to see a guy who can talk a bunch of knowledge and show us results.
My uncle and I went hunting last year. We are both novice big game hunters, and I can give you a whole list of mistakes that we made. We set up next to a small river, upwind of deer of course, and didn't see a thing. However, that entire morning, fish were feeding right in front of us. The next day we brought some poles and had one of the best fishing days ever. Take what nature gives you, because the only use your plans serve you are to get you out there.
I’m a much better fisherman than a hunter.
Love the positive outlook. Gotta make the best out of a situation!
"dont hunt in the same stand all day" "have several stands and blinds" Sir i have 9 acres of land lol
You can set up at least two stands and maybe a blind on 9
@@TennesseeBass849 but if you set up those 3, your so close to your others your being counterproductive bc your spooking the deer that are between you and your second stand on your way over.
I hunt public land....usually pass a billion stands trying to find a spot🤣
I have 11 same thing, key is access to setup for different wind. It's not easy.
9 stands sound about right
The amount of knowledge I get from watching you is great
Man that's great to hear...I really appreciate it! Good luck the rest of the season!
Whitetail Habitat Solutions mom huikn nmh
I’ve never had any problems hunting deer but I don’t focus on bucks . I prefer does the meat is better eating. Especially while hunting moose cows are better eating. I’m 80 now and been hunting since I was a very young kid. Great job guys. 👍🇨🇦
That's awesome Tom...moose is so good! Hoping for some moose stew in Canada next week 😊
Yep and spikes, my girl asked one day why I shot a little buck I said wait till grandma cooks it and you will know happy hunting ol man
I go out 15 minutes til dark, sit on a 5 gallon bucket and smoke cigarettes until a deer walks out of the woods. -Guy from west kentucky
I am to poor to make most of these mistakes.
Same 😂
Liked, saved, subscribed, and rang the bell! This guy knows what he is talking about! I see so many hunting videos promoting gadgets and fads. This is real hunting advice garnered from years of experience. I always take my ATV hunting with me...and it stays on the trailer where it belongs unless I need it to extract a deer I have killed. My philosophy is to hunt all the way to the tree stand/ blind and all the way back to the truck.
I never once considered waiting to track after a shot. Thank you for that.
I haven't watched the whole video but yes, wait. If he's laying down bleeding out let him. They're not always dead. I put a poor shot on a 140" buck. I jumped him by walking in. He jumped and ran and I'm guessing he clotted.
They taught us that in my hunter education class. Wait 45 minutes. Seems like an unbelievably long time, but I guess it makes sense. Problem is if you shoot them right at dusk, then you have to track them in the dark, and if you wait until morning the coyotes will get the carcass first. All part of the experience!
As a tracker with a trained tracking dog I am SO HAPPY to hear you emphasize backing out after a questionable shot. It really is the biggest factor as to whether that deer will be recovered after a bad shot.
Well that's because you're.eatiing dog food never back out of a shot what you do is attempt to.be fair and spook the dear if they don't move you pop
This may seem stupid but I just setup 360 degree trail cams with 4G at all my hunting stands on my 150 acre property. I figure I don't have much land so I take notes on which animals are where at certain times. My daughter planted thousands of berries of all verities (from seed) and when walking through the property you can't go more than 50 feet without being able to eat berries in any direction. Problem is now we have black bears.
This basic hunting 101. This is more for people that don’t have much experience . Good job
Thank you, sir! This is my first year hunting and information like this will hopefully improve my hunting ability as time goes by. Keep up this stuff!
Did you get a deer?
We’d love to know when you get a deer
I'm 27 years old nobody in my family or even group of friends hunts.. I just picked up a bow last year I've gone on 1 unsuccessful hunt with a tag everything else has been cottontails/coyote.
There's so much to take in especially not knowing anything about anything but so far I love it. I hope to continue learning thank you for the video
Haha pretty much me. I'm 27 and no one in my family hunts and I never even thought about it despite camping a lot when I was younger. Two years ago I went out with a friend who just bought a bow and went out elk hunting. We ended up in a wooded area completely surrounded by elk before daylight and they were bugling their heads off all around us. Coolest experience ever. Got a bow of my own summer last year and am wanting to ramp up this year.
I like walking makes me feel like iam hunting if ya will. Always have I could drive closer and still have a walk but I just would rather walk 😆
Amen to that. I heard an ATV on WIs opener and sure, enough 20 minutes later deer camp running. Love the neighbors 😁 and their ATVs. Diane got to see some of the deer where she was hunting...spooked them roughly 600-700 yards and they probably didn't even realize there were deer there.
Ha, I like walking too 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions every herd can be different. I’ve watched deer on one part of our lease not be affected by machinery and the other side, 4 miles away, they take off at the slightest sound.
Reef, I've had similar experiences. I hunt deer and turkey on a place adjacent to the Mississippi River (often under the river) where between the barges, railroad, and quarry noise the critters never get much peace. We just cannot get a tom to shock gobble and the deer aren't too nervous. Other places I hunt have remarkably different behavior.
Living in Wisconsin I never hunted in a blind that I new our area on our farm tracking their movements before the hunt! I used a 28 in single shot 12 gauge shotgun with a rifled barrel as I made sure one shot will put it down! I always hunted from higher ground with the wind in my face getting closer sometimes on my belly in tall grass at times! This is hunting not waiting for the deer to walk by!!
My father was a prolific deer hunter and probably bagged over 100 bucks. Some really nice ones too. Most of his activities were for meat and he preferred does for the taste, but when he had meat in the freezer he'd switch to trophy hunting bucks. That thing you mentioned about the deer patterning hunters, you're the only person I've heard mention that besides him. It's true too. If you're predictable in the times you hunt or you spend too much time in one area, the mature animals will either leave the area completely or go fully nocturnal. Once they feel that pressured and go nocturnal, the only times you're going to bag those animals is if they're spooked out of their bedding areas by another hunter and they're driven to you.
thank you for taking the time to make this video, and sharing your knowledge! I'm prepping for my season here in IL, and have finally gotten to a point in my hunting tenure that I will choose to be very picky on what I shoot. I'm starting to rely more on skill versus luck, and helpful tips like your video will continue reinforcing my approach.
Good luck Matt!! And you are very welcome. Being patient will pay off big time!!
I am a self thought deer hunter and so I listen to others whenever they are talking about deet hunting I have been told by several people to go sit in my tree stand all day when the wind is constantly changing direction is this really a good idea
I have to say thank you. Yesterday I was hunting a little over a mile back in the VA mountains. Raining steady and I was getting wet and highly frustrated. I just texted my brother at 3pm and told him I was going to head out. Before I did I looked on your website and read some of your advice about rain and weather and hunting the breaks. It gave me a second wind and I decided to stick it out. We are in prime rut and I was in between bedding. 330 six bucks come running a doe. I shot the biggest buck I have to date. I’m not good at aging but the taxidermy said he was an older deer and he would let me know after checking his teeth. A few minutes later a 3 1/2 year old 9 pointer came down. I couldn’t resist so I took him too. I have to thank God for the opportunity and I thank you for the information you put out there for us!!
Man I love to hear that feedback and I am so happy for you!! The grind is worth it, isn't it? Thanks for letting me know and I hope the info helps others too...
Loved it Ron. Had a chuckle about the deer moving off after shooting
If I don’t get a deer this season after watching your videos I want a refund!!
Ha, need to talk to the boss (Diane) about that one, lol
🤣🤣🤣
I feel like I’m not getting anything again this year... 3rd season and no luck. I’m probably doing everything wrong
LOL
Your not the only one not getting deer in the last 3 years. I must be doing something wrong.
My product is simple , I wash everything I own and myself in baking soda to eliminate odors. Great info well done. My tip is an old indian method of entering an area walking in a flowing creek and not on the land.
KISS
It's great to hear common sense, reasonable advice that works for the average Michigan hunter. So much of what is out there is for the once-in-a-lifetime fantasy hunts. Keep it up!
Thank you very much Antonio...that really means a lot to me! Just trying to help as much as possible - most of the info out there is really poor for the average person so I have a mission to offer information that fits more appropriately for the average hunter 👍
I like to hunt for deer management and thanks for the tips and reminders
Thank you so much for these videos. I’m planning on taking up bow hunting this next year and eventually rifle/shotgun. You’ve provided me with a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have possibly learned in the same amount of time from my in-laws that are hunters
I’m a new subscriber. Excellent work. Been binge watching your videos as my son and I are preparing our very first deer habitat. If you find yourself in Missouri, let me s know. This is really awesome information! 👍
Thank you for the video man. Really well done, thank you for the knowledge.
You are very welcome JT...thank you!
I’m a firm believer in getting information from more than one source but on deer hunting, I keep coming back to these videos because since taking up archery, I have seen a direct correlation between the information put out by Jeff and what I see in the field. I find that I’m probably still sitting in a stand more than I should and need to work on my discipline in that regard. So much great information here! 🏹
Thanks a lot Joey and hey, a lot of us have to get out when we can 😊 Have a great hunt!!
During the rut get in the stand all day long in a mountain saddle. This is BS
Hurry up October 1st!!!!!!!!
The problem with leaving a deer overnight is coyotes I have seen many deer picked clean sometimes you will have a property filled with coyotes and then deer will be fine and sometimes you will never see a coyotes for years and your deer will be picked clean
If it's a stud I'd rather find my deer and buy a cape then bump them. I believe anyone who disagrees hasn't pushed, and lost enough big bucks.
Sounds like like you have something else to hunt besides whitetail....coyote hunts at night are something else...
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you
Hunt some sparse mountain deer in public land. Hunting deer is easy when you are controlling cover, food, crop rotation, hunters, and predators...
So true, its annoying because they don't hunt. They get
Yea I live in PA and hunt in the mountains. It's harder to find good advice for that type of hunting.
@@Sparxeb same, no joke. Not in the mountains but I do hunt in PA
Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I feel it is really informative and useful. There is one thing that I adamantly do not agree with that seems to becoming more of a practice and that is "waiting until the next day." I do agree with backing off for a few hours and even until after dark, but I do not agree that anything should be left overnight. The majority of the time people wait for the next day is because it is not a great shot. A gut shot deer sitting overnight is not a good thing for meat recovery and many will argue that the meat is no good after siting overnight when gut shot. Secondly, leaving an animal overnight exposes it to predators for longer than necessary. I can't tell you how many times someone I know let a deer sit overnight only to have it destroyed by coyotes by morning. Are you going to eat that deer after coyotes picked it apart? Think about that. To me, anytime a hunter let's a deer sit overnight they are indicating that they are not in it for the meat, but only for the trophy.
A better option in my mind it to back off for an hour or two and (before you actually go hunting) invest in a handheld thermal for tracking [following state guidelines]. This allows you to track and spot before they jump up and run. I have used method this on multiple occasions because it allows you to see if the deer is dead or sitting upright. If it is sitting upright, then sit your ass down and wait... might be a long night before it dies, but that is the price you pay for a poor shot and you owe that to the deer (or whatever it is). Not only does this enable you to monitor the deer and be there when it dies, but your presence will deter things like coyotes from getting to it before you.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed the video and the information you shared. Thanks again!
Agreed. I heard someone say they wait 18 hours before they go looking for their buck... I just walked away from the conversation. That's not someone I care to associate with.
My ATV broke down a few years ago and I never felt like paying to get it fixed. Turns out this has been one of the best decisions I have made on my 175 acre hunting property. Walking or even riding a mountain bike to and from stands and using a cart to recover deer has greatly reduced the felt pressure on my property during hunting season.
Yup. Neighbors push deer all around when they ride atv in.
It’s amazing how much deer respond to ATVs, even when you don’t notice the impact immediately.
That new VXR is one heck of a bow. We sold all we had in the first week they came out!!
The number of curious deer I’ve seen during brush clearing a watch or hammering a ground blind together blows my mind. Make a little crack or ting and they run, pound nails and they come check it out...
I can ride my ranger up on them on my land and they just look and go back to grazing. In my stand I blink and they blow and go. 😭😭
True.....
haha its true . they are curious
You can also ride a bicycle right up to a deer without it running away, I do it all the time. The second you put your feet on the ground though, they run.
@@chrisjansen1943 So, should I just do a drive-by?
Thank you for posting this I am new to hunting and going with in laws will be well deserved family time.
Man...enjoy it Albert!
Thank you for providing useful information that can be applied on my small hunting area of around 200 acres. I get so tired of watching the big shows that are on these world class hunting resorts talking about how they couldn't have done it without their (insert sponsor here) when all they had to do was show up and pick the deer they wanted. I've been looking for a real hunter that isn't beholden to his/her sponsors in their videos. Once again THANK YOU
Thank you...I really appreciate you watching and it means a lot that the info helps and is practical...without all of the sponsor hype! I hope the hunting industry changes...but man, it's almost like a NASCAR victory speech nowadays...
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 You gave me a good chuckle thank you 😂
Thanks again, I've had success again this year taking your advice. Not letting deer pattern me. Harvested heavy 10pt Coxsackie, NY 9am 300yds between 2 favorite stands from ground. Thank you
Nice thats a big guy for around here man got a 7pt opening gun day greenville ..seems like all the big bucks dissapeared now though too many hunters
Thanks great tutorial, subscribed. I'm one of those guys - I tromp loudly into the woods, leaving all sorts of scent, spooking every creature for miles. I sit in my blind for hours, and the rare deer that comes into view busts me right away and snorts to warn the others. Hunting is an art, like playing the violin - obviously it can't be learned in a day or even in a season. But it's still fun to be out there! Season starts Monday morning here and will be re-watching your video to remind me some of these great tips.
I have to agree its NEVER a waste of time being in the outdoors.😎🤗
This is a really good list. I started hunting when I was a kid and then as an adult I went into military and then college so I just got back into it 3 years ago. I'm 30 now and one thing I've noticed that I've learned over that past couple seasons is to not overthink it. I shower with baking soda before my hunt as well as wash my clothes with baking soda and then head out to the field. Spray some dead downwind and set my stand up according to wind. That's about it and I've seen a LOT of deer.
My 1st year deer hunting with my fiance and we've made just about every mistake.. Thank you so much for this video.. But we have had fun together.. Next year will be much different
My son is 11 and this will be his first year whitetail hunting. I shared this video with him. Thanks for making it & thanks for not trying to cram products down our throat the whole time! Great video!
Our 11 year old grandson just got his first buck, and afterwards a doe a week ago here in Texas.
@@keithlucas6260 That's awesome! My son finally knocked a small buck down yesterday. Today is the last day here in Nebraska and he has one more tag to fill. I am really tired 😫 LOL But he is ready to go get another one!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...took both with his AR....
He was just given a youth .243 and I had to scramble to find ammo for it....after a week of searching the internet and calling stores, I lucked out in going to Academy Sports before they opened and stood in line on the day they get ammo.
Scored the 3 box limit on 5.56, grabbed 3 boxes of .243 and a box of .270, now everyone is happy.
@@keithlucas6260 Dang! Close call! Haha Ammo is hard to get these days for sure. Glad to hear you got what you needed. My son is shooting and old sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser. When I finally found some ammo online a couple of months ago I bought a case of 200. Haha 😄 He would have shot every round by now target shooting if I would have let him. I told him it costs me a dollar every time you pull the trigger son!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...great, oddly enough I stopped last week at Walmart as I never shop there, and found ten boxes of the 300 WM @ $54/box and the only ones on the barren shelves...they're still there as I've already purchased 300 rounds months earlier.
Hard part for me is hunting public land. I’m new to the area and I’m always over considerate of other hunters who’ve had seniority on the land so trying to find a good spot with just the perfect wind direction for that given day in Michigan is proving to be very difficult so when I find a blind or make a blind in a spot where I’ve seen deer in range that’s about all I can do unless I want to trudge all over and ruin everyone else’s day Trying to find a different location. what I look for is the food source and the place they travel through. I’ve hunted private land my whole life taken some good bucks. But this public land is a whole new beast I’m just waiting for someone to say some thing pretty much. Also I’ve sat in places where I feel I have potential and get dog walkers at prime time ruining my hunt. So it’s a shot in the dark for a guy like me with limited options. However this information is very useful regardless of how much property you have access to thank you Jeff
I have hunted public land a lot in my later years. Had blinds & stands stolen, people walking around all times of the day. Had a guy set up so close once we could have had coffee together. BUT if you harvest a decent animal on public land YOU can call yourself a hunter. After the wildlife has a horde of people putting stand's up. Then they hear 50 slammed vehicle doors. (That ruffles my fur) That public land is nocturnal. They're dug in deep or they've moved off public land to private land. They're not stupid. It's like you're going and putting up a stand in your neighbor's living room. Show up opening day with 25 other guys then wait for your neighbor to get up off the couch to make a shot. I would bet your neighbor knows you're hiding there lol. Well remember you're in the deers living room. Yep so you shoot a deer on public land. You will be very proud of yourself, as you are Hunter. It's way more challenging. Everyone should do it, especially if you are the guy that walks out into the private land every year and shoot your deer opening day every year. That was me for many, many years. Until I moved. Still have property but it's just quite the distance to drive. It's more of a gopher a week or two property. But if you're one of these guys please try some public land hunting. Put yourself to the test. WARNING: IF YOU HUNT ON PUBLIC LAND YOU WILL RUN INTO EVERY TYPE OF JACKASS MORON NON HUNTING HUNTERS THAT THINK THEIR FRED BEAR. PEOPLE WILL STEAL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SO LOCK IT UP THE BEST YOU CAN. DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE. I GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IF I BLIND HUNT I SET IT UP EVERY MORNING AND WHERE I DECIDED TO HUNT BUY CHECKING MY MAPS. AND DO YOUR PRESEASON HOMEWORK EVERYTHING WILL GO HAYWIRE AFTER OPENING DAY BUT YOU WILL HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT'S GOING ON.
OH YEAH AND THEY PASS LOSS SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO PREVENT THIS BUT YOU STILL HAVE THE RANDOM NON-HUNTER THAT LIKES TO BANG POTS AND PANS AND CERTAIN URBAN AREAS IF THAT'S YOU KNOW ALL YOU GOT IF THIS HAPPENS DO NOT CONFRONT THEM CALL DNR THERE ARE LAWS TO PROTECT YOU.
Thanks Jeff for taking all the helpful information you keep put out there. I only wished I would have found your channel a little sooner. I will however start implementing as many of your suggestion as I can when appropriate. I've had a rough couple of years health wise, so I would love to be able to spend more time hunting around my land. With all the information I've gathered from your videos, I should be able to improve my hunting success around home in southern Vermont greatly. So thanks again Jeff.
I'm going to modify my techniques based on this and other videos. Thanks for educating people on deer hunting!
i'm 18 I have always loved hunting but never got to do it growing up my family doesn't hunt with that said when i turned 18 I went out and bought myself a crossbow and a blind and started on my own. Videos like this are much appreciated in the learning process for me. I managed to get myself a doe right at the tail end of the season after many hours of sitting in one spot every night for over a month. This video should help me maybe get one sooner in the season or possibly get a doe and a buck. Keep making these videos they should help plenty more young hunters like me who never got the hands on experience growing up.
I didn’t start hunting till I was 41. My first season I got two deer one being an 8 point. I’ve been a bunch this year and have only seen deer twice. Shot at one with a crossbow but missed low. Learned you really need to have your yardage down (get a range finder). Keep at it! Never stop learning.
I live in Maine and there is vary few big bucks. Would love too hunt in the south. But will never be able to afford a guided hunt, so I take what ever buck i can. Thay are all trophy bucks to me. Have fun out there and be safe.
Watching this video to see how many mistakes i can check off lol
Yordi Moran me too lol
I see deer at feeding locations in early mornings.
Same
Me too, yet it never makes much of a difference... always fill my freezer
Keep in mind, a lot of these will be location based. Every deer that's been killed on my property in Eastern KY has been in the morning and often heading to food sources. Some deer will pay more attention to smell than others. Sound is definitely a big enemy though. Over hunting isn't a thing when done properly imho (scent and noise control and being sure not to spook them while in stand) as most of us don't have the funds to put up 5 different stands.
I was hunting my brothers 88 acres in KY and the first day, being unfamiliar and not sure I'd find his stand I drove the ATV within 100 yards, that was Sunday. I saw several 4 point bucks about 40 yards off to my right and a six point 100 yards in front of me but held off shooting the 6 that day, I just don't shoot a buck with 6 or lower points. If I shoot the 6 he is magnificent. I didnt go back to that same spot until Thursday morning but this time I parked the atv about 1/2 mile away. I was in the stand by 05:52 and downed the 8 pointer at 07:46 using my Stevens .270. He went right down and lay still after about 2 min. It was a good 82 yard shot.
Great video! I as a disabled hunter I am stuck with my ATV or hunting right out of my truck a lot. I am a paraplegic and can walk a little with crutches. The problem with walking is it takes a lot of effort and I get very hot walking a short distance, especially with a lot of clothing on hunting here in Maine. This is one reason I hunt a lot of places all day. I hope that if I made any noise in the morning I am hoping that it is forgotten about by evening. There are a lot of things I have to do differently, believe me I have hunted since I was about 10 and I was not a paraplegic till just after my 23 rd birthday, I have hunted just as you described for years. It is very frustrating but you can only do what you can do. I love to hunt and be in God's country. There is nothing better. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank you. God bless and Good Hunting! Maine North Woods Hunter (Shane)
I live and hunt in maine and hell you're probably a better hunter than me. Kudos for getting out there and putting in the work.
@@raydon1488 Thank you.
The same guy with multiple stands all over public land is awesome great sportsmanship.
We have some trail cams that send the pics out to email/text message. They're pretty awesome.
MansterBear How much does that cost you per month for cell service for those? What cell company?
Call me what you want but you can’t argue with results. I rarely sit in a stand for long. I used to be able to sit in a blind for hours upon hours and be content just observing my surrounds. Anymore I get up and walk and see what I can get moving. I use the wind to my advantage and move at a crawl. As we’re all aware though, there’s no sneaking up on a deer, so it requires some fine marksmanship
I very rarely sub anyone, I watched you for 60 seconds and subscribed love your humbleness man. Thanks for sharing the info.
For scent control, I hear great things about ozone generators. I've used, I don't own, a scent locker with ozone generator, a scent lock bag, and scent thief and I do feel that together, depending on the level of hunting pressure in the area along with other factors like rut stage and how you approach or hunt in general, it can absolutely HELP, it is NOT the magical potion that ppl want it 2 be though. I.M.O. I need every edge I can get out there, as a compound bow, state land, ground hunter, I'll tell ya. Life's hard enough out there already...
I appreciate this Channel very much. It’s been very helpful... thank you!
Thank you Landon! I love to hear that and it definitely helps me want to keep at it 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions this is my first year hunting whitetail and your channel has been very helpful. I was able to shoot my first deer a couple weeks ago.
I have been hunting deer since 81 exclusively with a bow since 84. I know alot of the things you talk about but sometimes don't practice them. Its good to be reminded of thing you knew, your a whitetail coach.
Makes it a lot easier when you can bait the deer with your so called FOOD PLOT
Disappointed to see so much negative feedback on this one Jeff! It should go without saying that there will always be variables where certain practices do or don’t apply. I take all the info you offer and tweak it to my circumstances. I’m tagged out! Shot a 9 and 10 pointer two days in a row during rut.
Ha, thanks Jay! Only averaging 2.5 thumbs down per 100...so it's all good! Lots of jealousy and bitterness this time of year ☺️ That's awesome too with your success...congrats!
yea where we hunt you couldnt shoot a 9 and a 10 in east texas, you are allowed one unbranched and a branched buck here
I use nose jammer going in stand and an ozonic while in the stand and I've had very good luck with that combo
I spray doe pee on the bottom of my boots and not always a shooter but never fails to see a buck
I'm new to your channel, I've been hunting for quite a few years now and I have to say I genuinely enjoy your content. You have good insight on things with a good attitude about it.
Regarding scent control, what's your thoughts about keeping gear in a container with cedar limbs from the hunting area?
Not trying to hide my scent, but trying to blend in...
Thanks!!!
I've always liked that option s lot...in particular if it only includes materials directly from where you hunt. I'm always hunting in all kinds of conditions for at least 4 months...traveling too. So a container with either very clean clothes or some kind of scent enhanced...is my only option. I like it...I think it works well too!
Keep in mind that he didn't say you can't help your odds. He just said that you cannot bank on fooling a deers nose. Been hunting for 26 years and he is absolutely right. You can't count on fooling a deers nose, but as he said, you can help your odds. It's just foolish to go in and not play the wind because you think that the $15 bottle of scent away is going to take care of it or because you took extra measures to disguise your scent. ALWAYS play the wind and it's going to help your odds. It won't always work, because we all know that as soon as ole mossy horns steps in range, the wind is going to swirl and hit the back of your neck. :) happy hunting.
Man I love your videos.. you should be more recognized.. only thing that I hate is the length of the videos.
I want everybody that watched this video to not make the mistake I made. Do what he said, if you don't see the deer drop dont go in to look for him immediately. Wait. I shot a 11 point buck we had on camera during the rut 2 years ago, I immediately got down from my lean to and went in the thicket looking for him because I was so excited, I saw him with my own eyes jump up and run away leaving a thick blood trail. I trailed that buck for 6 hours, he had crossed a bayou twice and still continued to bleed, then the blood stopped. I went the next day with my buddies dog trying to find him but we never did. I still to this day have dreams that I found that buck, please don't make the mistake I did.
Even when I see an animal drop I still wait 30 minutes. ESPECIALLY with bear. You never know when that animal can wake up and if you find yourself in that situation, finding that deer would be the least of your worries lol.
Thank you for your insight very informative
Meh!
I’m guilty of most of these “don’t do’s” and I’m at seasonal success rate of about 65-70%. I am a serious hunter, (hell, that’s my last name) but I consider my success rate good enough. If all these tips help you, God bless. But, my issue is the guys who crap on everyone who doesn’t do all the crap they do. Get over yourself.
I appreciate this video because these are good tips and the guy doesn’t come off as a condescending jerk know it all.
Happy hunting and God Bless.
Just trying to offer info to help hunters up their game if they would like, with tips them to help them shoot them best bucks in the area nearly every season. Mature bucks are a much harder whitetail to, scout, prepare and hunt for, than does, fawns and young bucks.
I have a friend who in the 2000s shot his 50th buck in a row in 50 seasons. Less than 10 were 2.5 years if age or older. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. BUT, he did the same thing for 50 years and was happy with those results. What I try to offer in this channel is for hunters to make changes and reap the rewards of continually trying to be be the best hunter that they can be, every season. In a constant state of learning and honing their skills...if they have time to, and if they desire.
I agree... some sounds a bit condescending. Plus every area is different, with respect to a deers wariness
I find time spent in the woods hunting is it’s own reward! Getting your animal is the icing but the hunt is the cake!
Jeff, excellent advice. Appreciate all the wisdom and insight from you past 30 plus years of deer hunting!
Excellent advice ???
He's literally repeating everything we learned from the first hunting vids that hit the market !
He's just repeating common knowledge.
I can find an old video clip from the 90's that talks about the exact same subjects time and time again. ... Have you been living under a rock ???
Only difference is this guy spends tens of thousands of dollars and highly modifies the properties he hunts... this is fantasy land hunting from a sponsored up dude who just repeats the same stuff we learned 30 years ago !
He talkes about how you should take the long , hard way o your stand to avoid your scent, then jumps on a5 thousand dollar electric bike and rides off...
He always says x,y,z product to the common guy while wearing $1,500 worth of sponsored xd clothing.
I cannot make this up !
Thanks for the tips, especially about ATV'S. We have a new member in our hunting club who ran out and bought one plus one for his GF who hunts as a guest. We have rules about them during gun season but not bow season. They use them every weekend even in September. I need to speak with them!
This is my first season and I'm learning a lot. Thank you for your content. I didn't realize it was okay to leave a non-dressed deer out over night and get it the following morning.
Well it definitely depends on how warm it is...and make sure that you leave a jacket or something nearby to spook the coyotes away. Thanks a lot tho, I hope the channel helps you out a lot!
This is a terrible idea unless its freezing or you want to ruin your meat.
I shot a doe last night. She ran into the thick stuff before dying so I left her there & dressed her this morning. It was about 30 degrees overnight so the meat didn’t spoil
Whitetail Habitat Solutions there's no leaving a dead deer in the woods around here... the coyotes will move in with a human standing right next to it... the deer population is so high because there is no way to get above them in morning.. the state land areas in my area are 1000ft of vertical in less than a mile.. I can shut off engine and lights on car and roll into the grassy part of parking area at well over an hour before grey light and listen... the deer are racing up the sheer face and landing on private land... one way in from backside but then you have to climb the other side of the 1000ft vertical and walk a mile and a half to get to the saddle the top ones travel to private land... even when you see one (usually a whole herd) it is an hour before sunrise and can't shoot them anyway... crazy, but I still keep trying to crack the code but it's tough... I missed a buck on opening day, my Remington ammo misfired ... spent the next afternoon with my Savage Axis and a box of new Winchester ammo re-sighting in my rifle.. yes unfortunately on the same state land. It might help if NY like other states actually allowed half hr BEFORE official sunrise and AFTER sunset but..... I LOVE NY❤️NOT...
@@rickparshall I'm Aa,,,30 year veterian of hunting ,I have harvested many white tail and mule deer ,,,if the temp is around 40 and less your meat will be good ,,trusting my word dont go by it ,,,,but after 3 girls and one son ,,and 12 grandkids,,,we have only eaten deer meat and elk and moose and carabo,,,but mostly white tail and black tail deer which we have had to find some times on the third day of a 40 degree ,,,the meat was fine ,,,,don't go past this period ,,,and remember,,,the temps have to be 40degress and under to be ok,,,,as soon as you deww find it ,,dont worry about the glan cutting just get the field dressing done ,,,then take it to a presser to take care of the rest ,,,,been doing this for years raised all the kids and grand kids on it and I'm teaching it to them ,,,so thay can have a knowledge of were we get our meat and the correct and uncorrected way of receiving what the lord gave to all of us to eat ,,,
Thanks for taking the time to create these videos!
What great information shared. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge from over 30 years with us. My knowledge base has increased just from the few minutes spent with you! Take care and happy seasons!
I sit on the ground in blue jeans and a regular shirt stay still and quite thats all u need
Either the wind is right, or it isn't. I know guys who take whiz bangs off their stand, crack open daddy pops or light up smokes, kill deer.
Last three 4-5 year old bucks I've shot, had a cig hanging out of my mouth taking a "break".. lol
I fire up my woodburner early with some wet wood. Put on some jeans and sit on the back porch with my coffee and cigarette. The smoke covers the smell or at least that's what I tell myself. It works every year
@@joshjanes5641 haha, exactly.
@@kylehuberofs8052 an old Indian trick
Thanks brother, new to whitetail, 40 rs old, need to learn the basics. like can I have coffee in my blind? didn't know if deer could smell it. great vid!
I’m surprised hunting from your living room wasn’t one of them. 🤣🤣
Thanks again Jeff! We value your time.
Ha, too funny Jason...in a way tho...not burning out stands 😁 Less is definitely more when hunting mature bucks. If you want to consistently kill them that is...
You are very welcome and I appreciate your comments 👍
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 are you sponsored by vortex?
You are a legend thanks Jeff
Ha, well...I work hard at least ☺️ Thanks a lot for watching I really appreciate it👍
I shot a big 10 point yesterday. Blue Jean's and axe bodywash...not gonna give the actual scent.
Nice! You hunting high off the ground? 30+ ft gives me some forgiveness, but this is all really good info on this channel!
Thanks for all your help,
Great video with even better help...
You are very welcome and I really appreciate it! I will do my best to keep the videos coming 👍
Jeff I had one of my target bucks show up as I was hanging a stand last weekend. I was on the ladder and had to hug the tree as he went right by me. I don't think he spooked cause he didn't run pass me. He did stop but my back was to him so guess he looked but then just continued on his way.
Great information and advise.
Thank you and keep providing us your expertise sir.
2:48 You're welcome!
Awesome advice, thanks.
I first started deer hunting in the late 80s in Cass City/Deford area, mostly off Cemetery rd. Now closer to Kingston (also) in the thumb of MI.
Thank you. I’m a late life hunter. I started at 47 because I had no one to teach me as a boy and well, life happened. I’m 51 now and am transitioning into public land for the first time. Leases in Texas have become so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. I used to spend 2k but now the average is well over 6k. Just finished scouting an area for bow season. I think what I have learned here will be ofhelp. Especially the knowledge about not pursuing shot deer too fast. I know I have lost at least one that way, and probably a hog or 2 as well. Thanks!
You inspire me! I’m starting at 44, I want to be able to take my son when he’s old enough
I have had good success hunting in the same stand from sun up to sun down but only when its my first time, maybe 2nd time in the stand for the year. Ive seen big bucks step out at about noon and graze for a half hour before going back to cover. But where i live i usually see them about an hour before dark.
I used to wait till morning on bad hits but unfortunately I lost a couple deer to coyotes I cant even begin to describe the let down when I spotted the rack and ran over to a picked over carcass. Couldn't even tell where I had hit him. So I would say before you leave one till morning consider the predator/ scavenger population in your area and decide if you're willing to take that risk. Because anymore here in southern Minnesota I'm not.
People around here do not leave their dogs out at night because of coyotes, let alone leaving a dead deer out all night.
I feel ya with teaching the wife. When you teach what you love, you have collect years of info and i too get excited and do the same thing. But people can only improve a few things and once and its better to let them focus on those until its habbit then introduce a few more. It can be overwhelming when someone tells you to do 20 or more things at once. So i usually try 3-6 depending on how receptive learner is. Developing any true skills or wisdom is many small improvements over a long time. Each hunt pick a few small things and make the hunt about improving them, you are as skilled as you are because of the 33 yrs amassing knowledge and building skills. As long as the person is enjoying themselves the will keep doing it. Small consistent improvement becomes great over time.
always get a kick out of 'experts' from the mid-west USA, hunting on private cultivated land for deer that are easier to dial in on than the six oclock news.
Me too! Which is why this channel was created...I invite you to watch and learn, bud. 👍
You're clueless. We hunt the Midwest and can put plots on some of it. Still very difficult to kill a 150+ buck. Possible but hard
ScreamingReelsTV just because you have good land in the Midwest doesn’t make the deer domesticated
People can figure this stuff out there self, you just want to scout there land.$$$$$$$$$
It is good to hear someone say dont make excuses for what you kill. I hunt to put meat in my freezer, and the last time I checked, a big rack cant be eat!
Can you provide a link to your hunting camo? I just got my first rifle and I'm about to buy some camo for this years deer season. Would love to only have to buy 1 nice set
Kaevek...
www.sitkagear.com
INCREDIBLE stuff. Pretty sure the best ☺️ I love the stuff...even the non hunting clothes.
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Awesome! Thank you so much for the quick reply. Already learning a lot from your channel
@@kaevekplays1903 you are welcome Kaevek and I live to hear that! Thank YOU...
Never stop learning.
Amen to that!
I had a bad habit of tracking too soon and lost a couple. I made a gut shot
this yr. So I waited ten and a half hours and went right to where I saw him "walk" to.....he was there!!
So what techniques do you use to mitigate your scent while in the stand after walking into your stand?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to fool a mature bucks nose. The best form of scent control is making sure you are downwind of a buck with your stand location...not upwind
Thanks for the great tips. I like Sitka gear a lot. It's on a par with my climbing/mountain clothing but they haven't got their fabric quiet enough. Traverse cold weather hoody is quieter than wool even brushed against any tree or rock. The ascent and mountain pant sound like corduroy. I get it they want them to last but I have patagonia climbing pants lasting 15 years in the mountains that are quieter for a synthetic. I'd pay for a much quieter pant that is less durable any day. I'd really like to see them do a still hunter/northeast tracker clothing run in open country with a 50/50 wool poly pant double seat and knee fabric with a 90% jacket no hood and a game pouch to hold a liter of water and primaloft vest. . That would be their best offering to date!
Don’t leave logs horizontal in your hunt area. It does not permit you to quickly notice a deer body when it comes nearby. Keeping your scent in the woods everywhere all the time helps it become just part of their environment and not something new. They’ve got great noses. Keep a few of your old shirts with your sweat scent in the woods in various places and replaced periodically. From 61 years hunting in the northern Minnesota woods! Anything and everything left in the woods becomes just part of the woods after 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years. Must be nice to have all those discretionary funds to do all those full head mounts.
Enjoyed your video.
Deer hunting has been commercialized to the point it's almost absurd. Blinds, exotic camo, scents, ATVs, high tech firearms with top heavy optics...Trail cams....I don't know...Old Timers (not that long ago) hit the woods with a wool hunting coat, decent pair of boots and a 30-30 or 12ga they bought down at the local Sears/wherever.
c s yeah all I use is an old m65 field jacket with a German wool commando jacket. I use much boots (I live in ky very wet) and some cheap thermals. I don't own a fourwheeler yet but I am looking for one to help get deer out. Sadly I have to hunt with my old man who can't walk around very well. We've hunted for 5 years and only got 2 bucks. Here soon I'll hunt on my own and can track them.