Lets share our "not so obvious" bowhunting tips.
 

Many times we see on here and in real life newcomers or those just starting out ask for tips and advice about bowhunting. Most of the time we see the usual such as locate food sources, stay in your stand quietly and as long as possible, study the land you are hunting, set up stands near funnels/channels etc. Lets use this thread to share our "not so obvious" tips/secrets that newcomers should know from our experience, and maybe all of us can pick up something as well...

Mine is...when you see a deer that is out of range or a doe that you do not want to take, study its body language and behavior and learn as much as you can. I have made a habit of doing this and it has made me such a better hunter. Things to notice and learn...

1-How do deer behave when they are eating?
2-what does a deer do when he picks up a strange smell?
3-What does a deer do when he sees something strange?
4-How does a deer react to danger?

If you can learn how deer live in their environment, it will make you a better hunter. Share yours!!!

If a deer is staring at you in the tree, and drops its head like it is going to feed, DONT MOVE YET 9.5 out of 10 times that deer is going to yank its head back up very quickly to stare some more. They are tricky tricky. Wait until it starts feeeding for sure, then slowly start to make your move.

one more, if you are hanging on the edge of a field go to the other side and see what the deer will see. A few years ago I was on the edge of a cornfield and saw a buck on the other side. I rattled and he came a runnin'. I set down my antlers, and grabbed my bow of the hanger. Slow, but not slow enough. He picked me off, pulled a u-turn and was gone. After checking it out from his point of view I figure out why. The field I was in had a "crown" to it so that when we had a lot of rain, what the ground didn't soak up would run off the field. So even tho I was 20 feet up a tree, I was directly in his line of sight as he was coming up the very, very, very slight slope. So before you hunt it, check out every angle from the deers point of view.

Don't know if this is a tip, but a lot of times when I am sitting on an edge of a field in my stand, I will get down and walk across the field to my vehicle at dark. There have been many times where I could walk within 20 feet of a herd of deer and not spook them.

I carry a bellows squirrel barker readily accessible in an outside mesh pocket while in my tree stand. If a deer spots me and alerts w/head bobbing or foot stomping, I "bark" at it - it has fooled many, many deer into ignoring me - not all of them though.

-fsh

If you really want to become a successful bowhunter learn to play the wind and dont try to rely on something that says it eliminates your scent and allows you to forget the wind.

Don't go crazy with the buck grut call even if it is a big one! I have called more bucks in with a doe bleat than anything else this works for me even in the rut. I always do a soft doe bleat first and see what reaction I get if nothing then the buck grut and only 1 time that I can remember the buck came to the buck grut.

I have found a buck grut to be more harmful than anything else.

Also don't waste you money on scent blocker clothing! Hunt the wind, it is your best friend when hunted correctly. I use to smoke and done it in the tree stand just like I would any other time. I have several times put one out to take a deer and I was 10ft off the ground I havested my biggest bow buck about half way through a smoke!!! But I always hunt with the wind in my favor. IMHO this is the best advise you can give to a new bowhunter.

It never hurts to give new tips/tactics atleast a sporting chance no matter how much experience/Knowledge one may have. Changes WILL occur during a lifetime of hunting.A few examples; housing/land development,climate differences(especially if hunting in new states or countries),hunting pressure,impacts of predatory animals(coyotes,wolves,cougar etc.) and so on. I personally will soak up every piece of advice/knowledge so long as I am still able (god willing) to rise at the b*tt crack of dawn to have my every sense fully aroused as I approach my hunting ground.It is there that I gain my greatest wealth of skill/knowledge/experience. My tip to pass along today is not my "own" but one that I picked up last year from an article.It's a pretty simple but complex theory.The simplified description, to actually VIEW the wind currents as not air, but as water flowing over the terrain.Terrain is the complex part of it because there's ALOT of it and NONE of it is exactly the same. Visualizing it can also be a time passing helper while on stand.

Ditto. Don't be afraid to try new stuff - decoys, scents, spots, you name it. Some of the biggest bucks are taken by newcomers because they didnt know any better and bucked "conventional" wisdom. Conversely, don't ever understimate the benefit of scouting to death, setting up, shutting up and staying still, letting the deer come to you. Also, buy what hunting gear makes you happy, not what others tell you that you need. Get the Double Bull blind because its cool or you really like it, not because you think you need it to get to score a big buck. Last year, someone was plugging some new $100 plus blind chair and when I mentioned I like the $5 plastic chair I had from wally world in my blind, they challenged me, saying it could cost me the buck of a lifetime if I could't swivel just so to take the shot. Amazing what some people will try to make you believe.

I think a beginner needs to focus on learning deer behavior. Forget the gadgets for the most part. After a couple years hunting you will figure out what "extra" equipment may work for you. Too many beginners just buy stuff and if they don't have success they figure it is because their stuff isn't working, so they buy different stuff. The call-makers and scent makers love it.

Here's a tip. Try to figure a way to access your stands without walking on deer trails. Deer trails can be very tempting to walk on because they are usually a bit easier walking. I know I used to do it. This will tip the deer off to your presence sooner or later.

There's no better tree-stand advice than this - wear your harness. Get into the habit of using it and stick with it.

Tree stand access routes are often overlooked IMO. Over the last couple of years, i've paid much more attention to the ways that I come and go from stands, and it has paid off. Taking the shortest route possible may be the quickest way, but it is often not the best way for the lay of the land, or the habits of the deer. Walking farther is seldom an attractive option, especially with a stand on your back, but an extra 100 yards can make a huge difference if it means not spooking deer. I always do my absolute best to avoid obvious food sources when i'm entering and exiting my stands. These areas can have deer on them at any time of day, so avoiding them can reduce your spook percentage.

hmm im sure i have one, oh practice out of a treestand if possible, if not climb up on your shed or roof or your house or shoot out of a window, this helped me alot when i first started bow hunting because i always shot high.

To expand on this when choosing stand sites if you hunt in area the southeast where is lots of thick under growth go in and cut a path around the deer trails this will help prevent you from leaving your scent, and also making a bunch of noise pushing through the growth when walking to your stand plus if you do it early enough when the it starts to gorw back the deer will feed on the tender new growth. Another thing ive found is know how the sun travels in relation to your site, a couple of years ago I found the perfect location for my stand so I thought it was a "super highway" between bedding a bedding area, water, and food, so I set up the third day a nice 8pt was feeding 20yds in front of me when I reached for my bow the shadow I was casting spooked him. Hope this helps someoneSorry for the long post.

one of the places i hunt has a creek that runs through it. i use the creek to (1) get to my stand or ground spot. i even have spots right beside the creek on the ground, deer get thirsty!(2) use the water from it as a natural cover scent for your boots and in a spray bottle for the rest of your clothes so you'll smell more like your surroundings. (3) it's great for quiet walking and stalking as long as you are not splashing loudly, it's a natural sound.

I believe that there are 5 required elements to succesfully harvesting deer with archery equipment:

1. Hunt an area that hold a fair amount of deer - scouting, getting permission to hunt property
2. You must be able to get within your effective range of the deer - stand placement, moving on the stand, cover / camo, wind, scent management
3. You must be able to get off a good shot at the deer - shooting skills, when to shoot, movement in the stand, noise, wind
4. You must be able to hit the kill area - shooting skills, buck fever, equipment
5. You must be able to recover the deer after the shot - tracking, wind, how long to wait, watch and listen after the shot

I know these seem very basic but if you think about it, success is not possible without doing all 5 and there are special learned skills required in each one. I agree with a previous comment that some new hunters focus too much on the latest fad or gizzmo and not enough on the 5 basic elements.

Anybody you know that consistently takes deer / bucks with a bow is skilled in all 5 elements.

1-Deer flicking its tail & ears feeding-unaware of you
2-Deer frozen-ears stiff, something is amis & if nothing happens they will go back to feedeing
3-Deer stomping-something they really don't like-sight OR smell. Usually will walk or trot off.
4-Deer Frozen, staring at you-usually they have spotted you. Freeze, game not always over. Sometimes, if your frozen they will go back to feeding or whatever.
5-Deer tail starting to come up slowly-probably getting ready to leave your area.
6-Deer tail up, bounding away. Something wrong & danger for them
7-Deer tail tucked in & bounding away-same-Wrong & Danger.

We all know they have that terrific nose but they also hear the things that are NOT NORMAL to the woods-a arrow clicking on the side of a bow, your cloths rubbing against a tree or when you draw.

I Bowhunt from stands between 12 & 15 feet. Just move slow when you move. I've taken deer at feet from this height. Over 100 deer with a Bow & 95% of them under 20 yds...

If your new, you'll form your own style. it's good to listen to others but you are the one who will learn from what you experience in the field. good luck to any newcomer-it's a great sport for sure..

Pic is my 1st archery kill in 1958

Couple small tips that could prevent somebody a big headache when trying to bag their deer.

1. If you have your grunt call, ranger finder, or whatever around your neck. Find a way to tuck it out of the way so it stays clear when you draw back. You dont wanna draw back and lean over the edge to take a shot and have it caught in the string. Draw your bow back and see if your gear is clear.

2. If you wear a face mask you should draw your bow back and aim at an object. Does your mask move and obstruct your vision when you turn your head to aim at your target? Find a mask that works for you.

3. Test out your tree stand when you first get up there. Any new creaking sounds? If so try to avoid stepping in the area that causes the noise until you can properly fix it.

4. Know your limitations. Ask yourself, if there is a deer by that tree can I make that shot. Picture a deer in different areas around you and ask yourself can I make that shot. This way you dont have to make that decision when he is standing there.

5. Inspect your bow before and after hunts. Never know if you sliced your string so bad that the next time your draw back you get a surprise. Not only inspect your string but thoroughly examine the entire bow.

Hope this is useful for someone out there...

This is a hard one to learn and I doubt few have mastered it, but when you have a shot take it...I have missed many oppotunities for a kill just waiting for a "perfect" shot.

I watched a video on the life span of a whitetail deer, it was not a hunting video. It started with the birth of a deer and it takes you through it's life struggles and day to day living until it is fully mature. If you understand them it makes things clearer. Every hunting , video, book or article states get between the bedding and feeding areas and while there is wisdom in that statement there is a lot more going on, I believe the name of the video was " The way of the whitetail" but not 100% sure, worth watching.

Soak up as much information as you can. Whether it's reading information online, in a book/magazine, listening to stories from other hunters, or even watching shows online you never know where you might pick something up. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try something new or try out a different tactic.

tip.. Never get in your mind that it's as easy as the hunting videos make it out to be. When your hunting on your own its a challenge. Very different and there is a lot of homework and patience that goes into it. Drury's video's are great to watch, but never get it in your mind that it is all fun and games. Hunting is hard work and a stategy based sport. It takes a lot to put everything together and everyone should know that luck can be part of a hunt, but when things come together when you make them come together its the best feeling in the entire world. Keep hard at work and never get lazy because of something you assume will happen. Stay sharp and use every bit of your hunting knowledge. Hunters often fall into the "ride it out" trap.

As stated before if you have a good shot at a deer don't wait for the "Perfect" shot. I too have been burned by this many of times. I would tell my self just one more step and it will be perfect and then more times than not something goes wrong at least for me anyway. If the deer gives me a good shot at under 25 yrds I don't wait even if I think it will come closer. Now don't misunderstand and take a bad shot though.

My comfort zone as far as shooting form a treestand is 35yrd in the woods and the deer has to give the "Perfect" shot at that distance. Sure I could shot out to 50yrds in the back yard and hit the vitals every time but there are no little sticks I can't see and my nerves are calm not like they are when I am shooting a deer exspecially when I first stated bowhunting. Hey, I still get excited to this day and that is why I keep going when I loss that I will quit.

Also do your best to keep as calm as possible when have a deer in range and are going to take the shot. I missed many a deer just becuase I rushed the shot when I was ready to shoot because of my nerves.

My tip is stop wearing that "lucky" hat that you've had for 10 years. I see guys all the time that put on the same ol' stinky sweat filled hat when they hunt. Even if you put a squirt or two of scent killer spray you will not kill the stink. I don't wear a hat at all unless I have to. If I know I will be looking into the setting or rising sun I may wear one other wise leave it at home. If you want to wear one for warmth then do like Chuck Adams and wear a sock cap that can be washed in the washer. I even have a few sock caps with a small bill on them. I think many feel they have to have a cap on to hunt.

Buck grunts have always worked in my favor. I may very well use them too much but I have had great success with my True Talker and Rubberneck. Not so much luck with The Can.... usually smaller bucks come in to it. Also, cover, cover, cover.... I like alot of cover in front of me and behind me, it enables me to move when I need to.

1. When I walk to my stand I drag a rag behind me with some doe pee on it. And spray the bottom of my boots with doe pee...
2. Deer can only hear a little better than us. BUT, they have the ability to pick out, to the tree, where the noise is coming from. So when calling, once you see a deer, don't call unless its turned away from you or they will pick you out.
3. Call often. At least every 10 to 15 minutes. And do it loud. You have to remember, your trying to get a deer to come to you from at least 100 plus yards away most of the time. And if they cant hear you call they wont come over...
4. DON'T!!!! grab or pull your bow back unless they are looking the OTHER way. Even when they are look striate on they can still see you move..

I have killed a lot of deer, and I have only called in one of them. That was a buck who was in a very cranky mood. I think most people would say to call less. If you hear someone talking, but you dont see anyone aren't you going to think something screwy is going on? If that works for you then keep it up!:party0005:

Brings up a question that I don't remember the answer to....what kind of depth perception does a deer have?

1- Don’t fall asleep
2- Don’t drop your bow
3- Don’t drop your arrows
4- Don’t forget to bring your release.
5- Don’t worry so much, just go have fun.. You’ll learn more every trip!

6- Don't vote for Obama! :D

All very valid points guys. I'd have to say the biggest tip I can give would be don't just hunt the wind to keep your scent from where the deer are going. That is obvious yes but the biggest thing that has kept me on mature deer is being able to keep my scent away from the deer but also still be in a position that makes the wind direction helpful to the buck as well. Such as down wind of doe bedding areas with a pond or bluff right at your back so he can smell the does but not get downwind of you, not possible in every stand setup but make locations such as these top priority! Also, entry and EXIT routes are extremely important.

Don't get upset about a deer walking away without getting or taking a shot - you are bowhunting after all and that is normal - enjoy the experience. And don't go wishing that you had a gun, instead wish for another chance another day. It's the ones that get away that you'll remember best (character builders, lol).

Practice at 40yds so you can kill comfortably at 20yds - part of the thrill of bowhunting comes with being able to get it done at close range.

-fsh

Use your bow to break up your outline in the tree when deer are around.

1. work out with your bow. build your strength up in your shoulders. it will make it easier for you to draw and will allow you to hold at a full draw longer.

2. be observant. i have taken many deer easily because I saw them coming and was at full draw before they were in front of me. i did not have to worry about the perfect time to pull back.

3. this is a mix for a first time hunter and a new bow hunter. I took plenty of deer with a gun, but the biggest thrill of bowhunting for me, is and was the skill involved in taking a deer with a bow. my first deer with a bow was a little buck. I shot three more does before i got another buck and i was tickled to death with taking them as well.

4. wear a harness. when you are about to take a deer and you get that rush and at the same time you are focusing with your sights on your bow, you can get like a tunnel vision mixed with diziness. maybe thats only me but either way, it aint a good way to be when you are on a 2x2 platform 20 plus feet off the ground.

5. dont practice yourself till you get tired out, you will form sloppy shooting habits

6. this may sound silly, but i like to imagine a deer at different spots while i am in my stand. how will they come in, where might they stop, where would be a good time to pull back etc. it helps me get ready for my shot and it has helped me many times

7. if you are tracking a deer, nock an arrow. you have your gun ready if you need to take another shot, why wouldnt you have your bow ready as well.

8. this is common knowledge but no one told me. bring a rope and tie it to you bow so when you get up in your stand and you get right you can pull your bow up. the first time I went bow hunting was my first time in a climber and when I got up there and got right i realized i had damaged my sight because i was dragging the bow up the tree as I climbed. its common sense and i felt so stupid for not thinking it through.

I guess I didn't word that quite right. If your "going" to be calling, then thats my opinion of what/how you should do it. It works for me when there is no activity. You have to remember, there could be deer 100 plus yards away that you cant see. but they can hear you..

agreed!!! rambunctious, loud calling almost never works, after all how many times when you are in the woods have you head a deer calling really loud? its usually the guy with his rattle bag and grunt call making a super buck world war three battle

Do you think a deer will hear you from 100 plus yards away if you are calling quietly?? No... You all are missing my point....
So its quiet, your seeing no deer. Your "rattling" is not bringing in anything. So then your going to call quietly? If your rattling and quiet calling didn't produce any deer, then you need to call loud so if there are deer 100 plus yards away, they might finally hear you and come check it out..... Just because your loud, doesn't mean the deer is hearing it that way.... IF you want somethings/someones attention, you get louder so they will hear you... Everyone has there different hunting tricks that work. It doesn't mean it will work for everyone, in every situation, in every area. Everyone, has to find out for them selves whats going to work for the deer where your at, and that might not even work the next year. What brought them in last year, might spook them this year.

I hear what your saying, if you gonna call, make it worth while. No need to waste oxygen and call so soft they can't hear ya. During the rut, especially.

1) If a deer has spotted you don't fall for the triple headfake. No matter what it does I plan for the deer to snap up from a feeding position at least 3 times.
2) If you have a doe in front of you watch her ears. If she has one pointing behind her she is listening for something that may be trailing. They keep those things on a swivel like a radar dish.
3) This may be the oddest, but if I'm wtg for a deer to make its way closer I don't make eye contact with the deer. Instead, I focus on where the deer is heading and the spot behind the shoulder.
4) Sit still and take in the show. Even if the deer action is slow, its sure fun to watch the woods come alive in the morning.

Dont think this has been said. A deer will almost always flick the tail before it does action such as ,
Before looking up from feeding ( if relaxed)
Before going back to feeding or resume walking, after looking at something.
Before jumping a fence

Always hunt the wind!

Calling Reference: I never say call less or more, depends on the state of mind with of the buck. Why are you calling again? To tick him off or mask his nervousness, or to make him horny?

The Approach & Departure: Give yourself plenty of time...when approaching or departing the stand, consider the wind...duh. What about the terrain? Or the lighting? Use shadows, hills, tree/brush lines, etc., anything to hide your presence while approaching. When dark, keep your light pointed to the ground in front of you as much as possible. It is much easier to notice a light from a distance that is being waived around head high. Keep in mind also though that some of these areas you are walking could be the same runways the deer are using, so stay as scent free as possible.

Poop before you leave for the woods. If not, alwas have TP;)