First time deer hunting...need some advise
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, PA
Alright.....i told my cousin who is an avid hunter, that fishing is better than hunting, and that i didnt ever want to go hunting..well this year was my first yote hunt, and my first spring turkey hunt. I am hooked..but i need some advice. I live in Bucks County, PA and will be hunitng by myself, and i have a few questions. Is a tree stand necesary, if not then what should i use (a blind) . Also what stand and blind is easy to setup, and take down that very same day. What calls should i buy and how should i use them. I am not expecting much from this hunt, just to get out there and learn. Any advice oyu guys have to a first timer would be welcome.
#2
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: rowlett texas
public or private land?
either way, you need to get out there and scout it out for spots to either put up a stand or still hunt. Location and environment play a key part in how you will need to hunt the area
either way, you need to get out there and scout it out for spots to either put up a stand or still hunt. Location and environment play a key part in how you will need to hunt the area
#3
If its public land you'll need a portable stand! A climber, or portable ground blinds, would be my recommendation!
If there are good climbable trees in your area, I'd get a climber. There are many good ones on the market today. (I use a Treelounge, but they are a little expensive, and I've heard the new ones are not as good as the older models!)
Anyhow, the advantage of a climber is that it will get you off of the ground, so you should be able to see better, and you will be out of the deers line of sight! They can still see and smell you, so be careful with your movements and use a good cover scent, and use the wind for your advantage!
With a climber, be sure to learn to use it before hunting season, so that you can use it safely and quietly in the woods!
As for ground blinds, I have only used the natural cover of the land, I have not used any of the commercial ones out today. They do have some good ones out today, that are like camoflage pup-tents, that set up very easily!
As Jason said, scout your area well! If you are going to be using calls, get someone who knows what they are doing to show you how to use them, or get an instructional tape along with the call!
Good luck!
If there are good climbable trees in your area, I'd get a climber. There are many good ones on the market today. (I use a Treelounge, but they are a little expensive, and I've heard the new ones are not as good as the older models!)
Anyhow, the advantage of a climber is that it will get you off of the ground, so you should be able to see better, and you will be out of the deers line of sight! They can still see and smell you, so be careful with your movements and use a good cover scent, and use the wind for your advantage!
With a climber, be sure to learn to use it before hunting season, so that you can use it safely and quietly in the woods!
As for ground blinds, I have only used the natural cover of the land, I have not used any of the commercial ones out today. They do have some good ones out today, that are like camoflage pup-tents, that set up very easily!
As Jason said, scout your area well! If you are going to be using calls, get someone who knows what they are doing to show you how to use them, or get an instructional tape along with the call!
Good luck!
#6
Before you buy a stand or blind, do some scouting of the area (s) you may be hunting. If the area is open meadows, fields, ridges, etc you may choose to either make a natural blind or buy a pop up. If dense bush and large based trees it may be better suited to a treestand. Point is let the area dictate your setup, also look for more than one spot depending on wind direction. While scouting determine where the deer bed and eat, the trails in between these areas are your transition route, with the aid of a compass determine wind direction pertaining to these movements. Remember the evening it is bed to food and am is food to bed. If you do buy a stand, make sure to invest in a good 5 point safety harness, that puts the weight to your thighs. I have hang on stands (as climbers don't work to well in our area), all mine I have replaced the top chain or belt with a speed rope which makes it simple to set up, the bottom I use chain and tightening bolt assembly for added insurance. Now I must warn you I don't stand hunt very much for deer anymore, so not sure who makes the easiest now but if you find some ask here before you buy and I know a number will be able to chime in with opinions.
Calls are very personal, however most guys carry a grunt and use it in aid to stop animals for a shot or divert attention if seen. If you plan to try and call use it every 20-30min and blow no more than 3 short huffs, to simulate a contact grunt. If interested in making other sounds the True Talker is a very easy model to use. Grunts only a tone but buy one with the extendable tube, I use the ez grunter a my grunt only tube. However their are a number that will do similar. Instruction for use, some come with audio or video instructions. If not you can either buy one or get some hunting video's and listen to the calling used for sounds. It really isn't hard to simulate a grunt though, it is more knowing when and how to use it properly. Common mistake is over calling, calling will give deer a location of your presence, now if the calls are spaced it may draw them to your area but if overlaped it will pinpoint your location and they will often circle your position downwind and flee without you ever making eye contact.
Calls are very personal, however most guys carry a grunt and use it in aid to stop animals for a shot or divert attention if seen. If you plan to try and call use it every 20-30min and blow no more than 3 short huffs, to simulate a contact grunt. If interested in making other sounds the True Talker is a very easy model to use. Grunts only a tone but buy one with the extendable tube, I use the ez grunter a my grunt only tube. However their are a number that will do similar. Instruction for use, some come with audio or video instructions. If not you can either buy one or get some hunting video's and listen to the calling used for sounds. It really isn't hard to simulate a grunt though, it is more knowing when and how to use it properly. Common mistake is over calling, calling will give deer a location of your presence, now if the calls are spaced it may draw them to your area but if overlaped it will pinpoint your location and they will often circle your position downwind and flee without you ever making eye contact.




