Deer Hunting 101

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SADDLE HUNTING WHITETAIL DEER, AND THEN SOME…

HOW DO YOU CLEAN A DEER?

The phrase, there is more than one way to skin a cat applies twice to cleaning deer. Everyone seems to have their own way depending on geographical location, hunting style, and upbringing. It's less important how you clean your deer and more important not letting anything go to waste.

The situation dictates how you clean a deer, typically at least. Do you have to pack it out or can you pull a pickup truck next to it and take the whole animal to be hung up and cleaned.

Either way, I focus on 7 main parts. Make sure to always harvest the 2 hams, 2 front shoulders, 2 backstraps, 2 tenderloins, and the heart. The neck and rib meat depend on where I am hunting and the size of the deer.

HOW DO YOU HUNT OVER TRAILS?

Hunting trails are a fun and challenging way to hunt. First, you need to figure out where they are bedding and where they are feeding. Once you know those two locations, finding trails connecting the two areas easily. Remember to think about the wind and try to keep it in your face and the trail in front of you. It’s never a bad idea to have two stands on opposite sides of the trail so it can be hunted in any wind.

How should wind factor into my stand location?

Wind should be one of your biggest factors when choosing a stand location. You never want a deer to get downwind of your stand. So, think about where the deer will be coming from and what the predominant wind direction is during the hunting season and use this to your advantage. You can’t trick a deers nose, if he gets downwind of your setup, he’s going to bust you.

What is a Pope & Young buck?

A Pope and Young buck is any buck taken with legal archery equipment scoring over 125in typical, or 155in nontypical. The scoring form can be looked up online and easily followed at home to see if your deer qualifies, but to be officially accepted it must first go through a 60 day drying period and be scored by an official Pope and Young scorer.

How do you start bow hunting?

The best way to start bow hunting is to find a mentor, someone that is successful in the field and has the knowledge to pass down to you. If a mentor in not available, read as much as possible and then just get out there and do it. It may take years until you successfully harvest an animal, but the harvest isn’t the only way to measure to success. Start with small game and work your way up. Always remember to have fun and respect the woods and the animals in which you pursue.

What type of gear do I need for bow hunting deer?

The only gear you truly NEED to bow hunt is a bow and a few arrows and a broadhead. To improve your chances of being successful I would say, camo, tree stand, and binoculars will greatly improve your chances. After that you can spend as much money as you’d like on bow hunting gear. Everything from scents, calls, boots, packs, knives, and so much more, but that can all be accumulated over time. Never let a lack of gear keep you from enjoying bowhunting.

What is the best way to scout on limited time?

Pick a good looking spot and set up. Observe your surroundings and activity while you hunt and make decisions to move your setup based on what you know and what you have learned. Saddle hunting has helped many hunters be more quiet and mobile giving them more places to hunt.

How often should I be shooting my bow before season?

As often as possible! That’s different for everyone. Shoot multiple times a week throughout the year if you can. When practicing be sure to practice real-life hunting situations and not just perfect broadside shots while standing comfortable at known distances.