A deer hunter's checklist

November 27, 2008 01:13 am

— If you've waited until now to get ready, my question is why? However, here is a general list of things every deer hunter needs to think about.
A crack of a branch caught my attention. Slowly I scanned the area looking for the creature that caused the noise. Then I noticed an unusual shape, and upon further inspection with the binoculars it materialized into an antler, and then I could see the eye and body of a nice 8-point buck.
I readied myself mentally and then physically. The deer was coming toward me with every step. When he stepped behind a tree, I stood with an arrow on my Jeffery's recurve bow in hand. He needed to keep on coming just three to five more steps to be in the clear shooting lane. I drilled all of my attention to a spot just behind the shoulder, trying to not think about his rack, just focusing on the special spot where the lungs and heart overlap. A fluid-like motion flowed as I was able to draw my bow with no effort and release a perfect shot.
You need the weapon of your choice, whether it's archery equipment -- traditional stick or modern wheelie bow -- or a firearm, be it a pistol, shotgun, muzzle loader or center fire rifle. Then use whichever means you prefer and are proficient with to make a clean and fatal shot. This comes from practice, practice and more practice.
Deer firearm started Nov. 22. For that season you need to have a reliable rifle that is sighted in with ammo you intend to hunt with. Again, why did you wait to plan until now? Most high-powered rifles (bar the 30-30s or other capable lever action cartridges which should be on or an inch high at 10) should be sighted in 2 1/2 to 3 inches high at 100 yards. This will allow a hold on your prey out to about 300 yards. Be sure to check it though.
Binoculars are your most important tool. They allow you to look into the wood or prairies to see the deer before they see you. They also let you pick out the big bucks and let the little ones grow. Get the best glass you can afford, as this will allow you to see better and longer.
Never go into the deer woods during archery or gun season without a grunt tube call. Use it frequently every 20 to 30 minutes or so. Also if you spot a deer use it to lure him or her into range.
Scents are the things that dreams are made by. Some work very well but you have to be willing to study up on them. I like to use a combination of doe in estrus and buck scent. Find a fresh roadkill deer and you can get a good tarsal gland to use on your person as a cover scent. I use a drag rag that is a felt wick tied on a string dipped in the combo juice and stored in a plastics bag until I reach the area where I am going to hunt.
Then I will lay down a scent trail for the big buck I hope will come onto and follow it to me. Do not use scents that are not present in your area, such as apple, pine or sage.
Rattling horns or some other device that simulates two bucks sparring can bring on a buck if the setup is right, they will try to get downwind so keep your eyes pealed in that direction too. This can be extremely fun to get a buck rowdy and ready for action as they come charging in to see what's going on and who has invaded their turf. It only works if there is a good population of bucks in the area, though.
Clothing made from wool and/or fleece and Gore-Tex when it's wet is a must so that you can remain comfortable. And of course you must wear a vest and head covering that is blaze orange or blaze orange camouflage that is a minimum of 400 square inches (state law). Also I use baking soda in the washing machine to neutralize odors and clean my hunting clothing. You can buy a fancy hunter detergent but why. Do not use regular detergents as they have fragrances and brighteners that deer can see and smell.
Knife and lopper shears must be sharp to do the deal (loppers are to cut the pelvic bone to open up the hind end). Also I like to use rubber gloves like a disposable latex dish type. Carry a couple of trash bags and a couple of Ziploc types to put meat into.
As far as a camera, I like to use either a digital or a single use. This is to take the pictures of the treasures you might encounter. Be sure to take the picture in a natural setting. Wipe the animal clean and stick the tongue back in, show the animal the respect it deserves -- no pickup bed shots.