Learn to Hunt Deer

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Welcome to the world of deer hunting! You are about to join the ranks of thousands of like-minded hunters - some of the best conservationists on earth. Each of them started right where you are today... as a beginner.

White-tailed deer find all their life needs closely associated with the forest. ​As with many animals, they are known as creatures of the “edge” with a love for green plants, waste grain and tender shoots that they often find on the edge of cultivated fields. Therefore, in the early season, the knowing hunter looks for heavily used trails within 50 yards or so of the edge. Late in the season, however, it is the forested land that provides their hiding cover, much of their food and space for movement. Now you may want to move your stand to more secluded areas.

If you choose to hunt on the side of a ridgeline within the forest, look for trails that lead to the lowest point on the ridge. This low point in the ridge is referred to as a “saddle”. Deer moving over a ridge will typically look for that path that costs them the least amount of energy to get from one side to the other.

Deer also prefer a forest that is undergoing secondary succession to a forest that is mature. Shrubs, bushes and plants provide both food sources and hiding cover. This regenerating forest is usually very thick, making it difficult for other animals to find the deer; however, the deer travel through it with ease. If hunting in such an area, a tree stand near a small clearing or on powerline right-of-way might be productive.

Waterways offer another place to ambush deer. One person relates that deer use streams and valley floors like humans use interstates—to get somewhere fast! The biological need for water can be satisfied in many ways. Early in the season, daily trips to ponds or streams may be expected, but late in the season a small hidden spring will give a big buck all the water he will need.

Deer normally stay within a home range of approximately one square mile or 640 acres. However, during the rut, all bets are off. During this breeding season, bucks can travel great distances to find does that are ready to breed, and may be found several miles from where they were seen yesterday. It is the time of year when they simply don’t care if hunters or cars are in the vicinity, they are only intent on breeding.

Prepare and Scout

Hunters should plan several days of scouting before the season starts. This is the time to discover the numbers and quality of the deer in your hunting area. Heavily used trails will indicate deer numbers while the rubs show where bucks are active.

• National Deer Association's 5 Keys to High Impact Summer Deer Scouting

Several Stands, Early as Possible

While you are in the woods scouting, it is a good time to set up new stands or inspect and repair any permanent stands needing attention. Depending upon the property, setting at least two stand sites to account for opposing wind directions can increase your chances of success. Additionally, setting your stands well in advance of the season will allow the deer time to get used to them being there.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Tree Stand Safety Guidance

Sight-In and Practice for an Ethical Shot

Taking the time to sight in your bow, crossbow, shotgun, rifle or muzzleloader—and making the commitment to practice is what every ethical hunter should do. It will not only give you confidence in your equipment, but also a firm knowledge of your own capabilities when a shot opportunity presents itself.