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Decoying for Deer Hunting
placing the decoy in a remote area far from deer trails will end in a complete failure.Once the area has been roughly defined it's time to find the perfect spot. Placing the decoy hidden behind a bush or under leafy trees is not the best choice, instead, an open spot that might be seen from the distance tends to be more effective because you wish deer in the area have a clear view of the decoy rather than just meet them accidentally.
Now you have chosen the right spot, it's time to set up everything to make it real. To do so scent concealing remains paramount. Any trace of human odor might be enough to keep deer away from your decoy, so use rubber gloves and boots while setting up the decoy and spray odor killer in the decoy and the surroundings as well.
However you only wish to kill your odor, but not deer's, so get sure to have an estrous doe scent to attract that big rut boy towards your decoy, and nothing is more attractant than the estrous odor.
Is it necessary a bulletproof vest for hunting?
Well, everything depends on what you are expecting from this decision.
When hunters were using small caliber, low-velocity firearms, a low-level bulletproof might be helpful to prevent injuries without adding too much weight and allowing free movement however, with modern high-speed, high caliber ammunition, a body armor level beyond III is useless, in fact, level I is not used any longer while level II body armor is useful only against handguns ammunition but not rifles.
So, to get some protection the minimum armor level should be III but remember
it's a bulky vest that will not only increase the total weight you have to carry on your shoulders but also will restrain your movement.
On the other hand, using a bulletproof vest will make you feel hot, something desirable during the winter season, but if you are out hunting in warm or hot weather, using a bulletproof vest might turn into a nightmare.
Certainly, it will add an extra layer of protection but the inconveniences seem to be more than the protection, especially considering there are not so many accidental shots among hunters.
Moreover, most hunting accidents with firearms do not involve the core body but arms and legs which remain unprotected despite wearing body armor.
At the end of the day, it's a personal decision but balancing the pros and cons of a bulletproof vest, it does not seem the best choice, not only because you will be expending some extra money for almost no extra protection, but also because the extra weight and movement restriction might render you prone to another type of injuries such as falls.
Preseason Scouting, the Key for Success
Obviously, if you are hunting near your home, try to go out into the mountains as much as possible before the season begins. The effort is worth it!
Nowadays many hunters, particularly the youngest ones, rely on apps, online information, and digital maps to plan their hunting trips but even when such technologies are quite useful when they are used together with the old art of scouting, results are remarkable.
After all, there's no better way to have a good idea of terrain characteristics, weather conditions, and local fauna behavior than being out there looking at everything with your own eyes.
Or... Would you say that you know how Paris is only because you have seen a bunch of photos on the internet a made a virtual trip on Google Earth?
Of course, you won't! And the same occurs with a hunting ground.
It's not the same to see something on your cell phone or PC as strugle with a big slope in the mountains facing a windy day while you check for feeding and bedding areas, furthermore, there's no better way to know what kind of animals live in an area than just hicking around there before the season starts, without human presence and without the hunting pressure that probably will change animals' behavior.
Take advantage of rain for deer hunting
Perhaps because of wet leaves on the floor attenuating the sounds or because the wind takes away many scents, deer seem to be more prone to move beyond their usual trails and stop less to have an overview of the surroundings, something you
may use in your favor.
On the other hand, many hunters will prefer to stay home rather than endure adverse weather conditions, and with fewer hunters pressure, more likely to find a big buck just for you, after all, there are not too many people around there willing to stay under the rain all day long waiting for a one in a lifetime shot.
So, if you are the one who will wait for that chance, just get prepared in advance, after all the weather is unpredictable and you must be ready to go out for that deer regardless of weather conditions.
To do so you need a properly rain garment as well as a waterproof blind, get sure to pack something to keep you warm and as dry as possible, additionally pack some snacks and enough water, remember that it might take all day long for just an opportunity.
Safety tips for firearms handling when hunting
Keep an eye on the trees! Particularly in crowded hunting areas where a tree stand might be used near you, in such case, it's important to be aware of the direction where the stand is and keep your gun pointing in the opposite direction.
2. Don't put the finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot
That's a common mistake, perhaps people do it unconsciously or they are conditioned by what they see on TV but a primary safety directive is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
That means, you have identified and confirmed a target, your shoot line is clear and you are completely aware of what there is in front of the target but also beyond it!
3. Know your firearm range
All we wish to hit the target but, what if we miss? The bullet won't stop because we failed, instead, it will go all the down until the shot energy dissipates.
How long will it travel? It will depend on the type of firearm, ammunition, and even the terrain or the direction you are firing to.
