There’s a lot to learn in order to become consistently successful in the deer woods. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight, or in a single deer season. Having a list of tips to follow, like the one in this article, can help beginners get on the right track towards success. If you’re a new bow hunter, consider checking out this step-by-step guide to hunting deer with a bow.
New hunters can be misled with bad information that they hear from other hunters or on internet. Bad information can work against our deer hunting goals and keep us from the seeing success. Therefore, only take advice from people who are achieving the level of success that you want to achieve. That leads us to our first tip:
1. Learn from a mentor or a trusted source
A deer hunting mentor should be someone that is achieving the same level of hunting success that the beginner wants to eventually achieve for themself. They should also be an ethical and trustworthy hunter.
For most hunters, finding a mentor to take them hunting isn’t an option. The important thing is to find a trusted source of information. I created this website to help guide new bow hunters and those that are struggling to find success. Let this website be your trusted source of information and help you reach your full potential as a hunter.
2. Learn deer behavior
Click this link to learn more: https://whitetailadvisor.com/category/deer-behavior/
3. Invest in quality equipment
Good equipment last longer, performs better, is easier to use, makes the hunt more enjoyable, and so much more. To see which products I recommend, you can click the link and see my checklist of everything a hunter might need for a deer hunt.
4. Play the wind
The best way to beat a deer’s nose is by playing the wind. Deer hunters can do everything else correctly when it comes to scent control, but if our scent stream crosses in front of a deer’s nose they will still smell us.
5. Find a lot of different spots to hunt
The more spots that a hunter has, the more successful they will be. The first hunt at a specific location is usually the best if deer haven’t been pressured. Having lots of spots to hunt is key to keeping spots fresh, getting away from other hunters, having different stands to hunt for various wind directions, and having more deer to hunt (including big bucks).
6. Learn how to hunt safe
Read this article to learn more: What is the number one rule of hunting
7. Learn hunting rules and regulations and follow them
8. Set realistic hunting goals (start small and work your way up)
9. Learn good shooting form (watch videos and learn from professionals)
10. Learn about scent control
Read this article to learn more: How to manage scent to see more deer
11. Learn how to scout
Read this article to learn more: How to scout for deer
12. Learn different hunting strategies
Read this article to learn more: What is the most effective way to hunt deer
13. Learn different hunting tactics
Read this article to learn more: 21 methods for getting deer within bow range
14. Learn about deer recovery and blood trailing
Read this article to learn more: How to track a shot deer: step-by-step guide
15. Learn how to field dress a deer
16. Invest in a good weapon and accessories or it
17. Invest in good hunting clothes (wear camouflage)
Read this article to learn more: Best budget camo for deer hunting
Read this article to learn more: Best camo for deer hunting
18. Learn to dress in layers and manage body temperature
19. Practice shooting
Read this article to learn more: How long to practice shooting a bow before hunting
20. Learn to be a good judge of different yardages
21. Buy a range finder
This is the range finder that I recommend on Amazon.
22. Take scent-free showers
This is the scent-free soap that I recommend on Amazon.
23. Wash hunting clothes in scent-free laundry detergent
Read this article to learn more: Best way to wash hunting clothes for deer hunting
24. Learn how to store and keep clothes scent-free
Read this article to learn more: Best way to store hunting clothes for deer hunting
25. Use cover scents
This is the cover scent that I recommend on Amazon.
26. Scout new ground after deer season ends (boots on the ground)
27. Identify deer movement patterns (Bed to food, food to bed)
28. Learn to identify and understand deer sign
29. Use trail cameras to help with scouting
30. Learn how to e-scout
31. Learn how to use a topographic map
32. Use a checklist
33. Have a hunting strategy for every hunt
34. Plan entry and exit routes for every hunt
35. Stay silent when approaching a hunting location
36. Be versatile using different hunting tactics
37. Know how to make realistic deer sounds
This is the grunt call I recommend on Amazon
38. Don’t blind call (calling without seeing deer)
39. Only call to deer when you don’t think they will walk within shooting range on their own
40. Learn how to use scent lures
41. Don’t miss hunting the rut
42. Don’t miss hunting a cold front
43. Don’t blood track too early
44. Be persistent
45. Be patient
46. Know where to shoot a deer
Read this article: Where to aim when shooting a deer with a bow
