10 Game-Changing Tips For Bigger, Better Deer This Season

1. Know your Prey:

                Sex. Species. Location. Age. Size. They all have clues to tracking down the big one. For              example, did you know That an average 150 pound deer needs to eat up to 12 pounds of vegetation in a 24 hour period? Stake out the food sources and you've increased your chances of success. Mule Deer don't spook as easily as Whitetail Deer do so if you're in an area where there are a lot of Whitetail Deer, work extra hard at scent control. There is a TON of information to be had, so decide what you are hunting and learn all you can.

2. Look & Smell invisible:

                Deer have 200 Million scent receptors and a secondary scent gland in their mouth (weird, right?). There is no way we can expect to just show up and convince them that we AREN'T invaders. Ample preparation like using scent - free laundry soap and hanging your gear outside to avoid dryer smells are a great start, but don't stop there! 

                Take a look at everything you use, from your personal deodorant to your truck air freshener, and even the cigarette smoke on your way to your stand. Take time to choose the proper camouflage and use a UV Blocker to cover up the color spectrum most noticeable to deer. Most importantly, know the wind! Nothing will ruin your chances faster than being down wind from your prey.

3. You’re only as good as your equipment:

                Musicians know this. Professional athletes know this. Hunters need to know this. What you’re using matters. There is nothing more disheartening than missing an opportunity of a lifetime because of an equipment flaw.

                Bows are machines that need to have a delicate balance of power and precision, and unless they are engineered properly, you may find yourself going through a lot of work for nothing. Find a reputable dealer and look for a PRO package to get you started.

                Remember- you are only as good as your equipment allows you to be!

4. Practice makes perfect:

                Okay really guys, it's time for a dose of reality with our egos put aside... Just practice already! Being a bow hunter is a lifestyle choice. If you want the thrill of the hunt, you need to work for it. 

                Accuracy is not only key, but it is essential to avoid spending hours tracking prey  for hours through the forest because of a weak shot, with no guarantee of recovering the carcass.

                Tune your bow, practice with targets, join a 3D hunt, and stay focused. We 'Reap' what we sow! (get it- 'Reap' er Gear?)

5. Do your homework:

                Just as important as knowing your prey, you have to do your homework. Do you know exactly what time the sun will rise over your hunting grounds? Do you know when the deer are moving? (Get a trail camera for this). Do you know where the food and water sources are? Have you seen the deer paths both in and out of their food, water, and bedding areas? Are you using a stand or a blind? 

                Be sure to analize everything, and use whatever tools you can find to make yourself a better hunter! Remember- our future trophies DEPEND on it!

6. Stay the course:

                We’ve all been there. Hours waiting in the cold and not seeing a thing. Tiredness sets in and as we head back in we cut across the field or go over the fence instead of going around. It's understandable in some situations, but it is reckless in all situations. The deer will change their patterns based on what you do so follow the original plan- It will definitely pay off!

7. Write it down:

                Unless you’re putting your hunting fate into the hands of someone else, keep a log. Write down any sightings or encounters that you have in the woods and on your trail camera. Include the day, the time of day, the temperature, the direction, the wind, and the weather. 

                Be sure to include the age and sex of the deer. WATCH for patterns from day to day and year to year. KNOW YOUR TERRITORY - KNOW YOUR PREY...

8. Try Plan B:     

                We all know our best chances are early morning or about an hour before dark but some of the biggest bucks have been taken Midday during the rut. The exact time of the rut will take careful observation but it’s worth giving it a shot. What do you have to lose?

9. Don’t lose your head:

                Staring at the one, knowing he doesn’t see or smell you, is intimidating. We want to hurry up before our luck runs out but we have to hold back. 

                Take a sec, breathe (quietly!), and line up the shot. Buy a sight if you don’t have one already and wait for the sweet spot. All the preparations in the world aren’t going to help you if you Can't hold it together when you're under pressure. 

10. Be a smart packer:

                Plan for success and pack accordingly. Field dressing kit, bottled water, wipes, personal identification, permits, logbook, ratchet strap, flashlight/headlamp, lighted nocks  calls and extra arrows are just a few of the essentials. 

                Additional tips, paracord, deer drag, wind indicator, tree saw and a good book are also great options but shhh... be very quiet turning those pages... :-)

*Cody Wallace is an expert hunter, fisherman, and avid outdoorsman. His goal is to increase the quality of your hunt through better gear, better education, and deeper connections to the outdoors.

Read more of his blogs at www.reapergear.com