For entertainment I listen to a lot of talking heads about hunting deer, but you approach hunting deer with common sense. I am now 65, started hunting when I was 14 with my Dad. He did not over think the sport, the first bit of info he gave me was that I was not hunting deer, but a giant rabbit. I was always blessed in that I had our farm to hunt plus the Hoosier National Forest which surrounded it here in Southern Indiana. However. on opening weekend of shotgun season we headed for a section of public land where the pressure was so heavy that before daylight the amount of flashlights on the ridges surrounding us looked like a lightening bug convention. But dad and I sat in a creek bottom that was thick with briars and cedars. Never saw a hunter down there, around daylight the shooting would start, and without fail, the vast majority of opening mornings we both would have a deer by 11:00. Dad died 15 years ago, but to this day on opening morning I still head for that creek bottom. Semper Fi, USMC.
Never been deer hunting before and I don't have anyone to teach me. Makes me extremely grateful to live in this internet age where I can POP all of my questions into a search bar and find useful information.
Hunting in my experience has a lot to do with understanding the critters and their surroundings! I never hunted from a blind but ether seeing them moving to an area or walking to an area where they gather staying in high ground if possible. I have had an advantage growing up on a farm with wooded areas near a marsh on our land! I sat on high ground again, watching them from a distance. I hunted deer with a single shot rifled barreled 12 gauge shotgun as it is lighter to carry and you only get one shot anyway! I made my shots count that I new the deer was going down.
I’m not sure where you live but if you are close to southwest Missouri I would love to take you out on my 400 acre property. It would be completely free of charge and you would only have to pay for your tags! I love to pass along hunting knowledge and experience to those looking to get into it.
My uncle and I went hunting last year. We are both novice big game hunters, and I can give you a whole list of mistakes that we made. We set up next to a small river, upwind of deer of course, and didn't see a thing. However, that entire morning, fish were feeding right in front of us. The next day we brought some poles and had one of the best fishing days ever. Take what nature gives you, because the only use your plans serve you are to get you out there.
I have to say thank you. Yesterday I was hunting a little over a mile back in the VA mountains. Raining steady and I was getting wet and highly frustrated. I just texted my brother at 3pm and told him I was going to head out. Before I did I looked on your website and read some of your advice about rain and weather and hunting the breaks. It gave me a second wind and I decided to stick it out. We are in prime rut and I was in between bedding. 330 six bucks come running a doe. I shot the biggest buck I have to date. I’m not good at aging but the taxidermy said he was an older deer and he would let me know after checking his teeth. A few minutes later a 3 1/2 year old 9 pointer came down. I couldn’t resist so I took him too. I have to thank God for the opportunity and I thank you for the information you put out there for us!!
Man I love to hear that feedback and I am so happy for you!! The grind is worth it, isn't it? Thanks for letting me know and I hope the info helps others too...
@@TennesseeBass849 but if you set up those 3, your so close to your others your being counterproductive bc your spooking the deer that are between you and your second stand on your way over.
There is a million deer hunting channels on TH-cam and I have to say this channel is one of my favorites. It’s great to see a guy who can talk a bunch of knowledge and show us results.
I’m a firm believer in getting information from more than one source but on deer hunting, I keep coming back to these videos because since taking up archery, I have seen a direct correlation between the information put out by Jeff and what I see in the field. I find that I’m probably still sitting in a stand more than I should and need to work on my discipline in that regard. So much great information here! 🏹
It's great to hear common sense, reasonable advice that works for the average Michigan hunter. So much of what is out there is for the once-in-a-lifetime fantasy hunts. Keep it up!
Thank you very much Antonio...that really means a lot to me! Just trying to help as much as possible - most of the info out there is really poor for the average person so I have a mission to offer information that fits more appropriately for the average hunter 👍
Thanks great tutorial, subscribed. I'm one of those guys - I tromp loudly into the woods, leaving all sorts of scent, spooking every creature for miles. I sit in my blind for hours, and the rare deer that comes into view busts me right away and snorts to warn the others. Hunting is an art, like playing the violin - obviously it can't be learned in a day or even in a season. But it's still fun to be out there! Season starts Monday morning here and will be re-watching your video to remind me some of these great tips.
Great video! I as a disabled hunter I am stuck with my ATV or hunting right out of my truck a lot. I am a paraplegic and can walk a little with crutches. The problem with walking is it takes a lot of effort and I get very hot walking a short distance, especially with a lot of clothing on hunting here in Maine. This is one reason I hunt a lot of places all day. I hope that if I made any noise in the morning I am hoping that it is forgotten about by evening. There are a lot of things I have to do differently, believe me I have hunted since I was about 10 and I was not a paraplegic till just after my 23 rd birthday, I have hunted just as you described for years. It is very frustrating but you can only do what you can do. I love to hunt and be in God's country. There is nothing better. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank you. God bless and Good Hunting! Maine North Woods Hunter (Shane)
My ATV broke down a few years ago and I never felt like paying to get it fixed. Turns out this has been one of the best decisions I have made on my 175 acre hunting property. Walking or even riding a mountain bike to and from stands and using a cart to recover deer has greatly reduced the felt pressure on my property during hunting season.
i'm 18 I have always loved hunting but never got to do it growing up my family doesn't hunt with that said when i turned 18 I went out and bought myself a crossbow and a blind and started on my own. Videos like this are much appreciated in the learning process for me. I managed to get myself a doe right at the tail end of the season after many hours of sitting in one spot every night for over a month. This video should help me maybe get one sooner in the season or possibly get a doe and a buck. Keep making these videos they should help plenty more young hunters like me who never got the hands on experience growing up.
I didn’t start hunting till I was 41. My first season I got two deer one being an 8 point. I’ve been a bunch this year and have only seen deer twice. Shot at one with a crossbow but missed low. Learned you really need to have your yardage down (get a range finder). Keep at it! Never stop learning.
I’ve never had any problems hunting deer but I don’t focus on bucks . I prefer does the meat is better eating. Especially while hunting moose cows are better eating. I’m 80 now and been hunting since I was a very young kid. Great job guys. 👍🇨🇦
This may seem stupid but I just setup 360 degree trail cams with 4G at all my hunting stands on my 150 acre property. I figure I don't have much land so I take notes on which animals are where at certain times. My daughter planted thousands of berries of all verities (from seed) and when walking through the property you can't go more than 50 feet without being able to eat berries in any direction. Problem is now we have black bears.
Jeff, i agree 100% about the atv use. I also agree wth you about the wind movement. I have also had guys tell me they had deer straight downwind with no detection. I call bs on that one. For years i have used milkweed pods. Pick them green, wrap them with a rubber band and let dry. On your stand just pull afew fiber and send them loose. You will find the wind is not doing what you think it is. All good advise! Thanks.
Thank you for providing useful information that can be applied on my small hunting area of around 200 acres. I get so tired of watching the big shows that are on these world class hunting resorts talking about how they couldn't have done it without their (insert sponsor here) when all they had to do was show up and pick the deer they wanted. I've been looking for a real hunter that isn't beholden to his/her sponsors in their videos. Once again THANK YOU
Thank you...I really appreciate you watching and it means a lot that the info helps and is practical...without all of the sponsor hype! I hope the hunting industry changes...but man, it's almost like a NASCAR victory speech nowadays...
Excellent advice ??? He's literally repeating everything we learned from the first hunting vids that hit the market ! He's just repeating common knowledge. I can find an old video clip from the 90's that talks about the exact same subjects time and time again. ... Have you been living under a rock ??? Only difference is this guy spends tens of thousands of dollars and highly modifies the properties he hunts... this is fantasy land hunting from a sponsored up dude who just repeats the same stuff we learned 30 years ago ! He talkes about how you should take the long , hard way o your stand to avoid your scent, then jumps on a5 thousand dollar electric bike and rides off... He always says x,y,z product to the common guy while wearing $1,500 worth of sponsored xd clothing. I cannot make this up !
This is a really good list. I started hunting when I was a kid and then as an adult I went into military and then college so I just got back into it 3 years ago. I'm 30 now and one thing I've noticed that I've learned over that past couple seasons is to not overthink it. I shower with baking soda before my hunt as well as wash my clothes with baking soda and then head out to the field. Spray some dead downwind and set my stand up according to wind. That's about it and I've seen a LOT of deer.
My son is 11 and this will be his first year whitetail hunting. I shared this video with him. Thanks for making it & thanks for not trying to cram products down our throat the whole time! Great video!
@@keithlucas6260 That's awesome! My son finally knocked a small buck down yesterday. Today is the last day here in Nebraska and he has one more tag to fill. I am really tired 😫 LOL But he is ready to go get another one!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...took both with his AR.... He was just given a youth .243 and I had to scramble to find ammo for it....after a week of searching the internet and calling stores, I lucked out in going to Academy Sports before they opened and stood in line on the day they get ammo. Scored the 3 box limit on 5.56, grabbed 3 boxes of .243 and a box of .270, now everyone is happy.
@@keithlucas6260 Dang! Close call! Haha Ammo is hard to get these days for sure. Glad to hear you got what you needed. My son is shooting and old sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser. When I finally found some ammo online a couple of months ago I bought a case of 200. Haha 😄 He would have shot every round by now target shooting if I would have let him. I told him it costs me a dollar every time you pull the trigger son!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...great, oddly enough I stopped last week at Walmart as I never shop there, and found ten boxes of the 300 WM @ $54/box and the only ones on the barren shelves...they're still there as I've already purchased 300 rounds months earlier.
Ha, too funny Jason...in a way tho...not burning out stands 😁 Less is definitely more when hunting mature bucks. If you want to consistently kill them that is... You are very welcome and I appreciate your comments 👍
great show man ., I gave up hunting on my last buck in 1987 due to health/weight problems . I couldn't drag that last button buck 10 yards before I was exhausted from lack of breath . Now though I have lost 147 lbs but age now is the problem . 72 years old and I still would love to hunt again if I could get to and from a blind safely .Long distances are hard to walk . Still I get my thrill watching fellas like you do these vids
Thanks Jeff for taking all the helpful information you keep put out there. I only wished I would have found your channel a little sooner. I will however start implementing as many of your suggestion as I can when appropriate. I've had a rough couple of years health wise, so I would love to be able to spend more time hunting around my land. With all the information I've gathered from your videos, I should be able to improve my hunting success around home in southern Vermont greatly. So thanks again Jeff.
What great information shared. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge from over 30 years with us. My knowledge base has increased just from the few minutes spent with you! Take care and happy seasons!
As a tracker with a trained tracking dog I am SO HAPPY to hear you emphasize backing out after a questionable shot. It really is the biggest factor as to whether that deer will be recovered after a bad shot.
Meh! I’m guilty of most of these “don’t do’s” and I’m at seasonal success rate of about 65-70%. I am a serious hunter, (hell, that’s my last name) but I consider my success rate good enough. If all these tips help you, God bless. But, my issue is the guys who crap on everyone who doesn’t do all the crap they do. Get over yourself. I appreciate this video because these are good tips and the guy doesn’t come off as a condescending jerk know it all. Happy hunting and God Bless.
Just trying to offer info to help hunters up their game if they would like, with tips them to help them shoot them best bucks in the area nearly every season. Mature bucks are a much harder whitetail to, scout, prepare and hunt for, than does, fawns and young bucks. I have a friend who in the 2000s shot his 50th buck in a row in 50 seasons. Less than 10 were 2.5 years if age or older. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. BUT, he did the same thing for 50 years and was happy with those results. What I try to offer in this channel is for hunters to make changes and reap the rewards of continually trying to be be the best hunter that they can be, every season. In a constant state of learning and honing their skills...if they have time to, and if they desire.
Thank you. I’m a late life hunter. I started at 47 because I had no one to teach me as a boy and well, life happened. I’m 51 now and am transitioning into public land for the first time. Leases in Texas have become so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. I used to spend 2k but now the average is well over 6k. Just finished scouting an area for bow season. I think what I have learned here will be ofhelp. Especially the knowledge about not pursuing shot deer too fast. I know I have lost at least one that way, and probably a hog or 2 as well. Thanks!
Great videos and we are watching you in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont! Love how you mention VT when you’re giving examples as it’s helpful to know what’s relevant to us. I’m a new hunter and am learning so much from you. Watched tons of these videos and you’re definitely the best. I will share these with my boyfriend who has been hunting his whole life. I know he will learn a bunch. Thank you so much!
You are spot on about blinds. Here in CT archery season runs Sept15 to Jan31. Early season, not a problem to hide the blind. However, once the leaves start to fall it is nearly impossible to keep the blind non-obvious in fall and winter. Now if I'm on the ground I only use a Ghost Blind. Works well and passes a 10 yard test even to human eyes. Around here I also need to camo the blind from two legged anti hunters which adds an extra layer of difficulty. Conventional wisdom is put em out early they get used to it. Not around here, got em on cam eyeballing the blind in Nov/Dec when it starts to stick out. Heavy deer population so there is very little understory and is near impossible to make work with a blind.
I've been hunting whitetails for over 45 years. You make a lot of great points. One of my pet peeves is shiny guns, equipment and things like watch faces. I hunt in NC. In eastern NC. You can get away with a lot more (flat land,black soil??) than in the middle or western part. Thanks for your very informative videos.
Thanks for all the info, I have been hunting for 40 years and shot alot of deer but I love all the tips you give us and can always learn new things and techniques, best of luck to all in the deer woods, not easy in Vermont.
I haven't watched the whole video but yes, wait. If he's laying down bleeding out let him. They're not always dead. I put a poor shot on a 140" buck. I jumped him by walking in. He jumped and ran and I'm guessing he clotted.
They taught us that in my hunter education class. Wait 45 minutes. Seems like an unbelievably long time, but I guess it makes sense. Problem is if you shoot them right at dusk, then you have to track them in the dark, and if you wait until morning the coyotes will get the carcass first. All part of the experience!
Whitetail Habitat Solutions this is my first year hunting whitetail and your channel has been very helpful. I was able to shoot my first deer a couple weeks ago.
Ho Kevin, I have LOTS of recent video content discussing kate season strategies, December strategies, etc. You should check them out on this channel 🙂 Here is a recent video you may like... th-cam.com/video/R0HJJrfG8IQ/w-d-xo.html I have a lot of late season videos from the past too. A great way to find info is to search for it on TH-cam....my content comes up at the top. I could give you a short answer but that would only scratch the surface and those videos will give you hours of late season hunting strategies 🙂
The deers here are stirring from round 8-2 in the middle of the day. Great video as always brother. Be safe out there you and your wife. GOD BLESS you and your family Amen 🙏.
Disappointed to see so much negative feedback on this one Jeff! It should go without saying that there will always be variables where certain practices do or don’t apply. I take all the info you offer and tweak it to my circumstances. I’m tagged out! Shot a 9 and 10 pointer two days in a row during rut.
Ha, thanks Jay! Only averaging 2.5 thumbs down per 100...so it's all good! Lots of jealousy and bitterness this time of year ☺️ That's awesome too with your success...congrats!
Liked, saved, subscribed, and rang the bell! This guy knows what he is talking about! I see so many hunting videos promoting gadgets and fads. This is real hunting advice garnered from years of experience. I always take my ATV hunting with me...and it stays on the trailer where it belongs unless I need it to extract a deer I have killed. My philosophy is to hunt all the way to the tree stand/ blind and all the way back to the truck.
This is my first season and I'm learning a lot. Thank you for your content. I didn't realize it was okay to leave a non-dressed deer out over night and get it the following morning.
Well it definitely depends on how warm it is...and make sure that you leave a jacket or something nearby to spook the coyotes away. Thanks a lot tho, I hope the channel helps you out a lot!
I shot a doe last night. She ran into the thick stuff before dying so I left her there & dressed her this morning. It was about 30 degrees overnight so the meat didn’t spoil
Whitetail Habitat Solutions there's no leaving a dead deer in the woods around here... the coyotes will move in with a human standing right next to it... the deer population is so high because there is no way to get above them in morning.. the state land areas in my area are 1000ft of vertical in less than a mile.. I can shut off engine and lights on car and roll into the grassy part of parking area at well over an hour before grey light and listen... the deer are racing up the sheer face and landing on private land... one way in from backside but then you have to climb the other side of the 1000ft vertical and walk a mile and a half to get to the saddle the top ones travel to private land... even when you see one (usually a whole herd) it is an hour before sunrise and can't shoot them anyway... crazy, but I still keep trying to crack the code but it's tough... I missed a buck on opening day, my Remington ammo misfired ... spent the next afternoon with my Savage Axis and a box of new Winchester ammo re-sighting in my rifle.. yes unfortunately on the same state land. It might help if NY like other states actually allowed half hr BEFORE official sunrise and AFTER sunset but..... I LOVE NY❤️NOT...
@@rickparshall I'm Aa,,,30 year veterian of hunting ,I have harvested many white tail and mule deer ,,,if the temp is around 40 and less your meat will be good ,,trusting my word dont go by it ,,,,but after 3 girls and one son ,,and 12 grandkids,,,we have only eaten deer meat and elk and moose and carabo,,,but mostly white tail and black tail deer which we have had to find some times on the third day of a 40 degree ,,,the meat was fine ,,,,don't go past this period ,,,and remember,,,the temps have to be 40degress and under to be ok,,,,as soon as you deww find it ,,dont worry about the glan cutting just get the field dressing done ,,,then take it to a presser to take care of the rest ,,,,been doing this for years raised all the kids and grand kids on it and I'm teaching it to them ,,,so thay can have a knowledge of were we get our meat and the correct and uncorrected way of receiving what the lord gave to all of us to eat ,,,
Regarding scent control, what's your thoughts about keeping gear in a container with cedar limbs from the hunting area? Not trying to hide my scent, but trying to blend in... Thanks!!!
I've always liked that option s lot...in particular if it only includes materials directly from where you hunt. I'm always hunting in all kinds of conditions for at least 4 months...traveling too. So a container with either very clean clothes or some kind of scent enhanced...is my only option. I like it...I think it works well too!
Keep in mind that he didn't say you can't help your odds. He just said that you cannot bank on fooling a deers nose. Been hunting for 26 years and he is absolutely right. You can't count on fooling a deers nose, but as he said, you can help your odds. It's just foolish to go in and not play the wind because you think that the $15 bottle of scent away is going to take care of it or because you took extra measures to disguise your scent. ALWAYS play the wind and it's going to help your odds. It won't always work, because we all know that as soon as ole mossy horns steps in range, the wind is going to swirl and hit the back of your neck. :) happy hunting.
I live and hunt in southwest Virginia and the land we hunt is 2,500-4,000 feet in elevation. We do have some small fields at the bottom but we hunt the tops, or near the tops, of these mountains most of our morning sits. We use gas powered ATV's to go up but we usually walk out a pretty good ways from the ATV trail. The people that hunt the adjoining properties also us gas powered ATV's on their properties. The terrain is typically very steep. Anyway, my question is not about ATV's. I'm just curious how you would approach hunting these mountain deer and how to draw them to target areas legally? We have 165 acres with about 8 acres of fields in the bottoms on our family land and I have a lease of 140 acres with 5 acres of fields but there are cattle on that one.
The number of curious deer I’ve seen during brush clearing a watch or hammering a ground blind together blows my mind. Make a little crack or ting and they run, pound nails and they come check it out...
You can also ride a bicycle right up to a deer without it running away, I do it all the time. The second you put your feet on the ground though, they run.
Hunting on 30 acres this upcoming season a new spot have two small Fields brush hogs and the deer are thick. So setting up one stand in one field and stand in another field . Is that a wise move?
Thanks for the great tips. I like Sitka gear a lot. It's on a par with my climbing/mountain clothing but they haven't got their fabric quiet enough. Traverse cold weather hoody is quieter than wool even brushed against any tree or rock. The ascent and mountain pant sound like corduroy. I get it they want them to last but I have patagonia climbing pants lasting 15 years in the mountains that are quieter for a synthetic. I'd pay for a much quieter pant that is less durable any day. I'd really like to see them do a still hunter/northeast tracker clothing run in open country with a 50/50 wool poly pant double seat and knee fabric with a 90% jacket no hood and a game pouch to hold a liter of water and primaloft vest. . That would be their best offering to date!
There is absolutely nothing you can do to fool a mature bucks nose. The best form of scent control is making sure you are downwind of a buck with your stand location...not upwind
Enjoyed your video. Deer hunting has been commercialized to the point it's almost absurd. Blinds, exotic camo, scents, ATVs, high tech firearms with top heavy optics...Trail cams....I don't know...Old Timers (not that long ago) hit the woods with a wool hunting coat, decent pair of boots and a 30-30 or 12ga they bought down at the local Sears/wherever.
c s yeah all I use is an old m65 field jacket with a German wool commando jacket. I use much boots (I live in ky very wet) and some cheap thermals. I don't own a fourwheeler yet but I am looking for one to help get deer out. Sadly I have to hunt with my old man who can't walk around very well. We've hunted for 5 years and only got 2 bucks. Here soon I'll hunt on my own and can track them.
My father was a prolific deer hunter and probably bagged over 100 bucks. Some really nice ones too. Most of his activities were for meat and he preferred does for the taste, but when he had meat in the freezer he'd switch to trophy hunting bucks. That thing you mentioned about the deer patterning hunters, you're the only person I've heard mention that besides him. It's true too. If you're predictable in the times you hunt or you spend too much time in one area, the mature animals will either leave the area completely or go fully nocturnal. Once they feel that pressured and go nocturnal, the only times you're going to bag those animals is if they're spooked out of their bedding areas by another hunter and they're driven to you.
thank you for taking the time to make this video, and sharing your knowledge! I'm prepping for my season here in IL, and have finally gotten to a point in my hunting tenure that I will choose to be very picky on what I shoot. I'm starting to rely more on skill versus luck, and helpful tips like your video will continue reinforcing my approach.
Thank you so much for these videos. I’m planning on taking up bow hunting this next year and eventually rifle/shotgun. You’ve provided me with a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have possibly learned in the same amount of time from my in-laws that are hunters
I'm 27 years old nobody in my family or even group of friends hunts.. I just picked up a bow last year I've gone on 1 unsuccessful hunt with a tag everything else has been cottontails/coyote. There's so much to take in especially not knowing anything about anything but so far I love it. I hope to continue learning thank you for the video
Haha pretty much me. I'm 27 and no one in my family hunts and I never even thought about it despite camping a lot when I was younger. Two years ago I went out with a friend who just bought a bow and went out elk hunting. We ended up in a wooded area completely surrounded by elk before daylight and they were bugling their heads off all around us. Coolest experience ever. Got a bow of my own summer last year and am wanting to ramp up this year.
Sir thank you for all your help. I live in West Virginia and don't have access to private land. I bow hunt on WMA. I have been out for the last 2 years and finally bought a stand. I needAdvice?
The problem with leaving a deer overnight is coyotes I have seen many deer picked clean sometimes you will have a property filled with coyotes and then deer will be fine and sometimes you will never see a coyotes for years and your deer will be picked clean
I am a new deer hunter, i am also disabled, can’t and wont sit a tree stand. I have made a few of the mistakes you have listed. Went deer hunting 2 out of last 3 years , 0 =deer as of now, missed middle year hunt to spinal surgery. Any tips for a crippled rookie?
Great info and knowledge!!! For the one who wants to get the biggest Trophy and have the most success!!! But honestly in my opinion it’s more about being outdoors, being with your children and grandchildren and friends.Many take it to seriously.. And can suck the fun out of it and make it not an enjoyable experience...
This video is simply for those that want to do their best. Something that can include the entire family...teaching the entire family what it's like to do their beat at something they live to do. Nothing wrong with whatever level you choose to participate at, but some hunters want to do their best, and share that with their family and loved ones. Lots of things to do outdoors with the family...hopefully you get the most out of each one of those, including hunting.
Amen to that. I heard an ATV on WIs opener and sure, enough 20 minutes later deer camp running. Love the neighbors 😁 and their ATVs. Diane got to see some of the deer where she was hunting...spooked them roughly 600-700 yards and they probably didn't even realize there were deer there. Ha, I like walking too 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions every herd can be different. I’ve watched deer on one part of our lease not be affected by machinery and the other side, 4 miles away, they take off at the slightest sound.
Reef, I've had similar experiences. I hunt deer and turkey on a place adjacent to the Mississippi River (often under the river) where between the barges, railroad, and quarry noise the critters never get much peace. We just cannot get a tom to shock gobble and the deer aren't too nervous. Other places I hunt have remarkably different behavior.
Living in Wisconsin I never hunted in a blind that I new our area on our farm tracking their movements before the hunt! I used a 28 in single shot 12 gauge shotgun with a rifled barrel as I made sure one shot will put it down! I always hunted from higher ground with the wind in my face getting closer sometimes on my belly in tall grass at times! This is hunting not waiting for the deer to walk by!!
Great Info thank you. I’m a new hunter in fact just finished my first hunt I was fortunate and got my first deer I saw a lot too early in the week but later I saw none and some of these tips really brought light to what may have happened. I hope to learn a lot and become a great hunter bc this was the experience of a lifetime
Great advise, especially about giving that deer time to lay down and die. More deer are lost every year by folks going to look way too soon. Even on those shots that feel and look good you should give that animal time to die. A big, tough, old buck can go an awful long way with just one lung collapsed! If I didn't see the deer go down, I prefer to wait at least 3 hours. Happy hunting!
So this year I just built my own hunting wagon it is on a gravity wagon running gear and I put it in CRP by the fence line of trees what would you recommend or think I should do I’m new to hunting live in iowa and 17 years old
I’m a new subscriber. Excellent work. Been binge watching your videos as my son and I are preparing our very first deer habitat. If you find yourself in Missouri, let me s know. This is really awesome information! 👍
Hey Jeff. We have a Deer camp North of Seney wildlife refuge. We have just under 100 acres surrounded by thousands of state/federal land. We are in the certified forest program. Meaning we really cannot cut trees to create plot area. Have any other recommendations? Have some overgrown old clearcuts. Should i just clean that up and create a plot there? Thanks
Can you provide a link to your hunting camo? I just got my first rifle and I'm about to buy some camo for this years deer season. Would love to only have to buy 1 nice set
I really like your clues, which are very helpful, but I am a morning hunter, in my blind by 5:30am, and if I have not shot a deer by 09:am, I consider it a wash. Do you think it is wise to slow walk for about 30 minutes to see if anything is moving? Thanks
Hi Jeff, Great Video! You talked about ATV's, etc. making noise in the woods. What are your thoughts about driving an ATV through the woods after dark to retrieve a deer? Do you think the gas fumes/scent messes with the hunt in days to come after that? Thanks Jeff!
Do you have an opinion for someone who doesn't have the luxury to always hunt in a blind or stands that have the wind in the perfect direction? I have no ground myself but I hunt lots of public ground so I have to access the lot from a specific direction and lots of times the wind is blowing at my back on the way in.
Thanks for the videos, I have had a better season than ever, I have seen more mature bucks and recently passed a 3.5 year old 115" 8 point, that's a nice deer for my part of Arkansas, hopefully he will hang around for a couple more year, we have been implementing some of your tactics, and they have absolutely helped, thanks again 👍👍
I fire up my woodburner early with some wet wood. Put on some jeans and sit on the back porch with my coffee and cigarette. The smoke covers the smell or at least that's what I tell myself. It works every year
Thanks for the tip on the last video I got into a thicket with my bow and a ground blind and had a huge buck walk 2 yards in front of me I couldn’t draw or it would see me. Hey it was a great experience
I've watched several of your videos. The question of being quiet has been on my mind. I see you also carry a backpack. How do you limit the noise from unzipping it to get your items?
I set my stand up in thick brush where I know the deer are moving. I only hunt it when I know the time is right. I don't even go to it until I feel like it's a good day to kill a big buck in rifle season. When I hunt in bow season I mostly ground hunt looking for does. They are a pretty easy score even for a novice. I never track up my good stand. The other thing I do is get comfortable. I carry in a backpack. I have water bottles and cereal bars and most important a sleeping bag that stays in a box with cedar branches until I use it. When I get to my stand I put the backpack on the tree and spray it down with scent killer. I then get in the sleeping bag and it both keeps me comfortable making it easier to sit quietly, and it holds my scent inside the bag.
Hello sir?I watch all your videos and learned so much but you never talk about hog problem and how the affect deer.Ive got one bore hog that comes to my gravity feeder everyday and now I see no deer at my feeder.Whats your thoughts on that?
Jeff I had one of my target bucks show up as I was hanging a stand last weekend. I was on the ladder and had to hug the tree as he went right by me. I don't think he spooked cause he didn't run pass me. He did stop but my back was to him so guess he looked but then just continued on his way.
Jeff, been doing a lot of hunting from the ground recently. Had success this past Saturday. I play the wind and use the knowledge of the area I hunt to know where the deer will come out. I've also found it gives me a better viewpoint than one of our box blinds where some of my view would be inhibited had I hunted from there. What are your thoughts on ground hunting in an area where I can cover myself with the environment around me?
I had a bad habit of tracking too soon and lost a couple. I made a gut shot this yr. So I waited ten and a half hours and went right to where I saw him "walk" to.....he was there!!
I have spent over 60 hours in two weeks trying to take a deer. I have seen 6 does 2 juveniles (I think one was a buck one was a doe.) 1 four point 4 armadillos 2 raccoons 1 squirrel 1 sleeping gator And a ton of birds lol Still have yet to get a clean shot but for my first year hunting I think I am doing ok. If I dont get one this year that's fine I am in the woods.
@@brodysmith6534 i ended up the year with a fork horn shot at 25 meters and an 8 point shot at 75 meters. He was one of 8 taken on public land that had more then 6 points in my county.
Thanks again, I've had success again this year taking your advice. Not letting deer pattern me. Harvested heavy 10pt Coxsackie, NY 9am 300yds between 2 favorite stands from ground. Thank you
I've hunted on the ground for 40 years. Never liked a tree stand. Hunting on the ground affords me the opportunity to get up and move if nothing seems to be moving in my location. I smoked for most of those 40 years and if anything, it proved to be to my advantage. I just quit smoking last year and now ONLY smoke when hunting. Smoking allows me to know the wind direction at any given time, so I can focus my attention on the areas that are upwind of my location. It has proven to be a good advantage. When hunting in hollows, the wind tends to swirl and change direction at any given moment. I've killed many nice mature bucks in my day, and never paid much attention to scent masking products, Tinks, or any of that other nonsense. One good scouting trip to my hunting spot at the beginning of the rut and knowing the lay of the land is all it takes. Pick a spot that is well traveled with some decent buck sign in it. Sooner or later, that buck WILL come down the trail. Make sure you know how to shoot and can conquer buck fever and.....BAM!!! There's your freezer full of meat and your wall mount.
Been a hunter since the year I got married in 2005 at the age of 28. Even though I come from family that loves to hunt I didnt get serious about hunting until I notice my dad pick up a PSE bow. Years have passed and he is no longer here but because I picked up his bow when he passed I now have a bedroom which is now my trophy room 10 or so mature buck mount 4 gobblers and 1 coyote . With that being said my question is somewhat embarrassing to ask. I heard you speak in this educational video about hunting shelves or a shelf. What exactly is a shelf and how do I identify one ? Thanks. By the way no luck on a mature buck this season here on the Hardin Co. / Bullit Co. Iine in Ky. Thanks .
Jeff you mentioned scent elimination. I've also been following John Eberhart who never hunts the wind and swears by Scent Lok. What are your thoughts? His results are amazing on high pressure deer so is there some merit to Scent Lok and am extreme scent control regimen?
If you hunt that way...you will fail far more often than not. More people doesn't mean more pressure. I grew up in Oakland county MI...first 26 years if my life. Some incredible pockets of deer in the area...used to a lot of sound and scent from people in general. Way different kind of buck than actual high pressure public land and small parcels. Bottom line, if you hunt as if deer can't smell you on stand no matter what product that you use, you will never consistently kill mature bucks. In fact it would be very hard to ever do so. To me and my experience hunting true high pressure whitetails in small parcels and public land in multiple states...there is no merit to any form of scent control on stand. Too good to be true 😉 Unfortunately. No matter what product xyz hunter is pimping...
Thanks for this informative video. As a new hunter, I've been trying to absorb knowledge as much as possible and this was laid out in a very user friendly and reasoned fashion.
For entertainment I listen to a lot of talking heads about hunting deer, but you approach hunting deer with common sense. I am now 65, started hunting when I was 14 with my Dad. He did not over think the sport, the first bit of info he gave me was that I was not hunting deer, but a giant rabbit. I was always blessed in that I had our farm to hunt plus the Hoosier National Forest which surrounded it here in Southern Indiana. However. on opening weekend of shotgun season we headed for a section of public land where the pressure was so heavy that before daylight the amount of flashlights on the ridges surrounding us looked like a lightening bug convention. But dad and I sat in a creek bottom that was thick with briars and cedars. Never saw a hunter down there, around daylight the shooting would start, and without fail, the vast majority of opening mornings we both would have a deer by 11:00. Dad died 15 years ago, but to this day on opening morning I still head for that creek bottom. Semper Fi, USMC.
Are you a Marine?
James Dare are you asking me?
Semper fi
@@L8nightride1 No. I was asking “Hammerhead”... Aren’t you a Corpsman?
@@isaacpattison2174 God Bless the brave men and women that never came home. Semper Fi.
Never been deer hunting before and I don't have anyone to teach me. Makes me extremely grateful to live in this internet age where I can POP all of my questions into a search bar and find useful information.
Hunting in my experience has a lot to do with understanding the critters and their surroundings! I never hunted from a blind but ether seeing them moving to an area or walking to an area where they gather staying in high ground if possible. I have had an advantage growing up on a farm with wooded areas near a marsh on our land! I sat on high ground again, watching them from a distance. I hunted deer with a single shot rifled barreled 12 gauge shotgun as it is lighter to carry and you only get one shot anyway! I made my shots count that I new the deer was going down.
Just get out there. U learn more by being in the environment.
On my 3rd season and in my 40s. Do not miss it, make some friends hire a guide (at least once). Spend time in the woods.
I’m not sure where you live but if you are close to southwest Missouri I would love to take you out on my 400 acre property. It would be completely free of charge and you would only have to pay for your tags! I love to pass along hunting knowledge and experience to those looking to get into it.
Ryan Fry
Moving to Central Arkansas in the beginning of November. Would love to join you for the 2021 season if you don’t mind.
My uncle and I went hunting last year. We are both novice big game hunters, and I can give you a whole list of mistakes that we made. We set up next to a small river, upwind of deer of course, and didn't see a thing. However, that entire morning, fish were feeding right in front of us. The next day we brought some poles and had one of the best fishing days ever. Take what nature gives you, because the only use your plans serve you are to get you out there.
I’m a much better fisherman than a hunter.
Love the positive outlook. Gotta make the best out of a situation!
I have to say thank you. Yesterday I was hunting a little over a mile back in the VA mountains. Raining steady and I was getting wet and highly frustrated. I just texted my brother at 3pm and told him I was going to head out. Before I did I looked on your website and read some of your advice about rain and weather and hunting the breaks. It gave me a second wind and I decided to stick it out. We are in prime rut and I was in between bedding. 330 six bucks come running a doe. I shot the biggest buck I have to date. I’m not good at aging but the taxidermy said he was an older deer and he would let me know after checking his teeth. A few minutes later a 3 1/2 year old 9 pointer came down. I couldn’t resist so I took him too. I have to thank God for the opportunity and I thank you for the information you put out there for us!!
Man I love to hear that feedback and I am so happy for you!! The grind is worth it, isn't it? Thanks for letting me know and I hope the info helps others too...
"dont hunt in the same stand all day" "have several stands and blinds" Sir i have 9 acres of land lol
You can set up at least two stands and maybe a blind on 9
@@TennesseeBass849 but if you set up those 3, your so close to your others your being counterproductive bc your spooking the deer that are between you and your second stand on your way over.
I hunt public land....usually pass a billion stands trying to find a spot🤣
I have 11 same thing, key is access to setup for different wind. It's not easy.
9 stands sound about right
There is a million deer hunting channels on TH-cam and I have to say this channel is one of my favorites. It’s great to see a guy who can talk a bunch of knowledge and show us results.
I’m a firm believer in getting information from more than one source but on deer hunting, I keep coming back to these videos because since taking up archery, I have seen a direct correlation between the information put out by Jeff and what I see in the field. I find that I’m probably still sitting in a stand more than I should and need to work on my discipline in that regard. So much great information here! 🏹
Thanks a lot Joey and hey, a lot of us have to get out when we can 😊 Have a great hunt!!
During the rut get in the stand all day long in a mountain saddle. This is BS
It's great to hear common sense, reasonable advice that works for the average Michigan hunter. So much of what is out there is for the once-in-a-lifetime fantasy hunts. Keep it up!
Thank you very much Antonio...that really means a lot to me! Just trying to help as much as possible - most of the info out there is really poor for the average person so I have a mission to offer information that fits more appropriately for the average hunter 👍
The amount of knowledge I get from watching you is great
Man that's great to hear...I really appreciate it! Good luck the rest of the season!
Whitetail Habitat Solutions mom huikn nmh
Thanks great tutorial, subscribed. I'm one of those guys - I tromp loudly into the woods, leaving all sorts of scent, spooking every creature for miles. I sit in my blind for hours, and the rare deer that comes into view busts me right away and snorts to warn the others. Hunting is an art, like playing the violin - obviously it can't be learned in a day or even in a season. But it's still fun to be out there! Season starts Monday morning here and will be re-watching your video to remind me some of these great tips.
Great video! I as a disabled hunter I am stuck with my ATV or hunting right out of my truck a lot. I am a paraplegic and can walk a little with crutches. The problem with walking is it takes a lot of effort and I get very hot walking a short distance, especially with a lot of clothing on hunting here in Maine. This is one reason I hunt a lot of places all day. I hope that if I made any noise in the morning I am hoping that it is forgotten about by evening. There are a lot of things I have to do differently, believe me I have hunted since I was about 10 and I was not a paraplegic till just after my 23 rd birthday, I have hunted just as you described for years. It is very frustrating but you can only do what you can do. I love to hunt and be in God's country. There is nothing better. I look forward to watching your videos. Thank you. God bless and Good Hunting! Maine North Woods Hunter (Shane)
I live and hunt in maine and hell you're probably a better hunter than me. Kudos for getting out there and putting in the work.
@@raydon1488 Thank you.
My ATV broke down a few years ago and I never felt like paying to get it fixed. Turns out this has been one of the best decisions I have made on my 175 acre hunting property. Walking or even riding a mountain bike to and from stands and using a cart to recover deer has greatly reduced the felt pressure on my property during hunting season.
Yup. Neighbors push deer all around when they ride atv in.
It’s amazing how much deer respond to ATVs, even when you don’t notice the impact immediately.
i'm 18 I have always loved hunting but never got to do it growing up my family doesn't hunt with that said when i turned 18 I went out and bought myself a crossbow and a blind and started on my own. Videos like this are much appreciated in the learning process for me. I managed to get myself a doe right at the tail end of the season after many hours of sitting in one spot every night for over a month. This video should help me maybe get one sooner in the season or possibly get a doe and a buck. Keep making these videos they should help plenty more young hunters like me who never got the hands on experience growing up.
I didn’t start hunting till I was 41. My first season I got two deer one being an 8 point. I’ve been a bunch this year and have only seen deer twice. Shot at one with a crossbow but missed low. Learned you really need to have your yardage down (get a range finder). Keep at it! Never stop learning.
I’ve never had any problems hunting deer but I don’t focus on bucks . I prefer does the meat is better eating. Especially while hunting moose cows are better eating. I’m 80 now and been hunting since I was a very young kid. Great job guys. 👍🇨🇦
That's awesome Tom...moose is so good! Hoping for some moose stew in Canada next week 😊
Yep and spikes, my girl asked one day why I shot a little buck I said wait till grandma cooks it and you will know happy hunting ol man
This may seem stupid but I just setup 360 degree trail cams with 4G at all my hunting stands on my 150 acre property. I figure I don't have much land so I take notes on which animals are where at certain times. My daughter planted thousands of berries of all verities (from seed) and when walking through the property you can't go more than 50 feet without being able to eat berries in any direction. Problem is now we have black bears.
Jeff, i agree 100% about the atv use. I also agree wth you about the wind movement. I have also had guys tell me they had deer straight downwind with no detection. I call bs on that one. For years i have used milkweed pods. Pick them green, wrap them with a rubber band and let dry. On your stand just pull afew fiber and send them loose. You will find the wind is not doing what you think it is. All good advise! Thanks.
Thank you for providing useful information that can be applied on my small hunting area of around 200 acres. I get so tired of watching the big shows that are on these world class hunting resorts talking about how they couldn't have done it without their (insert sponsor here) when all they had to do was show up and pick the deer they wanted. I've been looking for a real hunter that isn't beholden to his/her sponsors in their videos. Once again THANK YOU
Thank you...I really appreciate you watching and it means a lot that the info helps and is practical...without all of the sponsor hype! I hope the hunting industry changes...but man, it's almost like a NASCAR victory speech nowadays...
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 You gave me a good chuckle thank you 😂
Jeff, excellent advice. Appreciate all the wisdom and insight from you past 30 plus years of deer hunting!
Excellent advice ???
He's literally repeating everything we learned from the first hunting vids that hit the market !
He's just repeating common knowledge.
I can find an old video clip from the 90's that talks about the exact same subjects time and time again. ... Have you been living under a rock ???
Only difference is this guy spends tens of thousands of dollars and highly modifies the properties he hunts... this is fantasy land hunting from a sponsored up dude who just repeats the same stuff we learned 30 years ago !
He talkes about how you should take the long , hard way o your stand to avoid your scent, then jumps on a5 thousand dollar electric bike and rides off...
He always says x,y,z product to the common guy while wearing $1,500 worth of sponsored xd clothing.
I cannot make this up !
This is a really good list. I started hunting when I was a kid and then as an adult I went into military and then college so I just got back into it 3 years ago. I'm 30 now and one thing I've noticed that I've learned over that past couple seasons is to not overthink it. I shower with baking soda before my hunt as well as wash my clothes with baking soda and then head out to the field. Spray some dead downwind and set my stand up according to wind. That's about it and I've seen a LOT of deer.
My son is 11 and this will be his first year whitetail hunting. I shared this video with him. Thanks for making it & thanks for not trying to cram products down our throat the whole time! Great video!
Our 11 year old grandson just got his first buck, and afterwards a doe a week ago here in Texas.
@@keithlucas6260 That's awesome! My son finally knocked a small buck down yesterday. Today is the last day here in Nebraska and he has one more tag to fill. I am really tired 😫 LOL But he is ready to go get another one!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...took both with his AR....
He was just given a youth .243 and I had to scramble to find ammo for it....after a week of searching the internet and calling stores, I lucked out in going to Academy Sports before they opened and stood in line on the day they get ammo.
Scored the 3 box limit on 5.56, grabbed 3 boxes of .243 and a box of .270, now everyone is happy.
@@keithlucas6260 Dang! Close call! Haha Ammo is hard to get these days for sure. Glad to hear you got what you needed. My son is shooting and old sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser. When I finally found some ammo online a couple of months ago I bought a case of 200. Haha 😄 He would have shot every round by now target shooting if I would have let him. I told him it costs me a dollar every time you pull the trigger son!
@@bigjsoutdoorsairguns9007 ...great, oddly enough I stopped last week at Walmart as I never shop there, and found ten boxes of the 300 WM @ $54/box and the only ones on the barren shelves...they're still there as I've already purchased 300 rounds months earlier.
I’m surprised hunting from your living room wasn’t one of them. 🤣🤣
Thanks again Jeff! We value your time.
Ha, too funny Jason...in a way tho...not burning out stands 😁 Less is definitely more when hunting mature bucks. If you want to consistently kill them that is...
You are very welcome and I appreciate your comments 👍
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 are you sponsored by vortex?
great show man ., I gave up hunting on my last buck in 1987 due to health/weight problems . I couldn't drag that last button buck 10 yards before I was exhausted from lack of breath . Now though I have lost 147 lbs but age now is the problem . 72 years old and I still would love to hunt again if I could get to and from a blind safely .Long distances are hard to walk . Still I get my thrill watching fellas like you do these vids
Thanks Jeff for taking all the helpful information you keep put out there. I only wished I would have found your channel a little sooner. I will however start implementing as many of your suggestion as I can when appropriate. I've had a rough couple of years health wise, so I would love to be able to spend more time hunting around my land. With all the information I've gathered from your videos, I should be able to improve my hunting success around home in southern Vermont greatly. So thanks again Jeff.
Glad i found this channel... getting my hunting license this year and want to take my first deer.
Nice...that's awesome!! Good luck 👍
What great information shared. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge from over 30 years with us. My knowledge base has increased just from the few minutes spent with you! Take care and happy seasons!
As a tracker with a trained tracking dog I am SO HAPPY to hear you emphasize backing out after a questionable shot. It really is the biggest factor as to whether that deer will be recovered after a bad shot.
Well that's because you're.eatiing dog food never back out of a shot what you do is attempt to.be fair and spook the dear if they don't move you pop
I go out 15 minutes til dark, sit on a 5 gallon bucket and smoke cigarettes until a deer walks out of the woods. -Guy from west kentucky
Meh!
I’m guilty of most of these “don’t do’s” and I’m at seasonal success rate of about 65-70%. I am a serious hunter, (hell, that’s my last name) but I consider my success rate good enough. If all these tips help you, God bless. But, my issue is the guys who crap on everyone who doesn’t do all the crap they do. Get over yourself.
I appreciate this video because these are good tips and the guy doesn’t come off as a condescending jerk know it all.
Happy hunting and God Bless.
Just trying to offer info to help hunters up their game if they would like, with tips them to help them shoot them best bucks in the area nearly every season. Mature bucks are a much harder whitetail to, scout, prepare and hunt for, than does, fawns and young bucks.
I have a friend who in the 2000s shot his 50th buck in a row in 50 seasons. Less than 10 were 2.5 years if age or older. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. BUT, he did the same thing for 50 years and was happy with those results. What I try to offer in this channel is for hunters to make changes and reap the rewards of continually trying to be be the best hunter that they can be, every season. In a constant state of learning and honing their skills...if they have time to, and if they desire.
I agree... some sounds a bit condescending. Plus every area is different, with respect to a deers wariness
Thank you. I’m a late life hunter. I started at 47 because I had no one to teach me as a boy and well, life happened. I’m 51 now and am transitioning into public land for the first time. Leases in Texas have become so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. I used to spend 2k but now the average is well over 6k. Just finished scouting an area for bow season. I think what I have learned here will be ofhelp. Especially the knowledge about not pursuing shot deer too fast. I know I have lost at least one that way, and probably a hog or 2 as well. Thanks!
You inspire me! I’m starting at 44, I want to be able to take my son when he’s old enough
If I don’t get a deer this season after watching your videos I want a refund!!
Ha, need to talk to the boss (Diane) about that one, lol
🤣🤣🤣
I feel like I’m not getting anything again this year... 3rd season and no luck. I’m probably doing everything wrong
LOL
Your not the only one not getting deer in the last 3 years. I must be doing something wrong.
Great videos and we are watching you in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont! Love how you mention VT when you’re giving examples as it’s helpful to know what’s relevant to us. I’m a new hunter and am learning so much from you. Watched tons of these videos and you’re definitely the best. I will share these with my boyfriend who has been hunting his whole life. I know he will learn a bunch. Thank you so much!
You are spot on about blinds. Here in CT archery season runs Sept15 to Jan31. Early season, not a problem to hide the blind. However, once the leaves start to fall it is nearly impossible to keep the blind non-obvious in fall and winter. Now if I'm on the ground I only use a Ghost Blind. Works well and passes a 10 yard test even to human eyes. Around here I also need to camo the blind from two legged anti hunters which adds an extra layer of difficulty. Conventional wisdom is put em out early they get used to it. Not around here, got em on cam eyeballing the blind in Nov/Dec when it starts to stick out. Heavy deer population so there is very little understory and is near impossible to make work with a blind.
I've been hunting whitetails for over 45 years. You make a lot of great points. One of my pet peeves is shiny guns, equipment and things like watch faces. I hunt in NC. In eastern NC. You can get away with a lot more (flat land,black soil??) than in the middle or western part. Thanks for your very informative videos.
I very rarely sub anyone, I watched you for 60 seconds and subscribed love your humbleness man. Thanks for sharing the info.
Thanks for all the info, I have been hunting for 40 years and shot alot of deer but I love all the tips you give us and can always learn new things and techniques, best of luck to all in the deer woods, not easy in Vermont.
I never once considered waiting to track after a shot. Thank you for that.
I haven't watched the whole video but yes, wait. If he's laying down bleeding out let him. They're not always dead. I put a poor shot on a 140" buck. I jumped him by walking in. He jumped and ran and I'm guessing he clotted.
They taught us that in my hunter education class. Wait 45 minutes. Seems like an unbelievably long time, but I guess it makes sense. Problem is if you shoot them right at dusk, then you have to track them in the dark, and if you wait until morning the coyotes will get the carcass first. All part of the experience!
I appreciate this Channel very much. It’s been very helpful... thank you!
Thank you Landon! I love to hear that and it definitely helps me want to keep at it 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions this is my first year hunting whitetail and your channel has been very helpful. I was able to shoot my first deer a couple weeks ago.
What's your thoughts late season? I've read that it's better to sit evenings vs mornings?
Ho Kevin, I have LOTS of recent video content discussing kate season strategies, December strategies, etc. You should check them out on this channel 🙂 Here is a recent video you may like...
th-cam.com/video/R0HJJrfG8IQ/w-d-xo.html
I have a lot of late season videos from the past too. A great way to find info is to search for it on TH-cam....my content comes up at the top. I could give you a short answer but that would only scratch the surface and those videos will give you hours of late season hunting strategies 🙂
The deers here are stirring from round 8-2 in the middle of the day. Great video as always brother. Be safe out there you and your wife. GOD BLESS you and your family Amen 🙏.
I cannot express my gratitude for this information. Thank you.
Disappointed to see so much negative feedback on this one Jeff! It should go without saying that there will always be variables where certain practices do or don’t apply. I take all the info you offer and tweak it to my circumstances. I’m tagged out! Shot a 9 and 10 pointer two days in a row during rut.
Ha, thanks Jay! Only averaging 2.5 thumbs down per 100...so it's all good! Lots of jealousy and bitterness this time of year ☺️ That's awesome too with your success...congrats!
yea where we hunt you couldnt shoot a 9 and a 10 in east texas, you are allowed one unbranched and a branched buck here
Liked, saved, subscribed, and rang the bell! This guy knows what he is talking about! I see so many hunting videos promoting gadgets and fads. This is real hunting advice garnered from years of experience. I always take my ATV hunting with me...and it stays on the trailer where it belongs unless I need it to extract a deer I have killed. My philosophy is to hunt all the way to the tree stand/ blind and all the way back to the truck.
This is my first season and I'm learning a lot. Thank you for your content. I didn't realize it was okay to leave a non-dressed deer out over night and get it the following morning.
Well it definitely depends on how warm it is...and make sure that you leave a jacket or something nearby to spook the coyotes away. Thanks a lot tho, I hope the channel helps you out a lot!
This is a terrible idea unless its freezing or you want to ruin your meat.
I shot a doe last night. She ran into the thick stuff before dying so I left her there & dressed her this morning. It was about 30 degrees overnight so the meat didn’t spoil
Whitetail Habitat Solutions there's no leaving a dead deer in the woods around here... the coyotes will move in with a human standing right next to it... the deer population is so high because there is no way to get above them in morning.. the state land areas in my area are 1000ft of vertical in less than a mile.. I can shut off engine and lights on car and roll into the grassy part of parking area at well over an hour before grey light and listen... the deer are racing up the sheer face and landing on private land... one way in from backside but then you have to climb the other side of the 1000ft vertical and walk a mile and a half to get to the saddle the top ones travel to private land... even when you see one (usually a whole herd) it is an hour before sunrise and can't shoot them anyway... crazy, but I still keep trying to crack the code but it's tough... I missed a buck on opening day, my Remington ammo misfired ... spent the next afternoon with my Savage Axis and a box of new Winchester ammo re-sighting in my rifle.. yes unfortunately on the same state land. It might help if NY like other states actually allowed half hr BEFORE official sunrise and AFTER sunset but..... I LOVE NY❤️NOT...
@@rickparshall I'm Aa,,,30 year veterian of hunting ,I have harvested many white tail and mule deer ,,,if the temp is around 40 and less your meat will be good ,,trusting my word dont go by it ,,,,but after 3 girls and one son ,,and 12 grandkids,,,we have only eaten deer meat and elk and moose and carabo,,,but mostly white tail and black tail deer which we have had to find some times on the third day of a 40 degree ,,,the meat was fine ,,,,don't go past this period ,,,and remember,,,the temps have to be 40degress and under to be ok,,,,as soon as you deww find it ,,dont worry about the glan cutting just get the field dressing done ,,,then take it to a presser to take care of the rest ,,,,been doing this for years raised all the kids and grand kids on it and I'm teaching it to them ,,,so thay can have a knowledge of were we get our meat and the correct and uncorrected way of receiving what the lord gave to all of us to eat ,,,
I live and hunt in NE Pennsylvania. If morning is the best to hunt. What is the best time to be in your stand?
Thank you, sir! This is my first year hunting and information like this will hopefully improve my hunting ability as time goes by. Keep up this stuff!
Did you get a deer?
We’d love to know when you get a deer
I've been following this TH-cam channel for about a year and will admit it takes time to absorb this information. Depth of thinking is required.
Regarding scent control, what's your thoughts about keeping gear in a container with cedar limbs from the hunting area?
Not trying to hide my scent, but trying to blend in...
Thanks!!!
I've always liked that option s lot...in particular if it only includes materials directly from where you hunt. I'm always hunting in all kinds of conditions for at least 4 months...traveling too. So a container with either very clean clothes or some kind of scent enhanced...is my only option. I like it...I think it works well too!
Keep in mind that he didn't say you can't help your odds. He just said that you cannot bank on fooling a deers nose. Been hunting for 26 years and he is absolutely right. You can't count on fooling a deers nose, but as he said, you can help your odds. It's just foolish to go in and not play the wind because you think that the $15 bottle of scent away is going to take care of it or because you took extra measures to disguise your scent. ALWAYS play the wind and it's going to help your odds. It won't always work, because we all know that as soon as ole mossy horns steps in range, the wind is going to swirl and hit the back of your neck. :) happy hunting.
I live and hunt in southwest Virginia and the land we hunt is 2,500-4,000 feet in elevation. We do have some small fields at the bottom but we hunt the tops, or near the tops, of these mountains most of our morning sits. We use gas powered ATV's to go up but we usually walk out a pretty good ways from the ATV trail. The people that hunt the adjoining properties also us gas powered ATV's on their properties. The terrain is typically very steep. Anyway, my question is not about ATV's. I'm just curious how you would approach hunting these mountain deer and how to draw them to target areas legally? We have 165 acres with about 8 acres of fields in the bottoms on our family land and I have a lease of 140 acres with 5 acres of fields but there are cattle on that one.
The number of curious deer I’ve seen during brush clearing a watch or hammering a ground blind together blows my mind. Make a little crack or ting and they run, pound nails and they come check it out...
I can ride my ranger up on them on my land and they just look and go back to grazing. In my stand I blink and they blow and go. 😭😭
True.....
haha its true . they are curious
You can also ride a bicycle right up to a deer without it running away, I do it all the time. The second you put your feet on the ground though, they run.
@@chrisjansen1943 So, should I just do a drive-by?
Hunting on 30 acres this upcoming season a new spot have two small Fields brush hogs and the deer are thick. So setting up one stand in one field and stand in another field . Is that a wise move?
Thanks for the great tips. I like Sitka gear a lot. It's on a par with my climbing/mountain clothing but they haven't got their fabric quiet enough. Traverse cold weather hoody is quieter than wool even brushed against any tree or rock. The ascent and mountain pant sound like corduroy. I get it they want them to last but I have patagonia climbing pants lasting 15 years in the mountains that are quieter for a synthetic. I'd pay for a much quieter pant that is less durable any day. I'd really like to see them do a still hunter/northeast tracker clothing run in open country with a 50/50 wool poly pant double seat and knee fabric with a 90% jacket no hood and a game pouch to hold a liter of water and primaloft vest. . That would be their best offering to date!
So what techniques do you use to mitigate your scent while in the stand after walking into your stand?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to fool a mature bucks nose. The best form of scent control is making sure you are downwind of a buck with your stand location...not upwind
Enjoyed your video.
Deer hunting has been commercialized to the point it's almost absurd. Blinds, exotic camo, scents, ATVs, high tech firearms with top heavy optics...Trail cams....I don't know...Old Timers (not that long ago) hit the woods with a wool hunting coat, decent pair of boots and a 30-30 or 12ga they bought down at the local Sears/wherever.
c s yeah all I use is an old m65 field jacket with a German wool commando jacket. I use much boots (I live in ky very wet) and some cheap thermals. I don't own a fourwheeler yet but I am looking for one to help get deer out. Sadly I have to hunt with my old man who can't walk around very well. We've hunted for 5 years and only got 2 bucks. Here soon I'll hunt on my own and can track them.
My father was a prolific deer hunter and probably bagged over 100 bucks. Some really nice ones too. Most of his activities were for meat and he preferred does for the taste, but when he had meat in the freezer he'd switch to trophy hunting bucks. That thing you mentioned about the deer patterning hunters, you're the only person I've heard mention that besides him. It's true too. If you're predictable in the times you hunt or you spend too much time in one area, the mature animals will either leave the area completely or go fully nocturnal. Once they feel that pressured and go nocturnal, the only times you're going to bag those animals is if they're spooked out of their bedding areas by another hunter and they're driven to you.
Bow hunt opens in 2 days for me in the U.P. of Michigan. Can’t wait, got a nice 8 on cam. Keep u guys updated.
Good luck I got a nice 8 down in Macomb County on cam had a doe come in this morning hopefully he comes in tonight lol.
Vince LoCicero I saw him at about 60 yards. He was out of my range.
Vince LoCicero any luck for u?
Bru I have 30 acres and not a single buck I really hate this we went hunting this morning saw nothing but a panther
Vince LoCicero Got a different 8 pointer tonight ! My first with the crossbow. I was winded yesterday and connected at 16 today. Good luck
So if I kick horse poop piles while heading to the tree stand, will that cover the boot smell? Thanks for the tips, this helps.
thank you for taking the time to make this video, and sharing your knowledge! I'm prepping for my season here in IL, and have finally gotten to a point in my hunting tenure that I will choose to be very picky on what I shoot. I'm starting to rely more on skill versus luck, and helpful tips like your video will continue reinforcing my approach.
Good luck Matt!! And you are very welcome. Being patient will pay off big time!!
Just getting started with deer hunting. Thanks for the tips! this was quite helpful
Thank you so much for these videos. I’m planning on taking up bow hunting this next year and eventually rifle/shotgun. You’ve provided me with a wealth of knowledge I couldn’t have possibly learned in the same amount of time from my in-laws that are hunters
I'm 27 years old nobody in my family or even group of friends hunts.. I just picked up a bow last year I've gone on 1 unsuccessful hunt with a tag everything else has been cottontails/coyote.
There's so much to take in especially not knowing anything about anything but so far I love it. I hope to continue learning thank you for the video
Haha pretty much me. I'm 27 and no one in my family hunts and I never even thought about it despite camping a lot when I was younger. Two years ago I went out with a friend who just bought a bow and went out elk hunting. We ended up in a wooded area completely surrounded by elk before daylight and they were bugling their heads off all around us. Coolest experience ever. Got a bow of my own summer last year and am wanting to ramp up this year.
I am to poor to make most of these mistakes.
Same 😂
Felt
Thank you so much Sir for taking the time and sharing these valuable tips!
You are very very welcome Dean!
I feel the same way and am like you on those 4-wheelers.!
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751
We did cell cams for a couple years. Started using cuddelinks this year and OH MAN. They're so nice. Best cams we've had by a long shot. Worth a try.
Sir thank you for all your help. I live in West Virginia and don't have access to private land. I bow hunt on WMA. I have been out for the last 2 years and finally bought a stand. I needAdvice?
The problem with leaving a deer overnight is coyotes I have seen many deer picked clean sometimes you will have a property filled with coyotes and then deer will be fine and sometimes you will never see a coyotes for years and your deer will be picked clean
If it's a stud I'd rather find my deer and buy a cape then bump them. I believe anyone who disagrees hasn't pushed, and lost enough big bucks.
Sounds like like you have something else to hunt besides whitetail....coyote hunts at night are something else...
I am a new deer hunter, i am also disabled, can’t and wont sit a tree stand. I have made a few of the mistakes you have listed. Went deer hunting 2 out of last 3 years , 0 =deer as of now, missed middle year hunt to spinal surgery.
Any tips for a crippled rookie?
I legitimately laughed out loud at the 450 feet of elevation comment. Good vid.
Great info and knowledge!!! For the one who wants to get the biggest Trophy and have the most success!!! But honestly in my opinion it’s more about being outdoors, being with your children and grandchildren and friends.Many take it to seriously.. And can suck the fun out of it and make it not an enjoyable experience...
This video is simply for those that want to do their best. Something that can include the entire family...teaching the entire family what it's like to do their beat at something they live to do. Nothing wrong with whatever level you choose to participate at, but some hunters want to do their best, and share that with their family and loved ones. Lots of things to do outdoors with the family...hopefully you get the most out of each one of those, including hunting.
I like walking makes me feel like iam hunting if ya will. Always have I could drive closer and still have a walk but I just would rather walk 😆
Amen to that. I heard an ATV on WIs opener and sure, enough 20 minutes later deer camp running. Love the neighbors 😁 and their ATVs. Diane got to see some of the deer where she was hunting...spooked them roughly 600-700 yards and they probably didn't even realize there were deer there.
Ha, I like walking too 👍
Whitetail Habitat Solutions every herd can be different. I’ve watched deer on one part of our lease not be affected by machinery and the other side, 4 miles away, they take off at the slightest sound.
Reef, I've had similar experiences. I hunt deer and turkey on a place adjacent to the Mississippi River (often under the river) where between the barges, railroad, and quarry noise the critters never get much peace. We just cannot get a tom to shock gobble and the deer aren't too nervous. Other places I hunt have remarkably different behavior.
Living in Wisconsin I never hunted in a blind that I new our area on our farm tracking their movements before the hunt! I used a 28 in single shot 12 gauge shotgun with a rifled barrel as I made sure one shot will put it down! I always hunted from higher ground with the wind in my face getting closer sometimes on my belly in tall grass at times! This is hunting not waiting for the deer to walk by!!
Great Info thank you. I’m a new hunter in fact just finished my first hunt I was fortunate and got my first deer I saw a lot too early in the week but later I saw none and some of these tips really brought light to what may have happened. I hope to learn a lot and become a great hunter bc this was the experience of a lifetime
Great advise, especially about giving that deer time to lay down and die. More deer are lost every year by folks going to look way too soon. Even on those shots that feel and look good you should give that animal time to die. A big, tough, old buck can go an awful long way with just one lung collapsed! If I didn't see the deer go down, I prefer to wait at least 3 hours. Happy hunting!
So this year I just built my own hunting wagon it is on a gravity wagon running gear and I put it in CRP by the fence line of trees what would you recommend or think I should do I’m new to hunting live in iowa and 17 years old
I’m a new subscriber. Excellent work. Been binge watching your videos as my son and I are preparing our very first deer habitat. If you find yourself in Missouri, let me s know. This is really awesome information! 👍
Hey Jeff. We have a Deer camp North of Seney wildlife refuge. We have just under 100 acres surrounded by thousands of state/federal land. We are in the certified forest program. Meaning we really cannot cut trees to create plot area. Have any other recommendations? Have some overgrown old clearcuts. Should i just clean that up and create a plot there? Thanks
Can you provide a link to your hunting camo? I just got my first rifle and I'm about to buy some camo for this years deer season. Would love to only have to buy 1 nice set
Kaevek...
www.sitkagear.com
INCREDIBLE stuff. Pretty sure the best ☺️ I love the stuff...even the non hunting clothes.
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Awesome! Thank you so much for the quick reply. Already learning a lot from your channel
@@kaevekplays1903 you are welcome Kaevek and I live to hear that! Thank YOU...
I really like your clues, which are very helpful, but I am a morning hunter, in my blind by 5:30am, and if I have not shot a deer by 09:am, I consider it a wash. Do you think it is wise to slow walk for about 30 minutes to see if anything is moving? Thanks
Hi Jeff, Great Video! You talked about ATV's, etc. making noise in the woods. What are your thoughts about driving an ATV through the woods after dark to retrieve a deer? Do you think the gas fumes/scent messes with the hunt in days to come after that? Thanks Jeff!
Do you have an opinion for someone who doesn't have the luxury to always hunt in a blind or stands that have the wind in the perfect direction? I have no ground myself but I hunt lots of public ground so I have to access the lot from a specific direction and lots of times the wind is blowing at my back on the way in.
Thanks for the videos, I have had a better season than ever, I have seen more mature bucks and recently passed a 3.5 year old 115" 8 point, that's a nice deer for my part of Arkansas, hopefully he will hang around for a couple more year, we have been implementing some of your tactics, and they have absolutely helped, thanks again 👍👍
What part of Arkansas you in?
I sit on the ground in blue jeans and a regular shirt stay still and quite thats all u need
Either the wind is right, or it isn't. I know guys who take whiz bangs off their stand, crack open daddy pops or light up smokes, kill deer.
Last three 4-5 year old bucks I've shot, had a cig hanging out of my mouth taking a "break".. lol
I fire up my woodburner early with some wet wood. Put on some jeans and sit on the back porch with my coffee and cigarette. The smoke covers the smell or at least that's what I tell myself. It works every year
@@joshjanes5641 haha, exactly.
@@kylehuberofs8052 an old Indian trick
I've watched this video three times and each time I learned something new. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for the tip on the last video I got into a thicket with my bow and a ground blind and had a huge buck walk 2 yards in front of me I couldn’t draw or it would see me. Hey it was a great experience
Man what an experience...that's awesome! You are very welcome, really happy for you!
I still woulda tried! Bet that was a rush though
This is the first video I've watched I learned a lot from watching it how much do you charge to come out and look at a property and give pointers
I've watched several of your videos. The question of being quiet has been on my mind. I see you also carry a backpack. How do you limit the noise from unzipping it to get your items?
I bought the Sitka Fanatic Bag...no zippers. I love it for bow hunting. www.sitkagear.com/products/fanatic-pack/elevated-ii
I’m 46 and just bought my first hunting rifle in Alberta Canada here. Looking forward to learning how to hunt. Thanks for the good content
You sir, are a late bloomer!
Be safe, be prepared, and get ready to enjoy the rest of your life! 👏
I set my stand up in thick brush where I know the deer are moving. I only hunt it when I know the time is right. I don't even go to it until I feel like it's a good day to kill a big buck in rifle season. When I hunt in bow season I mostly ground hunt looking for does. They are a pretty easy score even for a novice. I never track up my good stand.
The other thing I do is get comfortable. I carry in a backpack. I have water bottles and cereal bars and most important a sleeping bag that stays in a box with cedar branches until I use it. When I get to my stand I put the backpack on the tree and spray it down with scent killer. I then get in the sleeping bag and it both keeps me comfortable making it easier to sit quietly, and it holds my scent inside the bag.
Hello sir?I watch all your videos and learned so much but you never talk about hog problem and how the affect deer.Ive got one bore hog that comes to my gravity feeder everyday and now I see no deer at my feeder.Whats your thoughts on that?
Jeff I had one of my target bucks show up as I was hanging a stand last weekend. I was on the ladder and had to hug the tree as he went right by me. I don't think he spooked cause he didn't run pass me. He did stop but my back was to him so guess he looked but then just continued on his way.
Loved it Ron. Had a chuckle about the deer moving off after shooting
Jeff, been doing a lot of hunting from the ground recently. Had success this past Saturday. I play the wind and use the knowledge of the area I hunt to know where the deer will come out. I've also found it gives me a better viewpoint than one of our box blinds where some of my view would be inhibited had I hunted from there. What are your thoughts on ground hunting in an area where I can cover myself with the environment around me?
How do you hide yourself on the ground? I am ground hunting now
Great video. Thank you for making this video. So helpful. As a new deer hunter. This is huge
I had a bad habit of tracking too soon and lost a couple. I made a gut shot
this yr. So I waited ten and a half hours and went right to where I saw him "walk" to.....he was there!!
I have spent over 60 hours in two weeks trying to take a deer. I have seen
6 does
2 juveniles (I think one was a buck one was a doe.)
1 four point
4 armadillos
2 raccoons
1 squirrel
1 sleeping gator
And a ton of birds lol
Still have yet to get a clean shot but for my first year hunting I think I am doing ok. If I dont get one this year that's fine I am in the woods.
That's a good attitude just hang in the woods you'll get one this is why that man says cuz he knows his stuff good luck Mesa quality of the hunt
@@brodysmith6534 i ended up the year with a fork horn shot at 25 meters and an 8 point shot at 75 meters. He was one of 8 taken on public land that had more then 6 points in my county.
This basic hunting 101. This is more for people that don’t have much experience . Good job
We have some trail cams that send the pics out to email/text message. They're pretty awesome.
MansterBear How much does that cost you per month for cell service for those? What cell company?
Thanks again, I've had success again this year taking your advice. Not letting deer pattern me. Harvested heavy 10pt Coxsackie, NY 9am 300yds between 2 favorite stands from ground. Thank you
Nice thats a big guy for around here man got a 7pt opening gun day greenville ..seems like all the big bucks dissapeared now though too many hunters
I've hunted on the ground for 40 years. Never liked a tree stand. Hunting on the ground affords me the opportunity to get up and move if nothing seems to be moving in my location. I smoked for most of those 40 years and if anything, it proved to be to my advantage. I just quit smoking last year and now ONLY smoke when hunting. Smoking allows me to know the wind direction at any given time, so I can focus my attention on the areas that are upwind of my location. It has proven to be a good advantage. When hunting in hollows, the wind tends to swirl and change direction at any given moment. I've killed many nice mature bucks in my day, and never paid much attention to scent masking products, Tinks, or any of that other nonsense. One good scouting trip to my hunting spot at the beginning of the rut and knowing the lay of the land is all it takes. Pick a spot that is well traveled with some decent buck sign in it. Sooner or later, that buck WILL come down the trail. Make sure you know how to shoot and can conquer buck fever and.....BAM!!! There's your freezer full of meat and your wall mount.
brabanthallen Well said mate, safe and happy hunting to you.
Smoking while hunting proves too be in your advantage? Wow okay.
Been a hunter since the year I got married in 2005 at the age of 28. Even though I come from family that loves to hunt I didnt get serious about hunting until I notice my dad pick up a PSE bow. Years have passed and he is no longer here but because I picked up his bow when he passed I now have a bedroom which is now my trophy room 10 or so mature buck mount 4 gobblers and 1 coyote . With that being said my question is somewhat embarrassing to ask. I heard you speak in this educational video about hunting shelves or a shelf. What exactly is a shelf and how do I identify one ? Thanks. By the way no luck on a mature buck this season here on the
Hardin Co. / Bullit Co. Iine in Ky.
Thanks .
Jeff you mentioned scent elimination. I've also been following John Eberhart who never hunts the wind and swears by Scent Lok. What are your thoughts? His results are amazing on high pressure deer so is there some merit to Scent Lok and am extreme scent control regimen?
If you hunt that way...you will fail far more often than not. More people doesn't mean more pressure. I grew up in Oakland county MI...first 26 years if my life. Some incredible pockets of deer in the area...used to a lot of sound and scent from people in general. Way different kind of buck than actual high pressure public land and small parcels.
Bottom line, if you hunt as if deer can't smell you on stand no matter what product that you use, you will never consistently kill mature bucks. In fact it would be very hard to ever do so.
To me and my experience hunting true high pressure whitetails in small parcels and public land in multiple states...there is no merit to any form of scent control on stand. Too good to be true 😉 Unfortunately. No matter what product xyz hunter is pimping...
Whitetail Habitat Solutions
I have always hunted the wind. I was shocked to hear he hunted this way. Thanks for the reply
Thanks for this informative video. As a new hunter, I've been trying to absorb knowledge as much as possible and this was laid out in a very user friendly and reasoned fashion.