Hello from a complete newbie in Virginia! I grew up hunting in Utah, but have lived on the East coast in large cities for my work for the past 18 years. Fishing and hiking here has been great, but lately I've been bitten by the Archery bug. I figure theres a lot to do until the deer season opens up, so I'm doing all the research I can and soon picking up my first bow (compound). I've searched for the answer, but no luck so figured I'd ask here. In the off season, besides shooting at targets, I've been spending a lot of time in the area I plan to hunt. I figure the more I know about the patterns and routines the better off I'll be. My question is, is it a good idea to practice calling in the off season? Ive found lots of "late season calling tactics" etc, but nothing about doing it in the off season. Obviously not hunting in the off season, but thought it would make for good practice for when it counts. I'll do my best to 'read more, post less' Thanks for the help and ANY advice, Cheers
Welcome to the site! Never even thought about your question so not one to answer! My off season is busy running trail cameras, putting in food plots, shed hunting, and getting stands hung some mid summer!
Ok so my google-fu isn't as weak as I thought I've been shed hunting myself, was out this morning in the area I plan on hunting, saw a herd with 3 bucks, so not dropping yet here. I plan on setting up a camera as well, and from there set up a stand. Thanks for the reply!
Welcome I am just north of Fredericksburg VA what part of the state will you hunt? I would observe as undetected as possible and use a camera if if you can. Hard enough to fool a deer with a call in or around the rut
Hi sorry if my question didn't make sense. I read a lot about different calls for different periods pre/rut/post, to bring deer in. Seems like theres a lot more to it than just blowing a call (grunt/bleat/wheeze/etc),, which one, when, how long, how often, but all the info I've read is specific to the hunting season. I was out in the woods today and got a few hundred yards from a herd, and thought, "would be cool to get them to come in closer".
I'm in the Alexandria area, theres a large county park nearby that I was considering. Although I'd rather drive 4-5 hours to a more remote spot, and spend a few days in the hills, this spot is very close and full of deer. The archery hunt seems pretty heavily regulated, which is a good thing, but will require a membership with the Nova Archery club, which seems like a great idea. Lots of practice time, and Im sure theres MANY there who could teach me a thing or two. I'll take your advice, I've been scouting that area for a while, its nice just to get out and walk in the woods.
Whitetail are very vocal but most of the vocals are around danger or breeding. For example a snort is a sign of danger and in most cases would send deer running. A fawn bawl could be used to pull does in but once again is a sign of distress. It's best to watch from a distance and learn their patterns. Be a ghost in their world. At the same time you can learn when calls might be appropriate such as grunts, snort wheeze or rattling. Good luck.
I myself would be a ghost in the woods. You find a feeding and bedding spot, watch in between you can get closer views. Less you disturb them now more likely they will be there during season. In my off time I plant food plots, scout, shed hunt, and bow fish to keep in practice. I hope this helps you . Sent from my AT7-C using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Welcome to the forum. As to out of season calling........ why educate them? As has been said, in the fall you want to not be seen so why do anything else in the off season?
