I just picked up bow hunting this season, I have nice bow and equipment, now I need to know how to hunt them. I am hunting on public land in the very very rural mountains of Southwest Virginia, close to West Virginia and Kentucky. I want to see what kind of deer are close to my home in the mountains, but have no idea how to start finding them...get a camera and a food source? go out scouting? what is your guys advice of how to get my start for next year?
I found alot of information on the net, everywhere, but this is some of the best concentrated information I've found http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/BowhuntingTrophyWhitetails/index.shtml . Welcome, and good luck!
I am also new to this forum. I was just surfing and found this site. I want to thank you in advance guys for such a warm welcome and hope to have good time over here.
Here's where I'd start. -Subscription to Deer & Deer Hunting magazine. By far, the best source of information out there. -Pick up a book or two on using topographic maps (ie. Mapping Trophy Bucks) - Ditto for deer behavior (ie. Strategies for Whitetails, by Charles Alsheimer) These will help you be more efficient with you time in the woods. Strapping on your boots and getting out in the woods is still the best way to learn about these creatures. Observe them when ever you can. Scout the woods for deer sign any time you are out. I've learned a ton about how deer use the area I hunt, while grouse hunting, trimming snowshoe trails, and even fishing. The late season and winter are great times to be in the woods. Deer sign is fresh, and if you happen to bump some deer, they have a whole year to forget about it. This should help get you started. Welcome to the addiction guys!
Couldn't have said it better myself. As far as literature, anything by Alsheimer is excellent when it comes to whitetail biology and behavior. And, the Mapping Trophy Whitetails book is an excellent resource for learning how to use topomaps to locate big bucks. Most importantly, as Fitz said, there is no replacement for getting out in the woods and putting a few miles on the boots. Bumping deer during the winter months is much less of a problem than it would be 2 weeks before the season. Best of luck!
I agree 100%. Whitetail Strategies magazine is filled with quality information about actually hunting deer. Mapping Trophy Whitetails by Brad Herndon is the book every deer hunter should read.
Tell you what trail cam's are one of the BEST investments you can have. I use the heck out of my cuddebacks. worth every penny. us eit in addition with intense/proper scouting and you will find your success rate soar.
