I’m a first year bowhunter, I have permission to hunt on several of the properties on the suburban block I live on, and I’m targeting an elusive buck that typically stays out of sight in the woods behind two of the only properties I’m not allowed to hunt on in the neighborhood. I’d like to find a way of either identifying the buck’s movements to the point where I can set up a stand in one of the permission properties and catch it passing through, or find means of scent/decoy/call/baiting him towards the properties I am allowed to shoot my bow on. Thus far, I’ve found that leftover fall pumpkins and tinks 69 has been a good combo for attracting the does and spike bucks to my yard, but this elusive larger buck has not followed. I just went out and bought tinks 1 and tinks trophy buck as well, and I also bought the knight & hale pack rack. Also currently looking into getting one of the primos doe cans, a grunt call, and MAYBE a decoy? Would also be open to recommendations for other stuff like the apple scented chips they seem to love.
I'm going to tell you a secret that I wish I would have heard and listened to 20 years ago. Don't spend money on any of that ****. If you have money to burn then get cameras and pattern the buck. Or better yet spend that money on stuff for the homeowners and get more permission. What state are you in What's your set up (saddle, ladder, hang on) How did you do this season, what did you see, what did you learn. Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
I agree, all that stuff is just a gimmick. What are the size of the property your hunting? The acreage. If this is small back yard property, then i would just invest in many bags of corn. Not much else to do then that. Best shot at getting the deer to come to you. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
these veterans are spot on. Leave all that crap alone and just hunt. I assume you have never killed a deer with the bow? Honestly, your first deer will bring you to your knees as you try to draw , big buck or a doe. if it doesn't, you need a new hobby already. You may get a shot at him you may not but crawl before you walk bud. Bowhunting is not a sprint.
But of an update: im in NY, so technically baiting is illegal. I know people still do it, but it’s not like you can go out and buy tons of corn. the one big advantage I have on my side is time. Currently unemployed so I’ve been able to pattern the buck better than most would without cameras. don’t own tree stands yet. So I either sit in a crumby old one I’m allowed to be in by another hunter (only ever done that once), or I do spot&stalk. while chasing my target 8 pointer two days ago, I ended up sorta having to shoot a yearling doe because she got stuck inside my neighbors high fenced farm area. It was my first successful bow hunt kill so I feel thankful for the experience and the venison, but it has done little to delay my pursuit of the buck.
Well be careful of putting out pumpkins, because that is baiting. Your best bet is for ambush type setups. Find natural travel patterns and pinch points that make the deer concentrated thru the area you can hunt. Look for trails, creek crossings, fresh tracks, and fresh poop. If you have time to watch these spots from afar, thats great. Take note of direction of movement, time of day, and wind direction. Then move in on a separate day, under the same conditions. Get close and be ready. Ambush hunting is a safer approach. Helps keep the deer relaxed. Spot and stalk requires alot of movement to get into position. Usually the deer are aware of your presence and makes for difficult shot opportunities.
Fully agree with Holt. Spot and stalking a mature whitetail buck is a tall order. Make a little ground blind after you find a good ambush spot. Tie a branch between trees and then lean some boughs up against it to conceal most of your body. Or you can buy some camo netting to string between trees / two sticks driven into the ground. Anything to help you get drawn without them seeing the movement.
