First time poster! Huntingnet.com user as well. More of a bowhunter, so figured this is a good place to be. Also recommended by another user. Anyway on Huntingnet, there was recently a post about "Not so obvious" tips to share. Many posted were obvious to me, but may not be to others. Here is my not so obvious tips. Anyone else practice these? Calling Reference: I never say call less or more, depends on the state of mind with of the buck. Why are you calling again? To tick him off or mask his nervousness, or to make him horny? The Approach & Departure: Give yourself plenty of time...when approaching or departing the stand, consider the wind...duh. What about the terrain? Or the lighting? Use shadows, hills, tree/brush lines, etc., anything to hide your presence while approaching. When dark, keep your light pointed to the ground in front of you as much as possible. It is much easier to notice a light from a distance that is being waived around head high. Keep in mind also though that some of these areas you are walking could be the same runways the deer are using, so stay as scent free as possible.
I think there is always the right time for everything, when to make the right call, when not to. Even with that said, that doesn't mean if everything is in your favor a certain call will work. I think the biggest thing with calling is not to do too much of it, especially blind calling in low light conditions, where your calling when a deer isn't present. The last thing you want to do is for him to bust you out way before you see him! But definantly show aggressive calling if you see a buck that is on move and showing dominant traits. As for all the approaching to and from stand stuff is repeated by alot of people but is very important to your success, because you don't want to be bumping all the deer on way to stand and then wonder why your not seeing anything.
Man, that topo map looks familiar Josh, right around the "200" elevation on the map I found a tremendous amount of scrapes this past off-season. I am thinking that is a true rut spot, what do you think? Or a little southeast of the "200" elevation mark in that tight terrain funnel? Doe bedding areas close by, the spot kind of brings all of the terrain together, it can be a pain to get to by foot, and because I can hunt it on high ground throughout the majority of the day without getting winded. My not so obvious tip is, be prepared in all phases of your hunting game prior to the season. It took me years to figure that obvious fact out.
