How To Pick The Best Deer Rifle

Choosing a rifle for deer hunting is a personal matter. A deer rifle that is perfect for me, may not be the best choice for you. This is why it's important to take your time picking your deer rifle.

Picking the right rifle for deer hunting is vitally important because it can make or break the hunt itself. You never know what problems may arise from having the wrong rifle on the hunt, so ensure that you have taken the time to pick the best rifle for the job. There are a number of criteria that should be explored as you determine the best rifle for deer hunting, too. As you grow as a hunter and learn more, you will be able to make your own decisions in terms of picking a rifle for the hunt. For now, however, it is likely best that you consider a bit of expert opinion.

There are many types of hunting rifles. Bolt-action, lever-action, semi-automatic and pump-action rifles are just a few of the different types of guns that hunters utilize in the big hunt. Within these types, there is also a selection of different caliber types. Solving the great mystery of picking the best rifle, then, means answering a few questions about the type of hunt you will be on.

You will first need to consider your location. If you will be hunting in thick brush, you will probably need a faster-loading gun that you can operate rather quickly in tight spaces. With limited visibility on your hunt, you will likely want a light gun that you can work with rather quickly. If you have a longer distance to cover, you will probably want a rifle that offers you a great deal of more control and accuracy. Bolt-action rifles can give you that control and accuracy you need to take deer at extended ranges.

You will also need to consider your type of deer hunting. Most rifles over 2 caliber are suitable for killing deer of any kind. If you are hunting in the East, you may want a rifle that you can hold still for short periods of time as you wait for a deer to step out from behind cover. This means that you do not want to spend your time controlling the gun when you are trying to control the shot. For this reason, many recommend going with a smaller semi-automatic for big timber Whitetail deer. The skittish nature of the animal can be offset by squeezing off a quick shot from a semi-automatic.

After you have determined your rifle preference and style of hunting, it may be time to pick a rifle. Of course, there are many popular brand names within each subset of gun type, but the reality is that you will need to find a gun that you find to be most comfortable. You will look for strength and accuracy out of a bolt-action gun, for example, which may lead you around to several gun stores before you find the right one. You should also look for little extras on the gun, such as adjustable triggers and thumb safety switches. Features like these will make your gun a lot safer and a lot more user friendly.

After you have purchased your gun, you should get to know your gun. Take it apart and put it back together again. Read the owners manual and learn how to clean it properly. Learn the ins and outs of your gun so that you can be as safe as possible with it. You will need to know what ammunition it is that your gun shoots. Find out the best way to maintain and store your gun, too. Gun safety is of utter importance, so ensure that your new rifle is locked away and stored in a safe place away from children or other family members that may be curious about it. Always keep it unloaded when you are not using it and never point it at another person.

Survival Tips For Deer Hunters

At one time or another, most of us have been turned around in the Woods. Heck, even Daniel Boone admitted to being turned around "for a few weeks" when he was out exploring! The modern deer hunter should carry a minimum of gear suited for survival situations when out deer hunting, especially if you're hunting far from the road.

The essentials for your survival kit

Sometimes it’s easy to lose your way in an unfamiliar wood. Carrying a compass and maps of the general area that you will be hunting in can help in the event that you get lost. Carry a flashlight with extra batteries in case you get caught out after dark. There are also flashlights on the market now that operate by just a shake, eliminating the need for batteries. Matches in a waterproof case are essential and a sharp knife is good to have as well. A traditional Bowie or a Swiss Army knife both serves the purpose for deer hunting.

Some granola, candy bars, or dried fruit are a good idea to bring along if you are not skilled at finding food in the wild. Never eat any plants or berries unless you are familiar with what types are poisonous. If you are unsure of the safety of a plant or its fruit, don’t eat it. Risking an illness while stranded in the wild is not preferable to an empty stomach. A bottle or two of drinking water is necessary also. Humans can survive for weeks without food but only three days without water. You will not want to drink any water found on the land without boiling it for several minutes first to kill off any bacteria or parasites.

It is recommended that you carry a needle and thread in your survival kit. These materials can be used to repair torn clothing. You can also stitch up a wound to stop heavy bleeding in case an injury occurs and you cannot get medical attention right away.

Most hunters carry a six to eight-foot length of rope to help drag their game back to the truck or haul equipment up into a tree stand. This rope can be used in many ways if you are stranded in the woods for an extended period of time. You can use a rope for first aid purposes, to help build a shelter, or to secure equipment during your hike. You can even string up a makeshift clothesline to dry wet clothing should you fall into standing water. Be sure to keep your rope with you and not in the truck.

It is also a good idea to wear a belt when out hunting. A belt can be used as a tourniquet in an emergency, as well to help secure a splint to a limb if necessary. A belt is one first aid item that you don’t have to cart around either.

Fire safety when stranded in the woods

It’s important to follow usual camp safety guidelines when starting a fire under any conditions in the wild. Always triple check to make sure a fire is completely out before leaving the area to prevent flare ups and a potential forest fire. Choose an area away from trees and shrubs, and line your pit with small boulders or stones to help contain the embers.

Gather larger logs and sticks and stack them in a teepee fashion. Then gather small twigs and scraps of paper to use as kindling at the base of your teepee. Blowing gently on your kindling will help your flames catch hold. You can use pine boughs to shield your fire from wind if necessary. You can also use boughs to stand or sit on if snow is present. This will help insulate your feet from the cold while warming yourself near the fire.

Many times, surviving in the woods is a state of mind. Keep your cool and in most cases you'll come back from deer hunting fine. Panic and they may be carrying you out in a body bag. If they can find you at all!

Treestand Basics

Deer hunters have been climbing trees to hunt deer since the beginning of time. I'm sure it didn't take the Caveman long to realize that he had to get above a deer in order to kill it with a spear or rock. Fortunately for us modern deer hunters, treestands have advanced quite a bit since those "good ole days" of deer hunting.

Most deer hunters are now hunting from treestands. If you are new to deer hunting, or if you have been hunting for a while but have yet to use this method, you should consider using a tree stand. The benefits of using a tree stand are that you will stay out of the deer's range of view, you will keep your scent hidden from the deer, and you will increase the range of your view. You do need to take certain precautions, however, to make sure that you protect yourself.  
 
There are many types of stands and most are safe to use. Some of these include ladder-type stands, climbing stands, and lock-on stands. You can also nail boards to a tree. No matter what type of stand you are using, know that accidents can happen. If a stand seems unsafe to you, do not use it. If you are thinking about using a new tree stand and you are far from your home or from people in general, wait. You would be unable to notify anyone in the event that you were injured. Do not take using a tree stand lightly.
 
You will benefit by becoming familiar with some of the ways by which hunters injure themselves on or around tree stands. Accidents happen when hunters fall asleep. It happens more often that you would imagine. Hunters also get injured when they slip while climbing in or out of a tree stand. You cannot avoid things like excess moisture on your boot, or an exceptionally damp step. The third way by which hunters suffer injury using tree stands is having a piece of equipment break. Nothing is 100% dependable. The best way to avoid severe injury from these unfortunate events is to wear a safety harness.
 
Many hunters know the risk of not using a safety harness, but they still use tree stands without one. Your safety harness will only help you if you wear it. It is not good enough to put on the harness after you have settled into your stand. Climbing into or out of your stand is when you are most likely to be hurt, so you need to be wearing it before you begin ascending your tree stand. It only takes a minute to secure and is well worth the hassle. The damage done by a fall with a safety harness is minimal compared to one without. The safety harness will mean the difference between a few bruises and a premature death.
 
There are a few additional steps you need to consider while preparing to use a tree stand for the first time. Tree steps and tie-on ladders are two favorite methods used by hunters. Some also use large nails as steps. This should be avoided at all cost. The nails will eventually bend or snap off. Not to mention the damage they will cause to the tree. It's not cool to use nails in trees! Be a responsible hunter. Some hunters prefer to use climbing stands instead of screw in or strap on steps, but they are more expensive and limit you to certain trees.
 
Consider using a treestand as you hunt. It is an effective way to catch your prey off-guard. Both your body and your scent are above the deer's vicinity. It also allows for a broader view as you study the landscape. Tree stands do cause accidents, though. Take all of the necessary steps to prevent any major injuries. Use a safety harness to shorten the distance of your fall. Make sure that the nails you use to climb the tree are secure. Following these steps for using a tree stand ensures a safe and pleasurable hunting experience.  

Tree stands are like any other deer hunting tool. Most are only as good as the hunter using them. Buy a quality treestand and get an experienced hunter to show you how to use it if you don't already know how. And most of all, don't go higher than what you're comfortable with.

Tips For Choosing The Right Bow For Deer Hunting

Bowhunting for deer is becoming more and more popular every year. When other forms of hunting are losing hunter numbers, bowhunting seems to be increasing in popularity.

Choosing the right bow for the beginning deer hunter is important for an ejoyable hobby and a good time deer hunting.

As a beginning bowhunter, you should know the importance of choosing the right bow. There are a number of bows on the market. There are also plenty of accessories that go with them. When the time comes for you to pick the right bow, consider the same things that you would if you were going to purchase a pair of hunting boots. You want to find a bow that is adequately fit, durable, and easy to use. As with all other hunting equipment, nothing beats quality when choosing a bow. 
 
Due to the sheer number of bows available on the market, you should try as many bows as possible. You want to find a bow that feels good in your hands. You also want a bow that is the proper size for your body type. Finally, you want to purchase a bow that will match your shooting style. These factors will affect your level of accuracy and comfort while shooting the bow. Consider your bow an investment that will either benefit you or cause you a great deal of frustration while in the field.
 
There are many things to consider when buying a bow. One of the most important is eye dominance. Eye dominance should play an important role as you search for the right bow. You should know your eye dominance so that you can pick a left-hand or right-hand bow. Most often, a person who is right handed will have a dominant right eye. The same applies to someone who is left handed.
 
The most effective way to figure out which eye is your dominant eye is to point to a distant object with both eyes open. Close your left eye. If your finger is still pointing directly at the target, your right eye is dominant. If you notice that your finger is no longer pointing at the target, you are likely left-eye dominant. If your right eye is your dominant eye, buy a right-handed bow. Do the opposite if you are left-eye dominant. Taking the time to do this will benefit your accuracy with the bow.
 
Other things to consider while shopping for a bow are draw length, draw weight, axle-to-axle length (ATA), and brace height. The most important thing, however, is to make sure that you choose a bow that has been made by a highly reputable company. Find a company that will always stand behind their product. They should also offer a high level of customer service. You will benefit by purchasing a bow that comes with a guarantee. Most companies that deal with higher-end bows will automatically offer an unlimited lifetime warranty.
 
You need to make sure that you choose the right bow as you prepare for the bowhunting season. There are a number of options on today's market, so take the time to research all of them. Several factors will determine what kind of bow you purchase. Decide if your right or left eye is dominant, and then select your bow accordingly. This will help you as you attempt to improve your accuracy in the field. Deal only with highly reputable companies that offer customer service and that guarantee your bow. You will be able to thoroughly enjoy the hunting season once you have found the right bow.

The beginning bowhunter should stop by an Archery Shop and get the help of a professional for their first bow. These people are more than happy to help you choose the right bow for deer hunting.

The quickest way to see a new bowhunter leave the sport is to strap them with a bow that does not fit them or one they do not feel comfortable shooting. This can be avoided by visiting an Archery pro.

How To Skin A Deer Quick and Easy

Many deer hunters believe that scouting for a place to hunt, lugging a tree stands around the woods and dragging a deer out of the woods are the tough parts of deer hunting. That may be true but many others believe the tough part is skinning a deer. Here's how to skin a deer quick and easy.

My friends, let me tell you about a few ways to skin a deer quickly and easily.

While it may not be the most exciting job in the world, skinning a deer is important when returning from a hunt or when still actually on the hunt. If you have taken down the deer, elk, antelope or goat of your dreams in a glorious hunting adventure, you will need to know how to skin the deer and how to get the most out of your kill. If you are just learning about hunting, this information will also be incredible handy for that remarkable day on which you will finally be able to skin a deer.

Essentially, the act of skinning a deer is thought of to be quite simple. The basic fundamental guideline behind it is to follow the built-in guidelines of the body of the deer and work from that standpoint. The skin and muscle tissues of the deer are naturally separate from one another because of the protective membranes, making the process of skinning a lot more like following a built-in blueprint than like trying to lift a rug in the dark. The skin should easily peel from the meat because of these membranes, creating little risk of tearing the skin or tearing the meat.

The most important aspect in skinning a deer is the use of your hands and the pull of your own body weight. With these two integral tools, the aspect of skinning a deer becomes incredibly simple. In fact, skinning a deer can typically be completed in about ten to fifteen minutes without any serious complications.

You should first hang the deer. This makes it easier for you to use your body weight in the skinning process and creates a greater leverage point for skinning the deer. This also ensures that the meat will stay clean. Whether you hang the deer from the neck or from the legs, there is no particular difference. It is important to try to skin the deer within an hour or two of the deer's death, making the skinning process a whole lot easier.

Your knife should be especially sharp. Supposing the deer is hung by the legs, find the large tendon connecting the lower leg segment to the rest of the deer's leg. You should poke a whole with your knife in between the tendon and the bone there, then use your fingers to feel the lump that is created by the deer's double-jointed bone. Once you have found that lump, sever the lower leg at the lower end of the two parts of the double joint. Cut the skin and the tendons here and then snap the deer's leg over your own leg, using your body's leverage to break it.

After you have broken the deer's legs in this fashion, make several incisions around and near the tendon areas. There should be a whole between the tendon and the bone of the lower leg, as well as several incisions near the front legs. You will then sever and snap the front legs as well, making the skinning process easier. After you have made the initial incisions, you will begin the process of undressing the deer of its skin. Use your finger tips and thumbs to get inside the skin near the lower leg incisions and begin to pull the skin off.

Essentially, the pulling of the deer's skin should work a lot like pulling a tight jacket or pair of blue jeans off. It may be a little bit awkward at first, but the layer of meat revealed below the skin should be a more than ample reward. After the skin is pulled off, you will notice the meat is ready to go and the separation of the meat thanks to the deer's membrane has made the whole process a lot simpler than you ever thought possible.

Skinning a deer, while not particularly romantic, is a process that should take around ten to fifteen minutes and relies almost entirely on your own body weight and strength to pull the skin off of the deer's body. It really is that simple.

Now Here's How To Skin A Deer Even Quicker

I found the following video on YouTube. This demonstrates the quickest way to skin a deer. Basically you hang it up by the head. Cut around the front leg knuckles and down the front legs to the brisket. Both cuts should meet at the brisket and then use one cut up the front of the deer to just below the head. Then cut around the head and pull off several inches of hide. Insert a Golf ball or similiar sized rock beneath the skin you pulled off and tie a loop of rope around it.

Next tie the other end of the rope to a pickup, 4 Wheeler, tractor or whatever you have that will pull the hide off.

It takes less time to tell you about it than it does to actually skin the deer. Just watch the video below to see how slick this technique is



See, I told you so!

Now you know how to skin a deer quick and easy!

Basic Safety For Deer Hunters

Every year, many deer hunters end up injured or worse, dead, due to an accident with a firearm. Heck, even Vice President Cheney had a hunting accident. It just goes to show you can't be careful enough when you're out in the woods deer hunting.

I've heard it said many times that most hunting accidents could have been avoided by practicing a few basic gun safety techniques.

Know your weapon

If your weapon came with an owner’s manual, read it from cover to cover. Practice taking apart your weapon and inspecting it thoroughly. If you know what your weapon looks like normally, you will be quick to recognize any abnormalities of the weapon in the field. If you drop your weapon or fall while carrying it, take it apart and inspect it for damage. Make sure that the slide operates smoothly. If you are in doubt about the integrity of your rifle, don’t fire it.

Educate yourself about the ammunition that you choose to use. A .22 caliber bullet fired from a rifle can travel over two and a half miles. This knowledge is necessary to line up a safe shot.

Transporting the weapon

Always keep your weapon unloaded until you are ready to fire. If you are going to hike to a new location, unload before starting out. Store the rifle and ammunition separately and, if possible, keep the storage container locked. Never carry a loaded rifle in your vehicle or on an ATV.

Know What You're Aiming At

When sighting up your intended shot, there are many things to consider before pulling the trigger. Never shoot at a partially obscured target. Identify your prey fully before even raising your weapon to take a shot. If you are in doubt about what is moving, control your excitement and wait until the target can be fully visualized. Never hunt after dusk or before daybreak.

Know what is in front of and behind your target before shooting. Do not shoot animals that appear on hilltops and near the tops of ridges as you cannot identify what may be behind your target. If your game is near water, rocks, or buildings, keep in mind that bullets can ricochet off hard surfaces. Do not use the gun’s scope to sight your game. Use your binoculars first, and then if the shot is clear, switch to the scope.

Treat your weapon as if it is loaded at all times

Never look down the barrel of a weapon for any reason. Keep your muzzle pointed away from yourself and others at all times. Learn and use various safe carrying positions for transporting your rifle in the field.

Keep a clear head

Never go hunting or handle a weapon if you have had any alcohol or medication that may impair your judgment. Even a sleeping pill the night before can affect your reflexes during the day. Get plenty of rest the night before your trip and go home early if you find yourself becoming drowsy.

Sighting a big buck or a fat bird can be exciting. It’s important to keep a level head at all times and not let your emotions cloud your judgment. Don’t allow yourself to act without thinking through the action to determine if it’s safe first.

Wear your safety gear

Bring along hearing and eye protection and wear them before shooting. Include safety orange in your choice of head gear and upper body clothing. This helps other hunters in the area distinguish you from the prey.

By keeping these few safety rules in mind, you can look forward to a safe and hopefully successful deer season. Just remember, once that bullet leaves the barrel, there's no bringing it back. There's not a buck out there worth another hunters or innocent bystanders life. Think before you pull the trigger!

Deer Hunting Tips

Deer Hunting Tips

If you hunt woods or transition habitat that deer traverse to move from feeding to bedding areas in the morning, stand-hunting for the first couple of hours of daylight can be effective. The biggest bucks are often skulking back toward their bedding cover at that time, or trying to catch the scent of an estrous doe. The best deer hunting tip is sitting immobile because this is a deadly method.

Locate rub lines leading into these thick areas that the deer are using as bedding areas and set your ambush between the food source and the bedding area. Allot of bucks follow patterns from previous years, with the main idea being identifying where these rub lines are leading to and from.

Deer will frequent areas with a “buffer zone” between the bedding and the feeding areas. This area can be a 30 yard wide strip of overgrowth or a dry creek bottom. They will use this as a staging area from which they will stop before/after feeding and will become a great place for them to chase does in the ensuing rut.

Once you determine a pattern that the deer are using, you can put technology to work for you in the form of a trail camera. These are excellent tools for scouting an area without having to physically be present, and can give you a better idea of what kind of deer are using the area, and when.

In smaller areas, driving may hurt your chances for stand-hunting and still-hunting later, so it'd be better to skip this approach. On the other hand, if you have access to lots of land or can drive-hunt another area, one where your stands aren't placed, then this can be a valuable way to spend the midday hours.

The best way to assess this is to just use common sense. If you're hunting a remote area, it's not good to sweat before walking through a bedding area to hunt the same stand for the sixth day in a row. But if loggers have been cutting in the area for the last month, odds are your truck won't bother the deer much.

Often the wisest old bucks move freely from midmorning until midafternoon, sensing that most hunters are in camp then. Sitting on stand for those hours can yield some of the biggest bucks of the season - particularly if the rut or secondary rut is in progress.

You will not bag a trophy buck by using standard techniques like everyone else. In fact, it probably does not matter if there are big bucks in the area you hunt. The truth is that if you're using all the normal tactics you will not get the monster. The really BIG bucks are old bucks. They do not grow old by falling prey to the normal tactics the majority of hunters use.

You will find that big bucks will frequently have wet feet. Yep - find areas where there is a creek bottom or lowland wet areas such as a swamp and other wetlands. Talk to the experienced hunters who have shot big bucks. They like the thick cover the wetlands produce because it gives them security. Also, deer are excellent swimmers. It is nothing for them to swim major rivers, let alone creeks and lakes. When pressure increases the big bucks head for cover.

Don VandeBergh, a biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been keeping an eye on local deer herds in northwest Oregon. According to VandeBergh, the Trask Unit has seen some of the same disease issues that have affected deer herds on the central coast. Best bets will be on timber company land and at higher elevations.

Keeping an open mind and choosing your strategy each day, and even each hour, based on what is most appropriate for the given conditions is especially important if you're still looking to bag a buck well into the season, or if you have a second or third tag to fill. Things get tougher as the season goes on, and being flexible can pay off.

He better think again because many times the parade is only about to begin, and you will wonder where did that buck ever come from?? Most hunters will leave their position to soon bucks who have traveled past the blind may turn around and come down the same trail past the blind the same morning or afternoon.

As the winter snows thaw and the dogwoods begin to bloom, many deer hunters turn their attention to other endeavors. Things like turkey hunting, fishing, or working on that growing honey-do list can all push deer season to the back of a hunter's mind. For those of you serious about your deer hunting, however, there are still plenty of things that can be done to help increase your odds of scoring on a big buck come fall.

Lastly, be still and patient. Don't be one of these hunters who can't sit in one place and always thinks the deer is over the next hill. Most deer are killed by hunters who sit still, watching and waiting.

By the first of the year, deer season is winding down across the country, and many hunters pack up their gear and kick back in front of the television to watch reruns on the Outdoor Channel. For the serious hunter, however, this is no time to rest!

Follow these deer hunting tips for success this deer season!

These Aren't Your Daddy's Deer Hunting Tips!

How many of you growing up heard your Dad or Granpa give you some kind of advice, especially about deer hunting tips, that you later found out wasn't quite true? Maybe they gave you this advice because they believed it to be true or maybe they gave it to you to have a little fun. Whatever the reason, now is the time to find out how to really hunt deer.

With this blog, we'll be discussing the latest hunting tips and tactics. No B.S. is allowed. We don't have magazine's or advertising to sell so this will be a no hold's barred deer hunting blog. If it smells like B.S. and taste like B.S. then we're going to assume it's B.S.!

There is so much misinformation out there today in the Hunting camps that it's not funny. Any of you remember years ago when the "Turkey In Heat" scent came out? There were actually so called bonafide Outdoor Writers giving credit to this junk just to sell more magazines and advertising space in those magazines!

I'm going to warn you now. I'm from the old school of deer hunting. I'm not one of these guys who run around hunting fenced in Deer, or go on these $1000 a day guided Deer hunts then write articles about how great I am. (Jackie B., are you reading this?) I also don't hunt over feeders. I'm from the time long ago when you learned how to read Deer sign, pattern the Deer and then patiently waited for the one you wanted. Sometimes that was the very next morning, sometimes it was the last day of the season. Many times we never got a shot at the Deer we were hunting.

In this day and age of "Instant Gratification", a Deer is the last thing that should be produced on demand. If you don't have the time or patience for Deer hunting (I don't mean Deer shooting either), take up Golf or Bowling.

So, come along and let's really go Deer hunting. The type of hunting where you really scout your area and figure out what the Deer will be doing before they know what they're going to do, not climbing into a heated blind overlooking a 10 acre Green field and shoot a Deer at 200 yards.

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