Blogs by Melissa: deer hunting

Showing posts with label deer hunting. Show all posts

If there are no trees around I use a post mount to get the perfect setup on field edges.

Pack of Coyotes Push a 200-inch Buck Into Bow Range

http://www.petersenshunting.com/2011/07/21/video-pack-of-coyotes-push-a-200-inch-buck-into-bow-range/

Not only is a 202-inch buck memorable, but how many people can say they've had a pack of coyotes chase a buck right to you?

Tips for Filming Your Hunt

http://www.petersenshunting.com/2011/07/15/tips-for-filming-your-hunt-part-2-solocam/

There is no doubt that you will have a lot of gear to carry on your own!

One key factor to growing and keeping big bucks on your property is food plots. I like hunting over them early season, late season, and even on the edges during the rut. One big misconception is that you need big expensive equipment to get your food plots planted. Of course this is nice, but there is always a cheaper option, your own two feet. You can work with a nearby farmer to disk up your field or use an ATV to get things started. Once it comes to planting you can buy a simple hand spreader and do it by hand.

I decided to plant a clover blend on a small one-acre plot I have situated about 50-yards from the timber. This is an area where deer naturally travel from one wood lot to another, so a food plot should make for even better hunting.

Once the deer start coming to the field on a regular basis throughout the summer I will have my Cuddeback’s up and watching for any big boys that may be hitting the area. This works out well because it gives me an idea of not only what size bucks are hitting my food plots, but when and where. Prior to opening day I like to sit in a gun box or tree stand off in the distance and watch how the deer enter and exit the field. This usually gives me my best chance for taking a big buck on opening day. Just because the does and fawns filter out on one particular part of the field, doesn’t mean the bucks will come on the same path.

Prepping for the Big Boys

A good portion of my spring has been spent turkey hunting, but when I’m chasing gobblers in Illinois the season closes at 1pm each day. What’s a girl to do after that? Of course the occasional nap has its place but this is a perfect time to get out and reset tree stands. Some people may think I’m crazy and it’s too early, but I disagree. Spring is a great time to scout your hunting ground, check and reset stands, and hopefully pickup a couple sheds along the way.

I like to get stands up early and have everything set and lanes cut before the heat of the summer takes over. There is nothing worse than carrying ladders, stands, and a saw deep into your property on a ninety-degree day, not to mention the black flies and ticks that will nearly carry you away if you wait until mid-summer. There is another added bonus for setting your stands early and that is the poison ivy and poison oak are generally still dormant this time of the year.

I’m not always out there putting up all brand new stands, but sometimes a 30-40 yard move can make all the difference. Deer change their patterns over time, and sometimes it takes a year or two to get a stand just right.

Once I pick out a spot I do my best to make it comfortable. No it’s not because I’m a wimp or a baby but I usually sit all day. The more comfortable I am, the longer I will sit and the more deer I will see, very simple. I also do my best to keep my entrance in and out quiet and always put a pull rope at every stand. The last thing I need is to be fumbling through my pack in the morning looking for a rope to pull my bow up. This way every stand has a rope tied off on a step, patiently awaiting my arrival.