Common Deer Hunting Mistakes You Can Avoid

Deer Blunders With My Dad

Ever wondered about the secrets of successful hunting? Well, I have experienced many deer blunders and mistakes with my dad. From scent control to noise, and firearm maintenance to movement mistakes. Despite my dad teaching many positive lessons, I sometimes learned more through his mistakes. Now, let’s travel back in time while I share a story about a thermos, coffee, and how not to take a break on a deer hunt.

Hunting in an Open Field

In the past, makeshift blinds and minimal cover were the norm. No fancy pop-up blinds – just the open field or the base of a tree. It was during these exposed moments that my dad unknowingly taught me a lesson about the impact of strong scents on the hunting experience.

Stealth Hunting and Avoiding Noise

Imagine this: after sitting silently for an hour, my dad would declare a break, reaching for a thermos filled with piping hot black coffee. As the thermos opened, the aromatic scent of coffee drifted into the air. And then my hope for success on this hunt was broken. At that moment, I realized that if I could smell it, the deer could too. The lesson hit me like a ton of bricks – the woods were not the place for smelly snacks.

Don’t Break the Silence

In the irony of announcing a hunting break, we faced a dilemma. Caught between rest and silence, high-volume breaks became alarms. His voice alerted deer. Successful hunters master remaining hushed, understanding noise disrupts tranquility, giving away positions in the woods.

It’s a puzzling truth – successful hunters are usually characterized by their quiet demeanor. In quiet woods, the last thing you want is to broadcast your presence to the deer. My dad’s accidental coffee break announcement taught me about scent control and the importance of a quiet environment. As you tread into the world of hunting, remember, that a silent approach can often be the key to a triumphant hunt.

Be Careful Where You Store Your Guns

As we cruised along the road, my dad rarely delved into the nitty-gritty details of our hunting plans. No elaborate breakfast strategies or meticulous gun preparations. Yet, these trips were filled with unspoken lessons that have now become my guide. One such lesson unfolded during a cold night when we left our guns in the car. The consequence? A ruined scope that fogged up in the morning cold, requiring a costly replacement. That incident became etched in my mind – a reminder to handle equipment with care.

Fast forward to today, and those lessons continue to shape my hunting habits. One golden nugget of wisdom involves safeguarding equipment from extreme temperatures. Leaving hunting jackets and gear in the car or hanging them outside, away from the cozy warmth of a cabin, can also prevent damage and maintain optimal performance.

Movement Mistakes: Checking Your Trail Cameras Too Often

If you have trail cameras set up near your hunting spot, avoid the urge to go check them often. Or better yet, start investing in cameras with wi-fi capabilities. But my point is, if you frequent your hunting spot too often before the season begins, you will leave your scent. Animals will catch on and become wary, possibly even changing their patterns.

Stealth Hunting and Noise

In the hushed moments of hunting, silence is both a virtue and strategy. My dad’s lessons echo louder. Scent control is a multifaceted discipline, embracing the quietude. As you embark on your hunting journey, let the irony of “taking a break” underscore the importance of silence. Stay tuned for insights, tips, and tales enriching your hunting experience.

Excited to explore further into the world of hunting and scent control? Dive deeper into my blog for more stories, tips, and valuable insights that will elevate your skills as a hunter. Learn from my experiences and discover the secrets to a successful and scent-conscious hunting journey.