Common Deer Hunting Mistakes You Can Avoid
Deer Blunders With My Dad
Ever wondered about the secrets of successful hunting? Well, I have two hunting mistakes: scent control and being noisy. 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.
Hunting Mistake #1: Scent Control
The thermos of coffee became a metaphor for scent awareness. It wasn’t just about the refreshing break; it was about understanding that the scent of coffee clung to our clothes like a stubborn perfume. Similar to leaving a Speedway gas station after the morning rush, where the lingering smell of coffee follows you into your car, our clothes became carriers of our unintentional coffee fragrance.
Coffee is Not a Hunting Scent
This unintentional coffee episode expanded my understanding of scent elimination. It wasn’t a widely known concept back in the day, but the importance of minimizing strong scents became crystal clear. Just as the aroma of coffee revealed our presence to the deer, other powerful scents could give away our location on the hunting grounds.
When I travel distances to go hunting on public land, I plan to keep strange scents away from my clothes. One way to do that is through Scentlok Travel Duffle. I have had success with this brand.
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.
Hunting Mistake #2: 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.
