From my October 4, 2012 News Journal column.
Delaware bowhunters have been chasing whitetail deer since Sept. 1, but the arrival of October means the archers periodically will share Delaware’s woods with muzzleloader hunters and shotgun hunters.
With more than 80 percent of Delaware’s annual deer harvest typically taking place during the various gun hunting seasons (including seasons in October, November, December and January), smart gun hunters are preparing their gear and scouting their hunting locations now.
In years past, gear preparation included hammering a few extra nails into wooden steps affixed to trees, trimming a few wayward branches and sighting-in shotguns, but times and technologies have changed. The number of deer hunting-related products on the market seems to increase every year, and many hunters choose to incorporate the latest gear into their hunting strategies.
Deer stands – raised structures where hunters typically are elevated 15 or more feet above the ground – have evolved from homemade wooden ladders and boxes to lightweight metal platforms with integrated shooting rails, padded seats and camouflage covers. Today’s deer stands are more durable and tree friendly, but they require regular maintenance to ensure their safety. Preseason and in-season hunting preparations should include checking deer stands for broken parts, rust, loose bolts and detached anchoring straps. Stand hunters should always use safety harnesses while in stands, so they should also check the fit and overall integrity of their harnesses before climbing.
Digital scouting cameras are becoming increasing popular with deer hunters, and they, too should be maintained. Hunters should periodically check camera batteries, clear spiderwebs and bees’ nests, make sure the settings are appropriate and take some test shots. Game cameras are frequently stolen, so hunters should consider locking their cameras to trees with cable locks or devices designed specifically for the cameras.
Before heading to the woods for their first hunts, deer hunters also should sort through their gear packs to make sure nothing is missing and that items are functioning properly. Hunters should check flashlights and batteries, test calls, sharpen knives, purchase new attractant and cover scents and ensure deer dragging and dressing equipment is present. They should also add and maintain any personal or emergency items, like extra eyeglasses, fire starters, first aid kits, maps and compasses.
Delaware deer hunters also are scouting hunting locations and preparing sites for the upcoming deer seasons. While preseason scouting provides useful data about deer habits, hunters should also incorporate in-season scouting into their deer hunting strategies. Deer will change routines based on food supply, reproductive drive and hunting pressure. So employing minimally invasive in-season scouting could help hunters achieve greater success while afield. Hunters should look for deer signs, including tracks, tree rubs and ground scrapes, and should consider posting scouting cameras in areas where high activity is observed. The photos, combined with the temperature, time and moon phase information provided by some cameras, can help hunters build hunting plans.
After finding high-activity locations, hunters can attempt to increase their odds of success by adequately preparing their sites. Hunters should consider clearing walking paths and shooting lanes, hanging scent dispensers and – where legal – placing bait or other attractants.
A little time spent preparing and studying can make all the difference between long, uneventful trips to the woods and venison-packed freezers.