Deer

The chaos of the rut is right around the corner. As the woods fill with the colors of fall, it’s when the buck of a lifetime can come crashing through the brush in broad daylight. This is the time of year dreams are made of, and it’s what gets hunters excited about every fall.

When you're learning to call turkeys, ducks, or elk, the animals themselves will practically give you lessons in calling. Those species are vocal, and you get tons of chances to mimic them. 

Black-tailed deer can be found in the western parts of North America, from central California to coastal British Columbia and southern Alaska. Often referred to as the "Pacific Ghost," these creatures are extremely elusive, making harvesting one a true sportsman's dream. 

Deep in the thick coniferous forests across the Pacific Northwest lives the legendary black tail deer. They're skittish, highly adapted to the natural cover, and can slide in and out of the natural landscape with a nearly phantom-like nature. 

If you’ve ever glassed a high country meadow or sagebrush flat in the desert as the sun slips below the ridgeline above, chances are you may have spotted an icon of the American West: the mule deer.

When checking for deer sign, most hunters think of a few key items such as trails, rubs, scrapes, and browse within an area such as a food plot or ag field. But one sign you might not think about and overlook is . . . poop.

Whether you're an experienced hunter looking to help condition deer over the harsh winter period with a brand new feeder or a nature lover who enjoys watching these stunning creatures from the comfort of your home, knowing what to load into your deer feeder has a direct impact on the frequency and number of deer visitations on your land.

Hunting public land is fairly new to me. Up until a few years ago, I only ever hunted private property that my family owned. Then, in 2019, I decided it was time to expand my whitetail hunting horizons. So, I downloaded HuntWise and began looking for public land near me that I could hunt.

Whether you prefer a lighter kit or a heavier load for those just-in-case moments, choosing your gear for a deer hunt is an essential step that can make or break your hunt.

Whitetail deer tracks are heart-shaped, 2-3 inches long, with two pointed toes (cloven hoof) that point in the direction of travel. Adult bucks leave wider tracks (2.5-3") than does (2-2.5"). Running tracks splay wider and show dew claw imprints. Fresh tracks have sharp edges; aged tracks show wind erosion and rounded edges.

Things are heating up as we enter the last month of summer. Serious hunters don’t wait until the night before opening day to get ready for hunting season. We prep all year long!

As a hunter, knowing as much as possible about deer biology and anatomy will only make you a stronger hunter. Velvet is a crucial aspect of understanding the lifecycle of a buck, and it's a hot topic of conversation among hunters in the summer.