Deer

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.

Finding public deer hunting land near me has become increasingly easier with the advancement of technology. A prime example is the HuntWise App, for instance.

Whitetails live and die by their nose, so it’s no wonder that deer are the olfactory champions of the woods. Hunters (human or otherwise) have been trying to beat their sense of smell with every method we can come up with, including staying downwind and practicing good scent control.

Can you get by and still be a successful hunter without HuntWise? Of course, you can. In my opinion, HuntWise is an amazing tool for the sport of hunting and something that I wish I had access to when I first started hunting.

It's hot, humid, muggy, and overall nasty in July in a lot of places throughout the country, especially in the Midwest and in the South. So, what does this mean for us hunters?

There are silent conversations constantly happening around us in the woods. Learning to read the language and signs left behind by deer can help you better understand what is being said and by who to become a more knowledgeable and effective hunter.

Hunting safety extends beyond firearm practices and first aid knowledge. Being safe out in the field means dealing with a range of species, including deer, which can carry and transmit various diseases, illnesses, and parasites to pets, livestock, and even humans. 

Before you step foot on that new property for a hunt, you need to check a topographic map app. Let's talk about why.