by Jeff Parsons

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: September 24, 2009

You're a deer hunter. You know that real success is based upon knowing your target, the conditions of the terrain and how to blend in with your environment. You can succeed where others fail.

Imagine this scenario... Pine forest. Early morning. Cold air. Breathe fogging. Soft light growing. Light wind whispering. Branches waving. Leaves rattling. Then, you're startled. You realize that it wasn't the leaves making the noise. Your trophy has suddenly appeared before your eyes. This has all come to pass because you've made some good choices. If you could get that deer within your gun sights, you know without a doubt that you would succeed. Here are some quick tips to help make that happen for you:

1. Overall strategy. You may be hunting upon the open plains, inside a thick forest or somewhere in between. In the open range, your main objective is to maintain your invisibility. In the deep woods, your main objectives are to mask your scent and minimize your sounds. For anywhere else, like the rugged mountains, anything goes.

2. Location. On the open plains, use a low profile stand or existing structure, like a tree or ridge, to blend your outline into the distant background. In the forest, the close range of your encounter won't allow you to disappear, so use an elevated position above the deer's plane of sight. Try to have your stand overlooking a busy, attractive site like a game trail, stream, salt lick or apple tree.

The remaining tips are on a more personal level. Essentially, they emphasize not giving away your presence. Remember, your prized deer has probably survived for a long time on raw instincts alone. You're not the first hunter it has encountered. Its keen senses, reactions and capabilities are simply astonishing. The deck is stacked against you there; take no chances, use every advantage that you can.

3. Visual. Your gear needs to have camouflage patterns to breakup the perceived depth of your shape. Deer see movement extremely well, so don't add twigs or branches to your outfit, it'll just make your slightest movement more obvious. In your stand, reduce the unused viewing area without hampering your field of fire. Never put yourself in a position where you're outlined against the sky.

4. Smell. Don't rely upon being downwind to protect you. Wind currents are fickle. You need to cover up your presence. A variety of alluring aromas are sold on the market to mask your scent. Deer love fruit smells, so, with just enough applied to cover your whole body, you can actually draw them right to you!

5. Sound. Imagine how alert your deer feels during hunting season. Noise can give you away long before anything else. It can travel for miles. To help you to be quiet, find a comfortable position that will allow you to stay still for a long time. Sitting on a collapsible seat with a warm, comfy cushion may help delay the inevitable discomfort. If you must move, then do it slowly and carefully.

Overall, proper preparation will help you to succeed. Just be persistent. Keep on going out, even on bad weather days, and sooner or later, the odds will tally up in your favor. Always remember to use your finest weapon: your mind. Be safe. Good luck!

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