Deer Hunting

deer in sights People have been hunting since the dawn of time, deer hunting can be tracked back to almost 10,000 years ago as a means of survival. Since then deer hunting has evolved into a sport, as most game hunting has, with deep roots in tradition.

What most anti gun law lobbyists forget is just how fundamental hunting is to America. Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt were prominent deer hunters. And generation after generation of families in America deer hunt because the outdoors is a great place to bond with and teach youth hunters responsibility and patience.

The most common and sought after deer are found in North America. In the east hunters mostly hunt white-tailed deer and in the west the mule deer reigns king. The differences between the two would be difficult for someone who doesn’t hunt to spot.

White-tailed Deer vs. Mule Deer

Aside from where they are found there are several ways in which the two species differ. Mule deer are usually larger bodied and have longer ears than white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer antlers consist of a main beam with spines growing from it. While mule deer antlers branch and re-branch making Y shapes. White-tailed deer are obviously named after their white tails, mule deers have black tipped tails.

The Deer Call currently focuses mostly on white-tail deer because that is what we hunt, but there are also articles on mule deer. Elk, moose, and caribou, while technically deer, are not our specialty and we don’t plan on devoting our time to these two for some time.

Hunting Styles

Methods used to deer hunt differ depending on the terrain and weapon used. Hunters use variations and combinations of these five styles.

Stand Hunting – Waiting where deer are likely to travel, usually in tree stands.
Stalking – Use signs like scrapes, rubs, and tracks, to locate the deer.
Still Hunting – Walking and waiting in various locations for the deer.
Spot and Stalk – Used in open areas where deer can be spotted at a distance and then stalked.
Line Drives – Using, usually, dogs to drive deer into the open where a hunter can get a shot.

Weapons of Choice

States hunting seasons are often based off the type of weapon used. The breakdown is usually: archery, firearms, muzzleloaders, depending on which weapons are legal in that state.

Bows – Mostly compound bows, but also recurve or even longbows.
Shotguns – Shotguns are very popular amongst deer hunters.
Rifles – .22 rifles are usually prohibited, but larger caliber rifles are allowed in most states.
Muzzleloaders – Muzzleloading is common and allowed in most states.
Pistols – Large caliber pistols can be used to hunt deer, but they are prohibited in most states.
Crossbows – Usually used by disabled hunters. Only openly permitted in a few states.
Spears – Spear hunting is uncommon in the United States, but it is found in France on horseback.

Additional Gear and Equipment

There is virtually and endless amount of other hunting gear that can be utilized and purchased from most hunting outfitters or sporting good stores.

Camouflage – An essential part of deer hunting is remaining undetected.
Deer Calls – Most calls can be made with the mouth, but products like Primos’ The Can are common.
Scopes – Depending on skill and preference, hunters may use sophisticated sights.
Stands – Tree stands offer safety, as well as a better view and therefore a better shot.
Blinds – Similar to tents, but camouflaged, blinds can sometimes be a better choice than a stand.
Knives – Field dressing is important and must be done quickly to preserver deer meat properly.
GPS – GPS locators are becoming a less and less expensive navigational as well as survival tool.
Trail Cameras – Trail Cams can keep an eye on deer activity and size 24/7.