After a limited number of shooters appeared on camera in the offseason and urban archery yielded limited number of shooters still in their summer patter, I had low expectations this season. Fortunately, I was able to get a doe down during urban season in Indiana which would allow me the opportunity to harvest two bucks if the opportunities presented themselves. I’ve passed on many bucks this year some as I’m sitting here writing this, I’m thinking that maybe I should have pulled the trigger. I hunted hard during the rut, played the wind, moved in closer to core areas but came up empty. My family was able to harvest a very nice 8 pointer and a dandy 10 (photoed below) this year off of our lease so this season hasn’t been for nothing. However, I’m sitting here after firearm season has come and gone wondering if muzzleloader season will present me with an opportunity to get that trophy I’ve been looking for.
One thing I’ve learned from my father is these post rut deer can be skiddish, focus on the “Ts”, and the WFC. A lot of times deer in our area have been shot at and pressured for 3 straight months even on private property (can’t control the neighbors). So, this time of year I’ll go mobile with my climber and focus on the “Ts”. What are the “Ts”? It’s simple. I’ll sleep in and hunt from 10-2, looking for that mid day cruiser that stays laid up late and goes to bed early. I’ll play the wind and hunt the W (water), F (food), C(cover) areas of our woods.
I’ll start with water first and it’s pretty self explanatory. Bucks are run down and need to stay hydrated. We have a few water sources on our lease and the neighboring property has a few acre pond. With many well traveled trails leading to and from these areas, I’ll play the wind to my advantage, sit all day and hope to get lucky.
Next is food. We do a really good job on our lease of planting a few acre food plot. Some with early season clover that can stand the summer pressure and heavily seeded with late season turnips and beans. I typically will use whitetail institute products and I’ve had year over year success with high yields and healthy plants. Like I previously stated, bucks are worn down and need to feast on some calories. Not to mention if they have a chance at a second rut they’ll be where the ladies are, and these does this time of year will pile into our food plots on a regular basis. If you play the winds, don’t over pressure these food plots throughout the year. You could pick off a big buck looking for a meal or late season girlfriend.
Lastly is cover, and that can mean a lot of things to different people. Throughout the season we notice things, maybe it’s a new trail your herd is taking or maybe a overgrowth has finally matured and deer are staging there for the first time. Either way, throughout the season pay attention to these areas and to those areas you’ve always told yourself, “I wish I would have hung a stand there at the 3rd maple on the left overlooking that grassy bottom”. This is the time to do it!!! Big bucks like you, the hunter, are tired this time of year. They’ve been chasing does as well as dodging bullets and arrows for months now! They’ll re-establish that core area near food with water close by and won’t move very far. This time of year in early December I’ve often glassed both shooter bucks and future studs bedded up in some of the thickest nastiest stuff and wonder how the heck they got in there. One thing seeing them in those thick briars and tree falls has taught me is they are going to lay up all day where they feel comfortable and safe. They’ll only move if they feel pressured by someone/something or it’s time to fill their bellies. This is a time of year where having a climber can really be of value. I personally use a Summit Viper XL climber and I love it. It’s not the lightest, but not the heaviest. It is nimble enough for me to get in and out of hard to reach areas, and it’s so comfortable that I can sit all day with no problem.
Deer season, elk season, whatever season is your passion can truly be frustrating. It can also be super rewarding spending time in the outdoors with your friends and family. Regardless, if you are like me and tend to be a “size queen” and are holding out for your trophy or you’ve just had a rough season not seeing anything worth filling a tag on, just remind yourself to stay patient this time of year and don’t let the pressure of the holidays, tags weighing down your pocket, or lack of hunting time overwhelm you. Stick to your guns and maybe take a tip from me and change up your tactics this time of year. There is no guarantee that these tricks will work but if you made it this long in the season holding tags...maybe it’s time to roll the dice and try something new.
]]>However, as much as much as we scent prevent with your favorite shampoo or scent killer field spray those deer know your favorite spots too. One thing our team tries to do is avoid burning out a stand or setup. Regardless of the activity both on cameras and in person we really try and change it up. We tried this year more then ever to stay mobile especially early on in the season. Many times when sitting in our “old faithful” stands, deer will take a different travel route and you’ll say to yourself “man I should climb over by that thicket”. Don’t be afraid to go mobile and use a climber, or hang an extra set for a certain wind direction that maybe isn’t perfect for your old faithful spots. I typically will take my summit climber and tuck in tight on ridges over looking oak flats early on and during the rut. On days when I know I am going to be able to do an all day sit I do some work ahead of time to try and give myself an advantage. When using my climber, I will head to the woods the day before and get it setup on the base of my tree, double check shooting lanes and will mark my path so I can sneak in the following morning. When changing a set during the season, I’ll often hang it mid day, change back into my hunting clothes and hunt that set that evening. Ive often heard the first time you sit in it is the best. I have definitely had success when following this philosophy but remember it is hunting, and the minute you think you have them figured out they’ll fool ya. Sometimes during the rut, getting mobile and getting in tight to those transitional/bedding areas can be pay off in a big way. Early season, those well traveled routes in and out of main food sources can be a winning ticket too. The use of trail cameras or personal scouting can help you get the advantage as much as one is able too.
There is no true perfect time on when to make a move when hunting. Also making a move can be risky, but also super rewarding. Anytime you are out in the woods try and take note of new travel patterns, and change of food/water sources.
Whether you do it preseason, mid season, or at the end of the year come up with a plan and hunt hard.
Kyle Yeltong - DHS TEAM
]]>Being prepared when it comes to hunting cannot be overstated. Everyone has their opinion on how much preparation is necessary, but the more preparation you do, the higher your chances are of being successful.
One thing I like about scouting the woods right when the snow melts is how fresh the rubs and scrapes look. This can five you a great insight on how the deer are moving through the property. This time of year allows you to explore with a fine tooth comb and hopefully find where that target buck is bedding. Don't get too caught up on "Don't kick the buck." Hunting season is far away and you will not be tromping around every weekend.
This is especially helpful when you acquire a new property to hunt. Even on a small plot fo land, travel patterns can be determined and a plan can be implemented. I have a small 12 acre parcel of woods that I hunt and I thought it was too small to truly scout it. The patterns change from year to year and I now make sure I'm on top of it.
I usually make two spring scouting trips. One is for finding scrapes and rubs in order to find patterns. The other is to shed hunt. I try not to combine these trips so that my focus is on one task. Multitasking can be great, especially if your property is far away. The problem with multitasking these two scouting trips is that you will miss things. Stay focused and stay keyed into what your purpose is.
It can be hard mentally to think what you are doing is worth it. I struggle finding time to scout in the spring. With small children it almost seems like I am wasting time. Once I actually have the date planned and I make it to the property, I realize how beneficial this experience can be. It feels so refreshing and keeps that fire inside of me going.
Even while scouting in the spring I take scent control serious. I still wash my clothes in scent free laundry detergent and spray myself before heading out into the woods. My philosophy is that it cannot hurt anything. You will hear different opinions on everything when it comes to hunting. Do not get too complacent about the little things. Stay mentally strong and it will pay off in the end.
Early spring will get you out of the house and back in the mindset of deer hunting. Shake off the winter rust and get outside and enjoy nature. Take your kids if they are old enough. My son is four years old and will be sitting in a box blind with me this winter and I plan for him to start scouting with me next spring. Bring someone who has never hunted and maybe they will get intrigued. Make it a point to get out there in early spring and do not find yourself making excuses.
Matt Hemry - DHS Team
]]>Is scent control important? Just like everything else in this world, some people beleive scent control is the most important aspect of hunting, and somebeleive it's a farce. We all know people who smoke cigarrettes while in their tree stand and are wearing clothes that their dog took a nap on the night before. They also tagged a giant last year and make sure to let you know how scent control is a waste of time. You actually start contemplating this becase you are new to hunting or have ahd a string of bad years. DON'T GIVE IN!!!!
On the other hand, most of us know hunters who kill great bucks every single year. These are the ones we should be following. When I first got into hunting, I had a great mentor. Right off the bat he had me changing into my hunting gear on the side of the road. That gear was in a tote that eliminated human scent from constant contact. My clothes went directly from the washer to a clothesline and then into the tote. Did I mention mentor killed giants every year? Not just whitetail deer either. Elk, moose, mountain goat, mule deer, and more. All of these killw with is BOW!!! Needless to say, I got lucky in hooking up with him.
There are many more aspects to killing trophy animals consistently. Scent control is right at the top. It is pretty simple really. Make sure your gear doesn't smell. There are so many new gadgets, sprays, and closets on the market to help you out.
For the beginner, get some scent control laundry detergent and a tote. Try to change as much as you can once you get to the field/woods. this will denfinitely test your mental toughness when it is ten Degrees outside and some wind to bring that feel temperature down to zero. Spray down your clothing, each and every piece, before putting it on. My philosophy is, if your going to do something, why not go all out so you have no excuses?
Scent control is important!!!! That is, if you want to increase your odds of tagging that wall hanger. Don't get frustrated if you still get busted. There is no way to eliminate 100% of your smell. But if you get busted by that giant and you didn't take the steps to eliminate scent, you will be kicking yourself.
Matt Hemry - DHS Team
]]>
That is a statement I never thought I’d say when I first got into hunting. When I first started out like any rookie hunter, I was not very selective when it came to clearly defining my “trophy” that season. My goal was always to get the biggest buck in the woods but lacked the patience to do so. If my buddies or dad got a big one, I was determined to get a bigger one. But on the other hand, I would often settle for something less so I didn’t burn a tag. Then as I got a little older, I’d be upset if I got a deer and my father didn’t. My father once told me he was just as much, if not more, excited that I got one than if he got one himself. I used to think he was CRAZY. He used to tell me it’s about the memory made, not necessarily the animal at the end of the trail. I’m proud to say after a recent hunting trip it finally clicked for me.
My father, girlfriend Katie, and I recently traveled to Florida to gator hunt with Greg Love and “Olde Florida Outdoors”. It finally clicked for me when my better half tagged out with a 9’6” stud, my father a feisty 8’, and I went home tag still in hand. It wasn’t for lack of effort or lack of opportunity, it just didn’t come together for me. I sat with Greg our first night in town and let him know I was more concerned about my girlfriend and father getting a gator than myself. Katie had never hunted before and my dad, well he’s earned it for putting up with me all these years. Greg understood it and appreciated what I was trying to do. One thing about Greg I can’t say enough is he is a man of faith, family, the outdoors, and integrity. In a lot of ways his wisdom and southern views rubbed off on me in our short time together.
For me, seeing Katie get the adrenaline shakes after tagging out her big bull gator and my dad hooking into his gator on his second cast after it ate the bait was priceless. Seeing both of them smile and take it all in meant more to me than any trophy I could put on the wall. I found myself chuckling on the plane ride home because I never thought I’d think the way my dad did. I remembered those many, many words of wisdom my father told me as a kid growing up and it all finally came together. I didn’t get it and maybe it’s because I’m getting older but now it all makes sense. Going into this Fall hunting season in Indiana, I have all my tags purchased and am okay if I don’t use them. I will hunt hard and will put my time in, I can promise you that. I do promise to all of you reading this that I will take a moment to stop, slow down, and take it all in. It really is about more than bringing home a trophy, it’s about those memories you make along the way.
Kyle Yelton - DHS TEAM
]]>Every year hunters head out to the tree stand without taking the extra precaution of using a safety harness. As a result, there are several fatal tree stand accidents each year. According to an article on the Quality Deer Management Association column, in 2018 there were 3,000 reported tree stand falls that resulted in injuries. While not all of these may have been fully preventable, it is likely that a great number of them could have been if safety equipment had been used.
Often times hunters have this mentality of it “will never be me”. One fall can unfortunately result in a serious injury or even a fatality. Today’s safety harness’ are so light weight and easy to put on. Cost varies on these but many can be purchased for under one hundred dollars. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and buy a safety harness that you will use. After all it might just save your life. I can’t think of one good reason to not wear a harness every time I get in my tree stand. Check out Discounthuntingshop.com where we carry all the major brands of hunter safety equipment.
Adam Walters - DHS Team
]]>“I have never used a decoy, have you?” This was the question I asked a co-worker, Jack Mooneyhan, a few years back. He replied, “I have one you can buy off of me if you want.” So, I purchased my first decoy. My plan was to use it during the last week before Indiana firearms season opened up, prime rut season.
Rut was in full swing and I knew only what I had researched on the internet. I set up my new, small buck, decoy on the edge of a cornfield. Gloves were worn so my scent wasn’t traceable and some buck urine on a scent hanger was attached to the decoy. I was excited!!! A hang on stand close by was where I spent that morning. Not a single deer….
Having hunted for a few years I was not too discouraged. I knew there were too many factors involved to pinpoint what could be the reason behind no deer. I tried the exact same method the following day and had two small bucks and several does checking my guy out. This was pretty neat! Something completely new to me, and it was working, somewhat. I did learn a valuable lesson during this hunt that would eventually pay off a week later. I noticed that the 2 small bucks approached my decoy from the front and the does came up from the rear. I did some research that night and found that you should place the decoy facing you so that a buck will circle within range to face the decoy. This will give you a shot at him.
The following weekend was opening weekend of firearms season here in Indiana. The one property I hunt is a very good property for numbers. If you sit all day, you will get a deer. Rain was in the forecast, but I still put out the decoy. After sitting in what we call the “Tree House Stand” for about an hour, I texted my buddy, Kyle Yelton, and told him to come join me to get out of the rain. By this time it was coming down pretty good.
It was only about a half an hour after he climbed up into the Tree House Stand with me that he was saying “Buck Buck Buck!!!” Sure enough, a buck was cruising directly towards my decoy. From the tree stand, this was a 60 yard shot. A chip shot for my CVA Optima Muzzleloader. This was not the giant I was after, but the memory of using my buddy Jack’s decoy and sitting along side my buddy Kyle, I couldn’t pass this up. The deer didn’t make it but 40 yards from the site of the shot. This memory was worth every inch on this bucks rack.
Matt Hemry - DHS - Team
]]>We will be sharing our experiences of our products we are selling on our site, but also want to hear from you! Feel free to drop us a line and let us know what you think of our site and maybe a product you’d like to see us carry.
From the bottom of our hearts thank you for your support of us and our business.
DHS Family,
- Kyle and Matt
]]>