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solitary deer hunting
- Thread starter Habs
- Start date
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I've out lasted all my hunting buddies and hunt alone. I rely on pre-season scouting, keeping an eye out for human sign as well as deer. I like to have at least three ambush sites picked out where I can sit at dawn and dusk and wait for deer. I carry a 1/2" plywood tree seat under my haversack.
Which site will depend on the weather that morning. Wind direction, rain forecast, etc. My spots are usually some kind of game funnel where the deer will be heading for cover. I hunt ALL day, from one hour before sunrise (we can't shoot before sunrise or after sunset) to sunset. I eat lunch while waiting in ambush. Hunters moving push the deer to cover.
I will get to my spot, hook the seat to the tree, and sit for as long as my feet and bladder can take it. If I've seen activity I will still-hunt long enouth to regain circulation and warmth, and then return. If things were dead I'll still-hunt quartering into the wind until I find another likely ambush site. Usually I sit two hours after sunrise and three before sunset. The rest of the day I move as needed and sit in appealing looking spots (usually I have to work around other hunters).
Remember that when hunting pressure starts the deer will take cover and become more nocturnal. They'll move if startled, so cover near logging trails and ATV roads is good to watch. I put myself where 40 yards is about all I can see.
Hemlocks are good to sit under on rainy days. You'll stay drier.
Which site will depend on the weather that morning. Wind direction, rain forecast, etc. My spots are usually some kind of game funnel where the deer will be heading for cover. I hunt ALL day, from one hour before sunrise (we can't shoot before sunrise or after sunset) to sunset. I eat lunch while waiting in ambush. Hunters moving push the deer to cover.
I will get to my spot, hook the seat to the tree, and sit for as long as my feet and bladder can take it. If I've seen activity I will still-hunt long enouth to regain circulation and warmth, and then return. If things were dead I'll still-hunt quartering into the wind until I find another likely ambush site. Usually I sit two hours after sunrise and three before sunset. The rest of the day I move as needed and sit in appealing looking spots (usually I have to work around other hunters).
Remember that when hunting pressure starts the deer will take cover and become more nocturnal. They'll move if startled, so cover near logging trails and ATV roads is good to watch. I put myself where 40 yards is about all I can see.
Hemlocks are good to sit under on rainy days. You'll stay drier.
CrackStock
69 Cal.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2004
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I often hunt on my own. I was out 2 of the last 3 days. I do not work as hard as StumpKiller, but pretty close. I have a climbing stand. I was never effective until I started getting up above 10 feet and then I started collecting venison.
I also like to use a pair of binoculars and scan the woods. I know that this will extend my vision beyond my ability to shoot, but it gives me a chance to make ready when a deer is approaching. It also keeps me focused so I avoid moving around so much. It keeps my head in the game.
CS
I also like to use a pair of binoculars and scan the woods. I know that this will extend my vision beyond my ability to shoot, but it gives me a chance to make ready when a deer is approaching. It also keeps me focused so I avoid moving around so much. It keeps my head in the game.
CS
Every deer I have ever shot was by my lonesome. I did hunt with a group...but we could be more than a mile from each other. Went in before sunrise and came out at dark. To be honest...yes there were lots of times I came home empty handed..but just being out there by one's self, that alone made the whole thing shine.
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