Hunters need to scout intelligently in order to get better deer. After a hunter has settled on likely locations for a good deer population he must continue to act intelligently to keep from scaring deer away from these planned, prime locations. Deer are very alert to sound, scent, and sight. When deer are alerted, especially if alerted often, they may change their patterns and perhaps their home bases. Hunters should minimize alerting deer whenever they are afield constructing or checking their stands, going to or from their stands during the hunts, when they scout, and all other times when near deer habitat.

To lessen the chances of alerting deer a hunters should be sensitive of their sounds, scents, and to being seen by deer. In other words -- be stealthy. Here are a few tips on how to be stealthy before and during the deer season:

Do as much of your scouting well before the season as you can. Just after the season ends is one of the best times to scout for several reasons. First, if you alert the deer after the season there is much less harm done. Second, deer will continue to behave a in-season manner instead of the more relaxed behavior they have after a long summer without pressure.

Settle on stand locations and then construct them as early as possible.

It is OK to scout near your chosen locations but never in the deer's prime cover and bedding area once the season is approaching. These prime deer holding areas are watched very closely and intrusion into them is remembered for a lengthy time.

When approaching your hunting location it is better to wait for sunlight to move quietly and safely to you location than it is to move before sunlight but scare everything away.

Eliminate your odor. Deer detect hunters by odor much more often than by either sight or sound. Also, your scent may remain even after you have left an. Shower before you hunt or scout with a non-scented soap and shampoo -- use an unscented deodorant to wash your clothing (at least) every few days. Using a Scent-Lok suit and spraying your outer clothing with a scent killer will also help. Commercial odor neutralizing sprays will also benefit your hunt. Items you carry, if they smell, should be kept in a sealed, scent-proof, plastic bag. Even if you feel you have fully eliminated scent always be aware of the direction your scent would take and stay downwind of where the deer should be.

Use our sponsors / Good links:

Dressing deer Shot Placement Deer hunting game at real-tree

Take advantage of water conditions when possible. A creek's natural noise and smell will mask your sound and scent. The naturally low creek bed will also keep you out of the line of sight. Wet leaves make much less rustling than do dry leaves.

Give deer an opportunity to leave the area before you leave your stand. It is best to exit when there is no deer in the area. If you must leave with deer around, break a stick or toss a rock so as to alert deer without letting the deer know you are human. Leave the deer wondering if you are another deer, a squirrel, or just the wind.

If you can better your skills at being stealthy you will undoubtedly better your chances at taking deer. This will go double for trophy deer who have already demonstrated they can detect other hunters.