Deer hunting involves a pinch of luck and a pound of skill. Like all abilities, deer hunters must continually hone their crafts by practicing and learning. While some hunters bag a twelve-point on their first attempt, the most successful hunters know what brings deer to them. 

Fortunately, successful deer hunters are happy to share their knowledge so newbies can become better faster. Here are ten tips for improving the success of your next whitetail deer hunting venture. 

Zero in on scent control

Deer have a nose that detects the most subtle scents. Deer in the wild find human smells like laundry detergent, breakfast burritos, and underarm deodorant unfamiliar, and so they run from you. That’s why it’s vital to eighty-six your personal scents before you go on the trail. 

Along with scent control, you also need to block the energy emitted from your body. Animals like deer are sensitive to the invisible electromagnetic radiation put off by our bodies. Cutting-edge innovations like HECS Hunting clothing block your body’s natural EMR from your heartbeat and muscle motions. When you wear EMR-blocking camo, deer perceive you as an inanimate object, so they don’t worry about you until they’re already in the crosshairs.

To prevent your EMR and scent from infiltrating your camo, take a scent-free shower, put your camo in the truck, and put it on when you arrive at your destination. Be sure your towels are scent-free, don’t put on any deodorant, and keep your cigarettes and cigars in the truck. With intelligent scent control, the deer you’ve been stalking all year will stick around long enough to be your score. 

Don’t forget to dress for the weather. If you start sweating, you’ll release an odor that the deer don’t like, ruining all of your careful prep work. 

Learn how to be silent

Another helpful way to get a big buck is to follow the does. When bucks begin to rut, they start looking for the does. If you’re looking for a trophy buck with a substantial rack, look for doe bedding areas, and he just might show up. 

A rutting buck isn’t as cautious as one who already has a doe, so it might take more of a chance wandering into sketchy territory where you’re sitting and waiting. No matter your skill level, you have a better chance of getting a big buck if you find where the available does are spending their time. 

Keep in mind that bucks become more active when the rut begins. Usually, bucks move at night, but once they start chasing the does, they move any time of the day or night. You can learn where the bucks are when they rut because they leave scrape and rub lines. These signs can also lead you right to a prize buck. 

Remember that the scrape lines disappear when the bucks get their does. Male deer activity changes when they’ve hooked up, so they don’t need to leave scrapes and rubs. Buck activity changes several times through the rut. 

Shoot ethically

If you do get the opportunity to take a shot, make sure it’s an ethical one. Aim for the heart near the front of the body, so the deer dies quickly. You might not be able to take a shot because you only have a view of the backside or another part without any vital organs. 

Bowhunters have to be especially cautious because they could hit the deer, and it could wander around with the arrow in it for a long time. The goal is to make a shot that will quickly and cleanly kill the deer. Disciplined hunters wait for the right opening, meaning they don’t shoot if they can’t do it ethically. 

Be patient and watch

Finally, you must enjoy the experience. Being patient, watching, and taking in the scenery and experience make hunting pure joy. Of course, the goal is to shoot a deer, but if you walk out empty-handed, you still enjoy nature. There are benefits to quiet time in the woods, deer or no deer. 

Wrap up

Improving your hunting success means taking time to learn about your prey and what spooks them. Being quiet, scent-free, and alert increases your chances of getting a deer. Learn about the does, look around for bedding, and invest in quality gear.