Most modern deer hunting tactics involve a short list of popular go-to methods that the majority of whitetail enthusiasts implement, but there is another list of hunting tactics that are more obscure and less subscribed to. Here are 15 all-out crazy tactics for whitetail hunting that are super effective when used correctly.
1. Stink It Up
One of the most overlooked tactics is using scent in the best possible ways. This involves implementing deer scents in a way that doesn’t deposit your own right next to it. Some scent companies are using spray cans that project scents a great distance, so you don’t have to walk up next to that scrape or mock scrape you’re juicing up. But those who ride on an electric bike or other vehicle can do the same.
2. Jump Ship and Go
Most hunters wouldn’t dream of leaving their treestand to go after a deer they see in the distance. That’s far too high impact for their taste. But leaving the treestand or blind behind and making a move can be just what you need to do to fill that tag. If there’s a decent chance of intercepting that deer on the move, get up and go for it.
3. Track a Buck
One of the lost arts of hunters long past is tracking deer. Being able to track an animal on the move is a skill that a lot of hunters no longer possess. Discovering how to trail a specific, unique deer is a great way to find that buck. It’s especially effective in the snow.
4. Still-Hunt in the Wind and Rain
One of my favorite on-the-go deer hunting tactics is still-hunting in the wind and light rain. This combo makes for quiet foot falls and makes it more difficult for deer to see you slowly inching across the landscape. Carefully working through a piece of good deer habitat can yield a fill tag.
5. Still-Hunt in Reverse
I first learned this tactic from an Outdoor Life special. When still hunting, it’s important to scan the landscape meticulously. However, I never really thought about doubling back to re-scan where you’d already been. That’s exactly what you should do, though, as it can produce buck sightings in spots you’ve already passed through.
6. Walk Water Sources
Another deer hunting tactic I enjoy implementing is walking along shallow water sources, such as creeks and streams. Deer activity oftentimes centers around these features, and still-hunting along these water sources can produce excellent results. Of course, this limits ground scent due to walking through shallow water, and the creek banks offer visual cover, too.
7. Don’t Hunt Bedding Areas or Food Sources
Just about every stationary hunter sits along the fringes of bedding areas or food sources. It’s a radical thought to consider doing neither one, right? Wrong. Instead of hunting along bedding areas and food sources, consider hunting transition routes connecting the two line-of-movement endpoints. This will produce sightings of deer, but virtually eliminates the major risk of spooking deer when arriving to or departing from a stand location.
8. Late-Season Calling and Rattling
Most deer hunters limit calling efforts to the pre-rut and rut. But some are beginning to see how effective it can be during the post-rut and late season. Calling and rattling can have a positive impact on your wintertime hunt.
9. Late Season Decoying
Likewise, decoying is usually reserved for pre-rut and the rut. Interestingly, more and more deer hunters are using this tactic during the late season. They’re noticing that bucks respond to buck decoys, even after the rut is over. It isn’t always to fight, though. Sometimes, they’re just trying to get the gang back together as deer re-form bachelor groups.
10. Stalk with a Decoy
Have a two-dimensional decoy? A deer, elk, or even cow decoy (in pastures) can shield your form and get you closer to deer. Just don’t do it on public lands or during gun seasons. Limit it to bowhunting efforts on private lands where other hunters aren’t present.
11. Camp Out in an Old Home Place
A lot of properties have old homesteads and run-down buildings. Some of these are old barns, houses, or other structures. These are no longer inhabited by people, mind you. But these can sometimes be good spots to camp. Of course, make sure there aren’t any wild animals living there. Ensure the structural integrity is safe. Then, use it as a hunting blind, or spend the night there before taking a short walk to the stand or blind. This can limit the odds of spooking deer before a hunt, especially if it’s a sensitive area, or there’s a high deer density.
12. Spend the Night in a Blind
Getting to a morning spot without alerting deer to your presence can be a pain. For those with enclosed hunting blinds, spending the night is certainly an option. Then, when morning comes, you’re ready for action and don’t have to worry about spooking deer on the walk in. That can be the difference in killing a big buck, or not.
13. Float for a Deer
Moose hunters routinely float along lakes and rivers in search of a bull. Deer hunters can use this same tactic, especially during the rut. On public lands with water sources, consider floating along the banks in search of a target animal. You might see a deer up on its feet. Or you could spot a deer bedded within sight of the water. Then, you can get out and plan a stalk.
14. Ride with a Farmer
On farm-based properties, deer rarely pay much attention to the farmer. Driving whatever vehicles, tractors, and other things deer are used to seeing, whitetails react much less to these staple gas- and diesel burners. Therefore, riding with a farmer, and being dropped off at or picked up from the stand, can apply much less pressure than walking in or out, or driving an ATV or truck deer rarely see.
15. Hunt a Tiny Parcel
Most deer hunters look to own, lease, or gain permission on larger tracts of land. But that leaves a lot of properties under 20 acres, and especially those under 10, with little to no hunting. With adequate bedding cover, that’s more than enough space for a big buck to bed down during the day.
Overall, there are many more deer hunting tactics that are less common yet still very effective. So long as they abide by state and local regulations, these methods can be great for putting bucks on the wall and venison in the freezer.
Article by Josh Honeycutt
Photos by Honeycutt Creative
