Spot and Stalk Deer Hunting How to Master the Biggest Thrill of Hunting 02

   Many are nocturnal by the time deer season starts, and you will have to find them in their beds. This can be tough as a deer can blend in to its surroundings very easily. If you have not found a deer that meets you minimum requirement to put a stalk on before they bed down, do not be discouraged. Most deer, including bucks will get up, stretch, nibble on some nearby plants, or just get up to reposition themselves out of the sun. I have found many bucks that I have put stalks on in the heat of the day.   Other areas that deer like to bed down are amongst boulders and under cliff faces where they can find shelter from the sun and avoid cougars and other predators. Anywhere you see shade is a possible bedding area, especially early season when it is hot.

   Even once the temperatures get colder in the fall deer will still seek shade as their coats thicken up.  Stalking Deer Putting the final stock on a deer is the most exciting part of spot and stalk deer hunting. The object is getting as close as possible without the deer detecting you. This is the part where rifle spot and stalk and archery spot and stalk deer hunting differ a lot. Of course, many times, a deer will position its self in an area where it can only be seen within range at 50 yards. I have had several situations where I could spot bucks from 800 - 1000 yards away, but could not see them on the final stock until I was within 20 or less yards.  Wind: The best defense a deer has is his ability to smell. One molecule of human scent will make a bedded down deer turning into a running deer instantly, typically not giving the hunter anytime for a standing still shot. For this reason, you have to play the wind more than anything else.

   When spot and stalking deer, wind can be your worst enemy or your best friend, it is all about how you play it. Wind, especially a decent wind can help to cover up the sound of a hunter stalking within range of a deer. Also, wind can be used to take your scent away from a deer. You can get 10 yards away, and as long as there is a decent breeze blowing your scent away from the deer, you can remain undetected to the nose of a very smart deer. Regardless of the weapon you are using, you will need to use the wind to your advantage, especially with a bow or other close range weapon in your hand. Many times while spot and stalk deer hunting it is necessary to make the final stalk until the wind is right, especially while bow hunting. I have had to watch deer for hours until the wind changed before I could put on a stalk and typically I have been glad I waited. I have also blown plenty of archery stocks because I did not wait for the wind to change and stabilize, but then after the stalk was a bust, the wind picked up and stabilized.