Just curious about something for bush deer hunting. I know a few hunters who seem to always report hearing and seeing some movement of deer most of the time they walk around any bush during hunting season. They never worry about scent or wind direction, they do not sit at a stand, and they do not need to know the lay of the land. They just walk around any random bush wherever they hunt, even at places they do not know well. Just wondering if some hunters just have superior senses and have developed superior still-hunting skills at not disturbing deer. And how does one develop skills to that level? Thanks!
Hunters with super senses?
- Thread starter norlandgeese
- Start date
Be out there in the forest or mountains ... observe ... and learn! Try things .... observe the outcome .... perceive the patterns ... and learn ... !
It is a very long process .....
And you have to spend lots and lots of time out there ....
SomebodyTookMyName
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Saskatchewan
There are some more skilled than others, but nobody fools a deer's nose.
Still hunting is as much an art as it is a science, and while I don't claim to be a pro, but I'm getting better all the time, and have killed a few deer doing it now.
Playing the wind, even in deep cover, is always priority number one. No matter what you do, you smell like death to a deer.
Being super silent isn't as much a concern as simply not-sounding-human. Everything in the bush makes noise, you just need to ensure that the noise you're making is consistent with everything else around you.
Same goes for motion- I once saved myself from spooking a group of deer that had spotted me by moving along with the bushes around me, swaying in the wind as they did- in that moment it occurred to me then that every predator tends to "freeze" when spotted, but when you're trying to look like a bush, you should move like one too... so I did, and the deer went from staring at me for a solid two minutes to almost immediately ignoring me entirely once I began to sway to and fro in the wind along with the rest of the foliage around me.
It's all a learning process, and while sharp sense play into it, it's more experience and attention that makes a good still hunter in my opinion.
Still hunting is as much an art as it is a science, and while I don't claim to be a pro, but I'm getting better all the time, and have killed a few deer doing it now.
Playing the wind, even in deep cover, is always priority number one. No matter what you do, you smell like death to a deer.
Being super silent isn't as much a concern as simply not-sounding-human. Everything in the bush makes noise, you just need to ensure that the noise you're making is consistent with everything else around you.
Same goes for motion- I once saved myself from spooking a group of deer that had spotted me by moving along with the bushes around me, swaying in the wind as they did- in that moment it occurred to me then that every predator tends to "freeze" when spotted, but when you're trying to look like a bush, you should move like one too... so I did, and the deer went from staring at me for a solid two minutes to almost immediately ignoring me entirely once I began to sway to and fro in the wind along with the rest of the foliage around me.
It's all a learning process, and while sharp sense play into it, it's more experience and attention that makes a good still hunter in my opinion.
I shoot deer by stand hunting almost every year, but it is all about defined deer movement plus knowing and prepping my land. Manipulating animal habitat and animal behaviour. Bear in mind I am not talking about the prairie-type open country but edge woods and dirty bushes. I am fascinated by the ability of you still-hunters to venture into afore unknown dirty bush and have a super high success rate of coming really close to deer every time.
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
I’m one of those guys
It’s such a great way of hunting and allows you to learn much more about deer while seeing far more animals than when stand hunting. It takes extreme patience, confidence, and you can’t be afraid of getting dirty, cold and wet. The deer dictate where you’re going to go so sometimes it involves wading through creeks or crawling through mud and snow to get a shot.
Moving slow is critical. Slow as in sometimes it takes an hour or two to cover that last 100 yards. Sometimes it takes 10-15 minutes just to raise my gun or crossbow. If you think you’re going slow enough, slow down even more.
Carry a turkey diaphragm call in your cheek to make a few clucks if you happen to snap a stick and the deer notice. Most times it calms them down.
Camo wise, mine is probably 20 years old. Don’t fall for marketing that you need the newest camo to get close to deer.
Scent? I keep cedar boughs in my camo bag for cover scent and use zero deer scent.
Pack light and avoid baggy clothing. A knife, flashlight, GPS, water and snacks is all that’s required.
Remove the sling from your gun or crossbow. It’ll get caught on brush and encourage you to put it on your shoulder. You must be ready for a shot the entire hunt.
I believe I’ve taken 9 deer now that I still hunted to within 15 yards. My closest was 7 yards and was very rewarding.
Waiting for the snow to fly so I can get out there. I don’t even think about deer hunting until December.
It’s such a great way of hunting and allows you to learn much more about deer while seeing far more animals than when stand hunting. It takes extreme patience, confidence, and you can’t be afraid of getting dirty, cold and wet. The deer dictate where you’re going to go so sometimes it involves wading through creeks or crawling through mud and snow to get a shot.
Moving slow is critical. Slow as in sometimes it takes an hour or two to cover that last 100 yards. Sometimes it takes 10-15 minutes just to raise my gun or crossbow. If you think you’re going slow enough, slow down even more.
Carry a turkey diaphragm call in your cheek to make a few clucks if you happen to snap a stick and the deer notice. Most times it calms them down.
Camo wise, mine is probably 20 years old. Don’t fall for marketing that you need the newest camo to get close to deer.
Scent? I keep cedar boughs in my camo bag for cover scent and use zero deer scent.
Pack light and avoid baggy clothing. A knife, flashlight, GPS, water and snacks is all that’s required.
Remove the sling from your gun or crossbow. It’ll get caught on brush and encourage you to put it on your shoulder. You must be ready for a shot the entire hunt.
I believe I’ve taken 9 deer now that I still hunted to within 15 yards. My closest was 7 yards and was very rewarding.
Waiting for the snow to fly so I can get out there. I don’t even think about deer hunting until December.
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
For practice and to see if you’re doing it right, go squirrel hunting using the above methods. Not seeing squirrels and other small game while still hunting? You’re doing it wrong.
If you’re doing it right, wildlife will be going about their normal business while you’re out there.
Also practice being light on your feet. I’m at the point now that throughout normal daily life at home/work I can walk right behind people or sneak up on them without them hearing a sound. Impressive for a 6’ and 225 lb dude. I always have fun startling people
If you’re doing it right, wildlife will be going about their normal business while you’re out there.
Also practice being light on your feet. I’m at the point now that throughout normal daily life at home/work I can walk right behind people or sneak up on them without them hearing a sound. Impressive for a 6’ and 225 lb dude. I always have fun startling people
super senses....
I don't know about people having super senses but the deer certainly do.
The hunter that recognizes that , can then begin to break down how to defeat the deer's super senses and up his game.
on top of that, being able to read the land..... finding potential game trails, knowing what foods growing in that environment that might draw in deer.
Knowing the deer in your area is key as well.
Do they live there year round?
What food and water sources exist there
Do the deer migrate to and from the area for reasons such as heavy snowpack pushing them out in winter ?
These questions once answered, will give the hunter an edge as well..... if he/she knows what to do with that information.
As a solo hunter for the first 5 years of my hunting life, it took me that whole 5 years to put the pieces together that finally resulted in my first deer. That , after mostly road hunting up until then. It was advice from an old timer that saw me decide to set up in a strategic spot over a recent clear cut , several hundred yards from the truck and adjacent to a good water source. It was a dry season and the deer need to drink so..... why not set up near some water eh?
Being keenly aware as a hunter in the bush is something in our genetic make up that has been subdued over generations since the coming of the grocery store LOL
Some folks have it.... some maybe need to work a bit harder to relearn it.
I don't know about people having super senses but the deer certainly do.
The hunter that recognizes that , can then begin to break down how to defeat the deer's super senses and up his game.
on top of that, being able to read the land..... finding potential game trails, knowing what foods growing in that environment that might draw in deer.
Knowing the deer in your area is key as well.
Do they live there year round?
What food and water sources exist there
Do the deer migrate to and from the area for reasons such as heavy snowpack pushing them out in winter ?
These questions once answered, will give the hunter an edge as well..... if he/she knows what to do with that information.
As a solo hunter for the first 5 years of my hunting life, it took me that whole 5 years to put the pieces together that finally resulted in my first deer. That , after mostly road hunting up until then. It was advice from an old timer that saw me decide to set up in a strategic spot over a recent clear cut , several hundred yards from the truck and adjacent to a good water source. It was a dry season and the deer need to drink so..... why not set up near some water eh?
Being keenly aware as a hunter in the bush is something in our genetic make up that has been subdued over generations since the coming of the grocery store LOL
Some folks have it.... some maybe need to work a bit harder to relearn it.
Well part of it is recognizing pockets of habitat that deer densities may be higher than surrounding areas. Another important part in my opinion is moving slow enough, looking more than walking is an important concept to grasp as well as looking for parts of a deer, a back line, flick of an ear or tail.
Wish I had super senses. About all I can rely on is a lot of stealth, plenty of patience, and some luck. I think all of us, if we have decent vision, can spot movement. What has worked for me, is waiting for the deer to bust its cover. I only need the deer to alert me to its presence, and I can hopefully now having spotted it, or the general area its currently in, stay still, wait for an opportunity for a shot. As for scent, I'm currently of the mind set that if the deer are down wind, they can smell me, no matter what I may have tried to cover my scent. Maybe thats realistic, maybe its just a sense of laziness and defeat.
My dad used to be really good at spotting game. We'd be walking, and suddenly I'd hear him fire his gun, and I never even saw the bird in that case. Seems like its a sense that doesn't fall off with age for some men. My father in law as well. He said look at those deer over there. And I was, where. He says over there, across the river, along the far edge of the field. He's seeing deer 1200 yards away. I confirmed with my binocs, and he wasn't ####ting me.
My dad used to be really good at spotting game. We'd be walking, and suddenly I'd hear him fire his gun, and I never even saw the bird in that case. Seems like its a sense that doesn't fall off with age for some men. My father in law as well. He said look at those deer over there. And I was, where. He says over there, across the river, along the far edge of the field. He's seeing deer 1200 yards away. I confirmed with my binocs, and he wasn't ####ting me.
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I have been a still hunter/stalker for more than 55 years now, although I have killed one animal out of a blind.
My eyesight is not good, but I know what to look
for and recognize what I do see.
The majority of the deer I have killed in the last 25 or so years have also been I. A particular piece of Bush that is bordered by a highway on one side, and a power line on the upper side.there is also an ATV staging area there , so lots of traffic , but not in the bush.
I usually take two a year out of there
I hunt it hard, within the noise of the highway .
I never hunt downwind however
Cat
My eyesight is not good, but I know what to look
for and recognize what I do see.
The majority of the deer I have killed in the last 25 or so years have also been I. A particular piece of Bush that is bordered by a highway on one side, and a power line on the upper side.there is also an ATV staging area there , so lots of traffic , but not in the bush.
I usually take two a year out of there
I hunt it hard, within the noise of the highway .
I never hunt downwind however
Cat
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saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- near Prince Albert
Well, some guys have 10 years experience, some guys have 1 years experience 10 times! Just a matter of getting out there and seeing what works and what doesn't. A big variable is the hunting pressure in an area and how sketchy it can make the deer. Some deer hang up and wait patiently for you to pass if they figure you don't see them. Sometimes they sneak away slowly, or light the afterburners and crash through the bush. Move slow enough to not make game nervous, stop often, but move quick enough to get where you're going. Or leave much earlier. Wind. It always matters.
One weird thing that works for me with whitetail, is you can sneak up on them in a straight line, as long as you have even some scrubby brush/trees between you and them. Walk slow, and like a statue. I'm not saying you'll walk right up to them, but you can shave some serious distance off.
Hide in plain sight, with some natural cover, and the ability to shift in a few steps into a clear area for shooting. If you're seated or crouched in a foot of snow, 2-3 foot grass, and some cattail or poplar scrub in front or to the side, you are darn near invisible if you don't move.
There's so much more to it all, but a few tips to think about.
Runningfool
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
All interesting comments but when it comes to hunters with super senses, I think most are like me and are waiting to hear from The Master!
Deer are curious...if they can't smell you it can really mess them up.
I climbed down a tree with a climbing stand at the end of a hunt one day fully decked out in hunter orange. At the bottom I looked around only to see a small buck 20 yards away who had been watching the whole thing. Shot him while he still trying to figure out how a giant porcupine was dressed in hunter orange.
Another time a friend and I were walking through parallel gullies on either side of a small ridge. As the gullies were coming together I could hear his foot steps in the leaves...walk a few feet, pause, listen and then repeat. I gave him a whistle so he knew where I was...no reply. Climbed up the last bit of ridge to see the biggest buck of my life who apparently was just as curious as me while he waited to see what was making all the noise next to him. I missed though lol.
I climbed down a tree with a climbing stand at the end of a hunt one day fully decked out in hunter orange. At the bottom I looked around only to see a small buck 20 yards away who had been watching the whole thing. Shot him while he still trying to figure out how a giant porcupine was dressed in hunter orange.
Another time a friend and I were walking through parallel gullies on either side of a small ridge. As the gullies were coming together I could hear his foot steps in the leaves...walk a few feet, pause, listen and then repeat. I gave him a whistle so he knew where I was...no reply. Climbed up the last bit of ridge to see the biggest buck of my life who apparently was just as curious as me while he waited to see what was making all the noise next to him. I missed though lol.
I fell asleep in the open bed of the truck, parked with other vehicles in an opening. Lots of hunters in the bush. I was too tired and needed a little noon time snooze. I awoke to see a doe walk out of the bush, within about 10 yards of the truck.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I like to think of myself as a very experienced hunter, but a master? No way. There's too much to learn. That's what makes hunting interesting. A lifetime of learning is rewarded with better and better skills, which may look "super" to some. But it's mostly about paying attention and learning ALL the time. A good hunter uses ALL their senses to the limit of their ability, becomes a student of the game and the behaviour of other animals and birds that live in the same area. The ecology of the region, seasonal changes, weather and time of day changes. It all matters.
Ironically, as much as I love firearms and almost everything associated with them, firearm skills are not all that important to be a successful hunter. Hunting skills matter far more.
Ironically, as much as I love firearms and almost everything associated with them, firearm skills are not all that important to be a successful hunter. Hunting skills matter far more.
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
well 40 years hunting, I've never hunted from a stand, always spot and stalk
and 10ish years working as a forester in the woods looking at trees and land, might have given me a bit of an edge
however I may be out a practice a bit, it takes a week or 2 in the bush before I really start to get back in the groove
I hunt a bunch of different areas and try to hunt a few days in a new area or an area that I have not hunted for years or decades, more like a bit of scouting for next year or to find areas that have good sign for future hunts
and 10ish years working as a forester in the woods looking at trees and land, might have given me a bit of an edge
however I may be out a practice a bit, it takes a week or 2 in the bush before I really start to get back in the groove
I hunt a bunch of different areas and try to hunt a few days in a new area or an area that I have not hunted for years or decades, more like a bit of scouting for next year or to find areas that have good sign for future hunts
