little help? Deer in northern AB
- Thread starter oldspice
- Start date
I've only taken 5 deer in my hunting career so far, so take anything I say with a grain of salt in reflection of less experience than many.
In general, you will be most likely to find deer moving and in the open near dawn and dusk. In most cases, they will tend to be hunkered down in thick cover during the day. Still hunting game trails, especially along the edges of open feeding areas (grass or crops) is a good bet at the beginning and end of the day.
Lots of guys don't bother trying to hunt during the day at all, but unless you've seen observed evidence of the local deer in a certain area during the day, I would be following game trails towards the thickest cover I can find during daylight hours. Keep in mind this is incredibly difficult because the deer can be very alert while in cover, and its almost impossible to move through that cover silently. But hunting and getting skunked is still better than no hunting at all
Some groups of hunters will try to hunt during the day in groups by identifying areas where the deer are likely bedded, then posting some shooters around the spot and having a few guys walk though it trying to flush them out. But of course, that takes a group, and is not everyone's preferred hunting style.
Remember that scouting is your best friend, even just driving around will give you an idea of what fields/areas the deer frequent, then you can try to go after them on foot the next day, for example.
Good luck!
Red
In general, you will be most likely to find deer moving and in the open near dawn and dusk. In most cases, they will tend to be hunkered down in thick cover during the day. Still hunting game trails, especially along the edges of open feeding areas (grass or crops) is a good bet at the beginning and end of the day.
Lots of guys don't bother trying to hunt during the day at all, but unless you've seen observed evidence of the local deer in a certain area during the day, I would be following game trails towards the thickest cover I can find during daylight hours. Keep in mind this is incredibly difficult because the deer can be very alert while in cover, and its almost impossible to move through that cover silently. But hunting and getting skunked is still better than no hunting at all
Some groups of hunters will try to hunt during the day in groups by identifying areas where the deer are likely bedded, then posting some shooters around the spot and having a few guys walk though it trying to flush them out. But of course, that takes a group, and is not everyone's preferred hunting style.
Remember that scouting is your best friend, even just driving around will give you an idea of what fields/areas the deer frequent, then you can try to go after them on foot the next day, for example.
Good luck!
Red
I never see quality deer when moving around. In my opinion, if you want to see more quality bucks, you need to stay super still and wait. Pay attention to the wind. If you know there are deer in the area, just wait. You might freeze your butt off but it's worth the wait.
Here's my buck from the 26th of November this year.
Here's my buck from the 26th of November this year.
Both. Hunt all day. The rut is tapering off and with deer numbers down there is a very good amount of activity as bucks try to corner the last few 'hot' does.
My best deer at this time of year were all shot between 11:00am and 1:00 PM. Solid, mature bucks.
I'm not a good stand hunter. I prefer to sneak along cutlines and skidder trails until convergence pays me off. Unless you have a specific deer in mind, covering as much ground as you can right now is likely the best bet. If you want to sit in the mornings/evenings, find a field frequented by does and hang out, you never know what will show.
bluegrizz77
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fort Mcmurray T9K2K7
Got this guy "the deer not the kid" the first day. Shot a nice doe a few weeks later. You just have to put your time in, beat the bush you'll get one.
Mighty Peace
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Land of the Mighty Peace
Struggles are over now that the Season is DONE !!
I didnt get anything either....passed on alot of 130-150 class Whitetails....looking for 180's....if its not bigger than whats on my wall, my tag is a XMAS tree ornament.
I didnt get anything either....passed on alot of 130-150 class Whitetails....looking for 180's....if its not bigger than whats on my wall, my tag is a XMAS tree ornament.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Depends on what you mean by north, in the High Level area best success is first and last light looking over cropland from the bush. Tons and tons of deer here this year like all years.
I hope you had luck before season end.
Late season here was a zoo. Sitting fields within sight of roads I saw no movement from first to last light (other than trucks). Bush trails were definately better for seeing deer.
By far, I have had the best success in getting deer by sitting along known deer routes where they are traveling between bedding and feeding areas. I get to my stand by 130 to 2pm and stay until dark. The evenings have always been the most productive for me anyways.
The wind direction is relation to where your sitting to where you expect to see deer is of critical importance also your movement "Don't make any" or make them minimal and "sloooow". Just moving your head 10' to 15' quickly is enough to send a deer packing.
We have all learned these lessons the hard way by master teachers "the DEER". They have very little tolerance for our mistakes as it keeps them alive, especially the big fellas.
Have fun and I wish you great success. I only wish the season was still open here
The wind direction is relation to where your sitting to where you expect to see deer is of critical importance also your movement "Don't make any" or make them minimal and "sloooow". Just moving your head 10' to 15' quickly is enough to send a deer packing.
We have all learned these lessons the hard way by master teachers "the DEER". They have very little tolerance for our mistakes as it keeps them alive, especially the big fellas.
Have fun and I wish you great success. I only wish the season was still open here
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lol good idea
