Deer hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting there is. Here in the U.S., there are two species of deer we hunt. The Whitetail deer lives east of the Mississippi and the Mule Deer lives to the west and south.



Every fall, a plethora of sportsmen ready their guns and supplies and head off to the great outdoors. In fact, quite a few rural schools and employers even allow students and employees to take the first day or two of deer season off.

Every sportsmen out there is searching for the best prize, a "Big Buck". Chances are, some of these enthusiastic folks will actually have the opportunity to bring down a deer. Others will be in the perfect position to take the shot and miss. And still others will see nothing at all... That's why they call it "hunting".

There are five simple techniques for hunting deer. The first is stalking, which consists of following natural signs and the trails of deer. This requires a good amount of skill, the ability to be very quiet and knowledge of deer habits.

A variation on the stalking technique is called spot and stalk hunting. However, in this case, the deer has been seen. The hunter uses his skills to stalk it and get close enough to take the shot.

Stand hunting can be done from a tree or on the ground. Either technique requires patience. The hunter sets up his tree stand, or finds a place to hide and simply waits for a deer. With some pre-season investigation, deer runs can be easily spotted, making his chances better.

Another type of deer hunting is called still hunting. The hunter walks silently, stops to listen and waits for the prey. This technique works best when deer haven't been seen, but are known to be in the woods you are in.

Groups of hunters can use a technique called line hunting. The idea is that deer are flushed out towards a line of hunters. This type of cooperative hunting can be quite successful.

What weapon you use to hunt deer depends on where you live. Deer are usually hunted with a gun such as a rifle or shotgun. Under the regulations in some places, pistols and muzzleloader weapons are permitted. Local laws vary, information and special permits are usually posted at firearms retailers.

In addition to firearms, weapons such as a bow and arrows or crossbows are also used for deer hunting. Typically, bow season will begin before the usual gun season and continues after it's over. Crossbows can be used in some areas with the right permits. Again, local laws will dictate what weapons you may use.

With your trip well planned, hunting license in hand and your weapon ready. Now it's time to get your equiment and supplies packed up. This is much more important than you might think. Keep in mind that it's wet and cold out in the woods. You're gonna get hungry and you'll need to rest well. So, don't skimp on the prep work.

Remember to pack survival basics like dry matches, medication, bandages and things like that. A small first aid kit could literally save your life. Keep fresh water always available, it's important to stay hydrated. And don't forget communication. Cell phones and two way radios can come in real handy.

Dry clothes and waterproof boots are an absolute must. Low temps and soggy clothes can lead to hypothermia. Layers work best to keep you warm rather than bulky items. This also gives you more freedom of movement.

Camouflage clothing comes in a wide variety of patterns and sizes. They are excellent for stalking prey and are designed for tough wear. For safety reasons, some states require hunters to wear "hunter orange" clothing. This bright orange color is reflective and warns other hunters you're around.

Although the forests are filled with edible plants and animals, you'll need to pack food. When the weather is cold, foods like trail mix and other foods high in carbohydrates and proteins will help keep you energized. Pack plenty of pocket size snacks and good hardy food for camp cooking.

Back at camp, it's all about safety and comfort. Take all the necessary precautions to keep wild animals out of your food and shelter. Also make sure you have got plenty of firewood and that your cabin is weatherproof. It gets wet and cold during deer season and you want to be warm and dry to avoid trouble.

If you're new to the sport of hunting, don't go out by yourself. Also, it's a great idea to talk to other sportmen with experience. One thing a hunter loves to do is talk about hunting so it shouldn't be hard! You'll get all types of tips and advice if you just ask. There's nothing quite as valuable as lessons learned by someone else.

Regardless of your experience, don't forget about the basics. Most people make some small mistake that costs them the big one or thier lives. Careful attention to the little things will keep you safe and give you a great chance of bringing home a real trophy.

In the next article of this series, we'll learn about the most important tool sportsmen carry. Without this useful implement, your hunting trip won't be the same, find out why!