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November 27, 2006 04:39 PM
Jordan's 10 Pointer
Jordan sent in this hunting story.
Well, it was a cool, foggy morning in the great state of Alabama. Where i hunt is not a hunting club or nothing like that, it is simply out my back door on the 600 acres we own. I got in my ole Jeep Wrangles YJ and drove down the raod a little piece to come in on the backside of our farm to my stand. I got to my stand about 5:45 am and it was still pretty dark and there was a nice thick fog in the, about .5 acre, field i was hunting. Around 5:55 am i seen a nice figure of a buck about 60 yards to my right. It was in the fog and not really light enough to make a safe shot, so gritting my teeth i let him walk. Not even ten mitutes later i seen a nice buck coming me in a steady trot. I put him in my cross arrows and stomped my foot to get him to stop. He was right at about 35 yards when i pulled the trigger. He fell down and shot towards the woods... about 20 yards from the spot i found him. He was a 10 point, nothing impressive. Nice brow tines and G1's. He must have had some competition because his G2's had been broken off to about 1.5 inches, and about a 15 inch spred. Nothing impressive, but i was proud of it. When i weighed him before dressing him, right at a 200 pounder.
Jordan,
Congratulations on tagging your ten-pointer. Thanks for sharing your great hunting story with us. I am certain our readers would love to hear of your success.
Thanks again.
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 4:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2006 01:38 AM
Marcel's First Big Buck
Hi Marty
I have been hunting for over 14 years and only bagged 4 does until this year. I bag the big one .I’m not a great hunter but I get better every year .I learned some of my tips the hard way like walking to fast I jumped a lot of deer like that before I realized I was doing something wrong. Waking in the woods when it to early in the morning. Driving to fast, calling with the deer caller before looking everywhere first or to loud when the big buck is really close and scare him away. Patient would be one of the main one that I learned about. Especially after taking to Marty this year. If it’s true what they say about a person learn from his mistake that would make me a dam good hunter by now. But I learn new things every time I go hunting or read a good book but they are not too many of them that I know of. Coming back to my big buck this year I took the first hunting week of, second day 3 big does came right at my tree stand all at once they were about all the same size really big does I did have my doe licence, but decided to wait for the big buck I figured 3 big does the big buck must be around so I –decided instead to take a picture with my new digital binocular that I just bought. I hunt for food that so that was a hard decision to make. Specially after taking a picture of them it was even harder when I saw them walking away and no big buck around to be seen the day when by steel no buck, I was kind of sad about it but I taught well at least I got picture of them about 50 feet from me. My brothers and uncle would never believe me without it. That something I did not think I would ever do in my lifetime taking picture of 3 deer and not bagging one. That when patient comes handy. Got home that night ask the wife to unload the picture on the computer then (surprise) somehow I had deleted the only 3 good pictures of the deer the only one that stayed is when where they were almost to far to see any thing. Did I ever get bugged by my family after that? The week when by steel nothing, I was running out of patient ,one night I went on the internet and search for beginner hunting tips, It to me to Marty Prokop site I email him my story and ask him if he thought I did wrong not to bag one doe. Thanks to Marty he put me on the right track and reminds me to be patient and not to give up. I’m glad Listened to him .thanks again Marty you’re the man.
Marcel McLaughlin
Marcel McLaughlin and his First Big Buck
Marcel,
Congratulations! What a fine deer and a remarkable first buck!
I will be posting your photo and comment on the Deer Hunter's Blog
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 1:38 AM | Comments (3)
November 20, 2006 03:49 AM
Jordan's 10 Pointer
Jordan Writes:
I killed a ten pointer this opening weekend in alabama. Nice rack, about a 17 inch spread. I used some of the tips you have sent me, i appreciate it fellers. Keep em comin.Jordan
Jordan,
Congratulations on tagging your ten-pointer. Do you have a digital camera or access to one?
I would like to post your photo on the Hunter's Blog at www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com You can also include a short story about your hunt. I am certain our readers would love to hear of your success.
Thanks again.
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 3:49 AM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2006 12:12 PM
Free Deer Blind Plans
This email came from Dennis. Thanks for the great Question Dennis.
I am in search of FREE Deer Blind plans. I have a handicapped son that has limited mobility and I am looking to build a hunting blind BIG ENOUGH for him and myself to stand/sit in. My son is over 6'6" and about 200 LB due to his handicap. Although he himself wont be firing a weapon, he does enjoy going out with me to watch the deer and other wildlife around in the woods. He keeps saying that he wants to go hunting and be in a blind that he can see over the deer. I asked him what he means by over the deer, and he said "SHOOT DOWN at deer". Are there any types of hunting blinds that are easy and inexpensive to build that I can use? With his height, I am looking to build something that is possibly 8'x8' for the both of us to be in together!!Dennis
Dennis,
Thanks for the email.
Is your son able to climb stairs or a ladder?
The reason I ask this is because if you were to build a shooting house or an elevated hunting enclosure and needed a ramp, the space needed for the ramp would be quite expansive.
I am in the process of building an elevated hunting enclosure myself. The one I am building is going to be 8 x 10. I am going to have it 10 feet off the ground. We will access the structure by using stairs with "switchbacks" this will cut down on the ground space and keep the steps from being too steep.
I will be posting the plans along with a material list onto the blog by mid spring.
There are ways to keep the costs down when building an elevated hunting enclosure by choosing less expensive building materials. For example, the walls in my hunting shack in the sky will be made of 2 x 4 lumber. You could use 2 x 2 instead. The walls would not be near as sturdy though.
Mine will also be insulated. Depending on the climate you are hunting in, you could choose not to insulate.
I plan on using 2 x 8 lumber for the floor joists. I will be using green treated lumber for these. You could choose non-treated lumber. The down side to non-treated lumber of course is it may not last as long in the elements.
The "legs" of my stand will be made of 6 x 6 green treated lumber set 4 feet on the ground. Again green treated is expensive, but it will last a little longer.
Keep checking your emails for updates on the building plans.
Do you currently use a store bought ground blind for your hunting? There are many brands out there today that will accommodate multiple hunters. The Double Bull Matrix is a very roomy ground blind. Cabelas offers them for around $399. Yes this is pricey and you are on the ground, but it would be much less expensive than building a wooden structure.
Ameristep also makes the Doghouse TSC. TSC stands for Total Scent Control. The manufacturer states this blind is wheel chair accessible. The inside of this blind has carbon scent block lining and a black interior to help mask movement as well as odors. Cabelas lists them in their catalog for around $160. Not quite as roomy as the Double Bull, but it is half the price too.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Updated 11/18/06
My son is able to climb stairs and/or ladder! Although, it will just take a few extra minutes for us to be finally set up and ready to hunt due to taking the steps one at a time with both feet. IT is going to be a fun experience for us all here at home during the next year in the plans and buildig of the blind we want to use for hunting!! Hopefully I will have it finished by summer 07 to be used for the Nov 07 Rifle season here in Michigan!!Thanks for the comment back!!
Dennis
Posted by Marty Prokop at 12:12 PM | Comments (1)
November 12, 2006 03:18 AM
How to Clean a Deer for Great Tasting Venison
Dear Marty,I have been a hunter for many of years but what I am confused on is the subject of your email,(How to Field Dres a Deer) I did not get the whole concept of cleaning a deer, I only understood how to clean your gear, how to keep your hands clean and how to drag a deer, could you give me some kind of idea on how to clean a deer the proper way to make it taste good.
Lisa
Lisa,
In order to answer your question better I need a little more information from you. When you are asking about how to clean a deer so it tastes good, are you wanting me to explain how to cut your own deer or how to field dress, then cut your deer?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to good tasting venison. For example, what has the deer been eating?
I used to hunt northern Minnesota in the Superior National Forest. The deer there are browsing on plants and shrubs that grow in the forest. There were no fields of grain or hay. Each deer I harvested from that area tasted very gamey.
Next, how soon after you harvested your deer was it field dressed?
I like to field dress my deer as soon as possible after my shot. If after the shot I see the deer go down, I will walk over to it, make sure the deer has expired and field dress it immediately. If the deer runs off out of your sight and you are unsure of your shot, then wait 20 - 30 minutes before tracking. The bottom line is to field dress your deer as soon as possible.
When butchering a deer, never use a saw. If a meat saw is used the blade will actually heat up the surface areas being cut and spread bone marrow (not to mention bone chips) across the surface of the meat. I have found bone marrow to add to the gamey flavor of your venison and the bone chips are just plain not fun.
If you are cutting your deer yourself or, if you take it to your local butcher, cut the deer boneless. The end result is a cut of meat that resembles familiar cuts of beef or pork without as much of a "wild" or gamey taste. Always be sure to trim off all external fat from any cut of venison. Venison fat, when cooked, has a smell and taste that most find very unpleasing.
If you still experience a gamey flavor with your boneless cuts of venison, try this simply tip.
Place your thawed venison steaks or chops into a large glass bowl. Cover the meat with buttermilk. Wrap the bowl with a plastic cling wrap and place into the refrigerator to soak over night. The next day pull the bowl from the refrigerator. Rinse the meat with cold running water. Season the meat to your liking and cook using your desired method.
The buttermilk will help draw out some of the wild taste.
I am currently producing a must have video series for hunters.
The first video covers the proper way to field dress a deer. You may have read from me how important it is to field dress your deer properly. I am a firm believer that good tasting venison starts in the field.
The second video walks you step-by-step through butchering a deer. In this video you will see how remove the meat from the bones and create boneless cuts of venison that resemble familiar cuts of beef and pork using only your knife.
The third video in the series covers the art of making sausage. This video shows you how to produce your favorite sausages right at home. You will see which cuts of meat make the best sausage, how much beef or pork to add to your venison to achieve the best flavor, spice selection, proper mixing of the ground meats and spices, stuffing techniques and much, much more.
Keep an eye on your emails and check the deer hunter's blog at www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com for details on the videos availability.
Good Luck and Great Hunting,
Marty
Posted by Marty Prokop at 3:18 AM | Comments (0)
Find Whitetail Deer After it Snows
Dear MartyWhere do I find white-tail deer after it snows.
fromBritanny
Brittany,
Your timing asking this question couldn't have been better. As I am answering your question it is snowing here now.
The answer will vary depending on certain things.
How much snow have you had? How late in the season is it?
Right now in my area we are approaching the peak of the rut. I was out for a walk this morning while it was still snowing. There are tracks everywhere. One of the best ways to see where deer go in your area is to follow the deer tracks after a snowfall.
If you are expecting or have had a good amount of snow, deer will tend to bed down.
One of the first places I look for deer at this time is their main bedding areas. Often times if you jump onto a fresh set of tracks and follow them this is where they will lead you to. If you are good at still hunting this can be very exciting. You can sneak up on a deer while it is in its bed.
I have one of my stands set up at the edge of a tag alder swamp. This is one bedding area on my hunting land. After a good snowfall this stand explodes with deer activity. On the other hand, if the weather is mild I don't see near as many deer or sign on this stand site.
If you have had a lot of snow and the storm has ended, then you will want to look for deer on or near a food source. A picked or standing corn field, soy bean field or, if you have planted one, a food plot.
Keep in mind deer have different patterns for different times of the year. They have distinct routes for spring, summer, fall and winter.
If you want to see deer in the dead of winter after hunting seasons have closed, then you will want to travel to the deer's yarding area. A yarding area is a place where a group of deer will spend the majority of the harsh winter months. This place would offer deer shelter from the cold winter elements and still provide a food source. When it is cold deer would rather not expend precious energy walking long distances to find food and shelter.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 3:06 AM | Comments (0)
November 8, 2006 04:00 AM
More Great Questions From Mike
Some more great questions from Mike
Hi Marty, This was my first hunting season and because we did not have an experienced butcher, I felt that I should have this info, just in case we got that big buck. But as luck would have it , no buck. I could have got a doe or three, but ! So what`s a guy suppose to do? I read and made notes and took them on the hunt. My skill level is, as my first hunting season. The last thing I wanted, was to score a kill and then loose it for lack of knoweldge. O Yea, I was nervous, but the info I received was very good. Boneless butchering without sawing through bones, removing the entire gut intact. How to ream the anus from outside of the cavity and how to cut the esaphgus up in the neck. I just did not want to pierce the intestines or screw up anything else. No, my comfidents or competents are not high, but I might have had to do the job and learn on the job. I, of course, eagerly await your instruction. A road map would be nice. Your video sounds great. Put it on a DVD and I`ll take the Lap Top into the field. O Man, I`ll put the Web Cam on. "NO, NO, DON`T DO THAT, YOU`LL SCREW UP THE WHOLE JOB"! I`ve got a whole year to BONE up on the subject. Please treat me as the Newbie I am. I need all the basic skills from field to table. Now, as for the hunt, boy do I have questions. Habits and habitats. The time of the rut? When does the stork fly by? Do the Bucks stay with the Does when its not the rut? How old is a spike? How old is a three point? Do bucks produce a Point per year? Why do they shed felt each year? Marty, I`m sorry but knowledge will be my key to success. Are these Deer as cunning as they appear? Ya know I think I heard`em laugh out loud a couple of times this season. Is stomping the ground a Signal to the other deer or is it a signal to me " Neener-- Neener You Cant Catch Me" ? Those twelve point bucks must have learned something to have lasted that long and out witted the hunter. I saw really young bucks sneezing like the old guys when they got a wiff of us. Can we use a human scent killer? Did those Does really shelter the buck? Man, it sure looked like it. The Does sure did not seem to be intimidated. I really think the deer have more game than I have. But for a guy like you, are you as cunning? Adrenalin, true or false? If the deer is fleeing the scene, adrenalin is secreted into the system and the kill wil have an undersirable " Gamy" or wild taste? If said venison where soaked for a couple of day, this would remove blood tainted with adrenlin and add aging to the meat? AND THE LIST GOES ON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE. But I need a GOOD PIECE------ OF VENISON, that is. Looking Forward, THE NEW GREAT WHITE HUNTER, Mike
Mike,
You have a lot of great questions here. I would like to answer this in three parts. The first part I will cover your deer behavior questions. Part two will cover Field Dressing and part three will address how to process your deer once you get it home. Let’s start with your hunting questions first.
Time of the rut…The rut takes place at different times in different locations across the country. The farther north, the sooner the rut seems to start with southern locations following behind within a couple weeks.
There are three main phases of the rut. Pre-rut, main rut and post rut.
One way to tell if deer in your area are approaching the rut is to look for the tell tale signs. Look for rubs on trees, ground scrapes and more bucks moving during daylight hours. Rubs and scrapes are only made by bucks when they are searching for does coming into cycle.
If your budget allows, a great way to monitor rublines and scrapes it to hang a Trail Camera near the area. The pictures you gather can show you how many bucks and does are walking through. If the camera you have chosen has a time and date stamp feature it will also tell you what time the deer are moving through.
This can be very helpful when you are timing rut activity. For example, on www.free-deer-hunitng-tips.com you will see monthly pictures of my Deer Cam. Most of the photos are time and date stamped. In the early season I have captured lots of does and fawns. I started seeing the first bucks around mid-September.
It was not until mid-October when I started to see more and bigger bucks. Now the larger bucks in my area are moving at all hours of the day. Just this morning I was able to watch a large spike sparring with a huge 8 pointer. This was at 8:05 am on November 1 and we are just now approaching the main rut in my area. Make sure you consult your state’s deer hunting regulations on the legality of hanging trail cameras before you go out and purchase a camera.
You then ask whether or not bucks will hang with the does when the rut is not taking place. Again this is a great question. Generally bucks will hang out in small bachelor groups or remain solitary prior to the rut. As the rut nears, bucks tend to travel solo. The bigger bucks will chase off the younger rival bucks and start to mark their territories. This is when scrapes and rubs will start to appear.
If a doe was not successfully bred the first time she went into heat, a doe will come into estrous again approximately 28 days later. This is considered the post rut. You will still see bucks chasing those does that were not yet bred. Generally the chasing phase is less as the majority of does were bred earlier.
When the rut ends, bucks will again start to hang out in their bachelor groups or remain solitary until they recuperate from the breeding season’s activities. Once bucks get a bit more energy and the winter starts to set in you may see them out in filelds feeding with does and fawns.
Why do bucks shed their velvet each year?
Each year during the winter months a buck will shed his antlers. Deer Antler growth usually begins during the month of March or April, by August or early September, antlers are fully-grown. The development process can vary greatly depending upon the genes and nutrition of each deer.
Growing antlers are covered with a living tissue called velvet. This velvet houses the developing antlers and supplies the growing antlers with the nutrients needed for growth.
From Late August to mid-September antler growth is done and the velvet is shed or rubbed off by the buck as he rubs saplings with his antlers. Older bucks will shed their velvet before younger bucks.
Your next question asks about the age of spike bucks and three pointers.
A buck with spike antlers is usually sporting his first set of antlers. This would make his approximate age about 1.5 years old.
There are a couple ways to look at a larger set of antlers. For example, in the Midwest hunter’s generally count both sides of a deer’s rack. In the west however hunters will count each side separately. So a 6-point buck in the Midwest would be considered a 3x3 out west.
You had asked about the age of a 3-pointer. For simplicity’s sake we’ll call that deer a 3x3 or six-pointer. You are right to assume a six pointer is older than a spike buck. In many cases this 3x3 or six-pointer would be around 2.5 years old. If you are practicing Quality Deer Management, this would be one to let walk by. A buck’s rack will hit its full growth potential between the ages of 5.5 – 7.5 years.
Will a buck grow one point per side each year?
There are many factors that will determine a buck’s antler growth. The main factors being genetics and the quality of the food they are eating.
Spikes are more common in yearling deer than older ones because antler growth starts at a time when the young buck’s body is still growing rapidly. Antler development is tied in closely with the animal’s nutritional status. Older bucks might also carry spikes if they come from an area with poor food conditions.
If genetics and good nutrition are present, bucks could grow even more than one point per year.
Case in point, I had an incredible 16 point or 8x8 that lived here on my land 2 years ago. I had let him walk opening weekend in hopes he would be able to survive that hunting season.
A hunter on a neighboring farm harvested that buck on the last day of the season that same year. At the time he was harvested he was estimated to be only 4.5 years old. The year before he was taken he was a very respectable 8-pointer or 4x4 at only 3.5 years of age.
Why do deer stomp the ground?
Stomping serves a dual purpose. When a deer stomps the ground with a front hoof it is both warning other deer in the area of potential danger and trying to get what ever they are looking at to move. It is also my understanding that a deer will release scent each time they stomp. A stomp is usually always followed by a snort. A deer that is snorting at you is usually not a good thing. This means it has definitely seen you and may have winded you. After a couple stomps and snorts the deer will usually run off.
The sneezing you describe the young and old bucks doing is actually called snorting. And yes you are right…they got wind of you. They probably took off shortly after they snorted too. There are a few things to remember when you head out into the deer woods:
1.) Always hunt with the wind in your face. As long as the wind is in your face a deer approaching in front of you cannot smell you. Have multiple stands set up to use the wind to your advantage. The old, wary bucks may try to circle downwind of you to catch your scent. To combat this issue I always hang deer scent (usually buck urine) 5 – 10 yards to my right and left. This way if the buck starts to circle, he will catch wind of the buck urine scent and may come in to investigate before he catches your human scent.
2.) Always use a good cover scent to mask human odor. There are countless numbers of cover scents out there today. When choosing a cover scent, choose one that compliments the area you are hunting. If you hunt in a pine forest, use pine cover scent. If you are in a stand of oaks, use an acorn cover scent. If you are unsure of which type to use get a Fresh Earth cover scent.
If your budget allows, you could look into a scent block suit. The good ones are carbon activated and will absorb human odor. These suits are not the end all answer but they could help significantly.
3.) Use attractant scents. If your area is experiencing the rut, use a doe in heat or dominant buck lure. If you are hunting pre or post rut, doe urine or buck urine works well. Deer can be creatures of curiosity. More times than not I have had both bucks and does come wandering in following a scent trail I put down while walking to my stand.
4.) If the wind is not favorable for the stand you want to hunt, don’t use that stand. This is one of the most common mistakes a hunter can make. The wind is coming in from behind their stand location and they choose to sit there anyway. All a hunter is doing is letting every deer in the area know he/she is there. This is where having several stands set up for different wind variations pays off handsomely.
5.) Change your routine. Lets say you go out to your stand before sun up everyday and leave by 10 am. You sit there not seeing a solitary thing while you are there. Then let’s say you tell your hunting partner he/she can use your stand after you have left. At 11 am your buddy takes a monster from the very tree you left an hour before. What happened? Deer are creatures of habit. They will pattern you as much or even better than you can pattern them. Obviously it is best to sit in your stand from sun up to sun down. But if you can’t for whatever reason throw the deer for a loop. Never hunt the same stand for more than 3-days straight. If you only have four hours you can hunt, mix it up. Hunt in the morning one day, the evening the next and mid-day the third. Try not to let the deer pattern your behaviors.
Did the does you had seen “shelter" the buck?
I don’t think the does were sheltering the buck. I think he was hanging in the wings to see if danger was present, or he may have been testing the air for a hot doe. I have seen this scenario several times. A buck is traveling behind some does on a wood line bordering an open field. The does keep walking into the field and the buck hangs on the wood’s edge until after dark.
The buck is more or less letting the does test the waters so to speak. He is using them as decoys for any danger that may be present. As the does are walking into the filed, he is carefully watching and winding for anything that he does not like. I have watched a buck sit on a wood line until dark before coming out to eat. Remember he did not get to be a big buck by being stupid.
The exception to this is if the does are in heat. Then it seems nearly anything goes. A big buck could run out of the wood line right into the middle of the field chasing a hot doe with no regard to anything but that doe.
I will address your Field to Table questions in my next set of answers.
Good Luck and Great Hunting.
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Part 2 Updated 11/25/06
Hey Mike,
Let’s get into answering your field dressing questions.
In my free newsletter we discussed How to Field Dress a Deer. It was a quick 9 step process. For you and our hunting community at www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
I will soon have a video, "Field Dressing Made Easy," that will be available online at www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com On this video, you will see exactly how I field dress a deer using only my knife. (No need for a saw or axe)
Field Dressing a deer properly is probably the most important thing you can do to insure great tasting venison on your dinner plate.
To do a great job field dressing you need the right equipment to get the job done.
Here is a checklist of my Field Dressing Kit I carry out each time I go hunting.
1.) Sharp, stiff bladed knife
2.) Gut Hook style knife
3.) Latex gloves or Field Dressing Gloves (sold in most Sporting Goods Stores)
4.) 12 – 15 foot length of rope
5.) Paper towels
6.) Moist Towellettes or wet terry cloth towel for washing my hands
7.) Instant Hand Sanitizer
8.) 2- Zip Top Bags, gallon size
I place the items listed above into one of the Zip-Top bags and directly into my hunting pack. This way I always have it when I am ready to field dress a deer.
Lets say you are now standing over the deer you just harvested. After making sure the deer has expired, unload your rifle or place your arrow back in its quiver. Lean your rifle or bow against a rock or tree nearby.
NOTE: (If you are hunting where Grizzlies are present do not unload your rifle. Rather make sure the rifle’s safety is on and lean it on a nearby rock or tree in case you need to use it on the bear)
Steps to Field Dress a Deer
1.) Reach into your pack an pull out your Field Dressing Kit
2.) Unpack each item and place off to your side
3.) Put on latex gloves or field dressing gloves
4.) Remove sharp knife from it’s sheath
5.) Roll deer onto its back. If possible make sure the rear half of the deer is angled slightly downhill. This will allow blood to drain out of the cavity in upcoming steps.
6.) Using your sharp knife remove the genitals of a buck. Make sure you only cut the skin and do not cut through the muscle in this step. AS you make the cut around the scrotum and start to move to the rear of the deer, you will notice a white chord. Being careful to not cut through this chord, continue cutting the deer’s hide towards the anus.
If you have harvested a doe, the procedure is identical. You will be removing the doe’s udder rather than its genitals. Try not to cut into the udder.
NOTE: Check your local game regulations. In some states leaving the deer’s genitals intact is required by law.
7.) You will see a seam where the hind leg muscles connect. Make a cut directly where the large muscles of the hind legs come together. Cut down until you can see the bone holding the two legs together. This is called the aitch bone.
8.) Using the tip of your knife blade, make a small incision where the muscles of the belly come to a point ahead of the aitch bone. Do not push the blade too deep as you may puncture the bladder or intestines.
9.) Place a finger in the incision you just made. Feel for a “ridge” on the inside of the aitch bone. This ridge is usually soft cartilage-type material. Again using just the tip of your knife, place the point in the center of the ridge from the top side of the aitch bone.
10.) Using the butt of your hand gently hit the handle of your knife until you feel it cut through the ridge of the aitch bone. (Be very careful to not push too hard as the bladder of the deer lies below this aitch bone. Puncturing the bladder would result in urine running into the steak meat of your deer…needless to say not good) Using a back and forth rocking movement, pull the knife towards the rear of the deer. (this rocking motion is similar to that of the old army style can openers)
11.) Once you have cut through the aitch bone, it is time to cut around the deer’s anus. Hold the skin of the deer’s bung near the cut you have just made through the aitch bone. Using your knife cut in a circular motion following the curve of the aitch bone to just above the deer’s tail. DO the same for the other side of the aitch bone.
12.) Place the straight bladed knife safely to the side. Using the gut hook style knife, make a cut from the small incision you made at the belly of the deer up towards the ribcage.
Posted by Marty Prokop at 4:00 AM | Comments (2)
November 5, 2006 01:08 AM
A Buck with a Bow
I received an email and some pictures from Fred Vorassi from Upstate NY I would like to share with you.
Hi MartyI am sending you photos of a buck I got with a bow on October 18th it was a week of rain in upstate NY and high winds. The hunting was a little poor due to the weather. But finally I got a break, on the morning of October 18th. I was in my ladder stand looking forward for an hour and ahalf. Then I decided to get up and stretch when I stood up I saw the buck about 50 yard behind me looking in my direction. I used a prerut lour, the buck seem to be eager to walk my way with both ears moving. He walked into a clearing 22 yards away.
I was at full draw for about 30 seconds when he came into the opening I took the shot. I got him in the lungs I waited one hour and then I tracked it but I could not find any blood. So I started to zig zag in a golden rod field where I saw him last enter and there he was expired. He ran about 100 yards from my tree stand. Great morning.
Marty, I am a taxidermist and my website is fftaxidermy.tripod.com I always check my website and I noticed your advertisement on my home page. That is how I found out about you and your news letter. You have my permission to post my buck story and photos on your website. Thank you very much
Sincerely,
Fred Vorrasi
Freddy,
Congratulations. Any deer taken with a bow and arrow is a great achievement.
If you would like, You can send me a picture of your deer as well as a few details of your hunt. With your permission I will then post your story highlights and pic on the website.
Again, congratulations.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 1:08 AM | Comments (3)
November 2, 2006 02:49 AM
Marcel asks a great question
Does it matter if a person walk in a deer trail if yes if a person walk in it and put a few drop of buck scent in the trail after walking in itthank you
Marcel
Marcel,
I have tested this many times. I have not seen an adverse reaction by walking on a deer trail. I have walked on trails with my tennis shoes, work boots, snow pacs and all rubber hunting boots. Regardless of what I was wearing the deer still seemed to walk the trail.
Here is a possible exception. If the area you hunt has no humans walking around in it in the off season, then the scent left behind may cause the deer to not travel that trail as much.
When ever I hunt I always wear all rubber boots that I have purchased specifically for hunting. An all rubber boot will not leave as much scent as say a leather boot. One neat way to help cover human odor is to make a scent drag. It is very simple to make.
1.) Buy a package of scent wicks from your local sporting goods store and a bottle of deer scent. If deer are in the rutting phase, I will use doe estrous scent. If they are not in a rut phase, I will use plain buck urine.
2.) Get a shoestring approximately 24 inches long. Tie one end to a scent wick.
3.) Soak the scent wick with your chosen scent.
4.) Then tie the other end of the shoelace around your ankle leaving enough extra string hanging to allow the wick to drag on the ground. Make sure you can walk safely without tripping on the scent drag.
I use this method every time I walk out to my stand. As you walk, you are leaving a scent trail. I have had bucks follow me right to my stand head down sniffing the trail I had just left behind me.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Update 11/03/06
Marty,you said you do that when you walk out to your stand ok but where i go i drive to a dead end road than a big cutting it`s about 10 min walk than i go in to the standing wood for 5 min to my stand. is it better to start that as soon i get to the standing wood or right from the truck. If it is from the truck I`m scare that if the deer start sniffing from my truck other hunters might drive in and shoot my buck . and if I`m right and start from the standing wood it`s only 5 min walk i don`t know if it would still work?
thank`s
Marcel
Marcel,
I must also add to my last comment for you to clarify. I have tested walking on deer trails here on my personal land. As I had stated, the deer seem pretty used to my scent and will walk their trails even after I have been walking on them. In fact I had a doe just yesterday follow not 20 feet behind me. But keep in mind I walk my hunting land nearly year round. If you hunt the same land each year, you may decide to do the same. At least once a week, more if you can, during the off season get out and hike through your hunting area.
This will do a couple things for you. You will familiarize yourself even more with the woods you hunt and it could help the local deer get more accustomed to your scent come hunting season.
I can understand your concern about a buck following your scent trail from the truck and someone pulling up on the road and shooting the deer. It is unfortunate that some hunters would choose to hunt from the road.
You can indeed start the scent trail at the wood line. This will give you a scent trail from the wood edge to your stand. Chances are you are also crossing other deer trails as you head to your stand. Any deer walking on the trails that would cross the ones you are walking on could decide to investigate the scent and virtually follow you to your stand.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 2:49 AM | Comments (0)
November 1, 2006 01:55 PM
Bag a Doe or Wait for the Big Buck
Hello Marty forgive me if i don`t spell all the words right im french so take it from there ah ah .I would like to know someting about tree stand. I took the week off for huntingand monday ididn`t see any thing from my tree stand. tuesday 3 big does was about 50 feet from my tree stand sniffing the tropy mix that I put there 3 weeks ago. They were all about the same size i would say 150 pounds each , I done something I never tought I`ll ever do in my life time .I didn`t shoot one instead I took a picture, whit my new binocular,that i bought this year, I have my doe liscence but I figured that the big buck would be behing them, so they left after sniffing that trophy mix and with my luck the buck never show up . Now that i think of it they never look behind them once. I don`t think the buck was there at all right? The reason i did not bag one I only bag 5 deer in my life all doe and i was hoping this time to get one. My problem is wednesday and today thursday i stayed in the tree stand and did not see nothing . There is tracks everywhere fresh sh** everywhere also. . I hunt in a oak trees area right by a little 30 feet wide brook and my stand is right on the other side of it. now all day today I tought I might never see them this year. I usely hunt for the meet that`s why I feel stupid now.I`m 49 years old I started hunting when i was 21 but not realy in to it .I drank most of my life and enjoyed drinking more than hunthing. So I quited drinking 14 years ago and realy enjoy hunting now . I also find out that I didn`t know nothing about hunting. So i started fresh and you wouldn`t believe how many mistakes I`ve done but also learned about it. one good thing I have a lot of patient I think that help because i think I would had quit long time ago. SO I hope it not to much reading for you .DO you thing I done wrong or or would I see Them again. I realy appriciate your time . I `m sending you a picture of my tree stand that I builted. It come appart after i`m done with it.THANK`s again
Marcel Mclaughlin
Marcell's Deer Hunting Blind
Marcel,
First I want to congratulate you on your 14 year sobriety.
Thanks for your email and the photo of your deer stand.
Wow! What a stand it is. It looks as though you have done a very good job making your stand. You have the best of both worlds with it...a stand and a blind all in one. You have created a place to sit comfortably while controlling your scent and hiding your movements.
You have asked some great questions.
There are many variables in determining whether or not your stand is located in the spot where a big buck may be present. The fact that you have a lot of deer activity near your hunting location is great. With does moving by regularly the chances of you seeing a buck chasing those does is good also.
What part of the country are you hunting? Have the bucks started to show signs of rutting yet? For example are you seeing rubs on trees or scrapes on the ground near your hunting location?
If the does have not started to go into the estrous cycle yet, chances are a buck may not be close by. But do not worry. They will be coming into cycle very soon. When the does start to go into estrous, the bucks will come out of the wood work to chase them.
Do you use a cover scent to mask human odor? If not, I would suggest you look into a good cover scent. Use a cover scent that correlates with your area. For example, you are hunting near oak trees. Acorn cover scent could work good for you with your current stand placement.
Are you using attractant scents? Buck Urine, Doe Urine, Doe-in-heat etc.? Again, use the appropriate attractant for the time of year you are hunting. Doe-in –Heat may not be as effective in the early season before the does in your area are in cycle.
One thing I do to attract bucks during the pre-rut and rut is create a mock scrape. To do this use a stick to move away leaves and grasses to expose the topsoil. Sprinkle buck urine and doe-in-heat scent into the fresh dirt. Make sure the scrape location has a small twig or branch above it. This branch above the scrape would act as the licking branch. Bucks will lick and rub the scent glands near their eyes on this branch to mark the territory as well as by urinating in the scrape you have just made.
This branch overhanging your mock scrape could also serve as a place to hang a drip type scent dispersal unit. A hanging scent dispersal unit will drip scent onto the scrape automatically which helps keep human scent to a minimal.
You had mentioned that three does were walking together. You also mentioned the does did not look behind them and did not seem too nervous.
Again the question arises, are the does in your area in heat?
One way to tell if does are in cycle is by observing their body language. Nervousness and looking to where they had come from tells that something may be following them. Perhaps even a big buck.
When a doe is ready to breed, it usually prefers no other company from other deer except the suitor buck. If a buck is chasing her she will constantly be on the move looking over her shoulders until the timing is right for the doe to stand still.
When I know the does are starting to come into the estrous cycle and are beginning to think about breeding, I start to implement calling, rattling and the use of attractant scents.
Using calls and scents can be important if you have a buck nearby. He will hear the sound and smell the scent you have out and may come to investigate.
Here is what I have been using with good success.
I carry the Hunter’s Specialties E-Z Grunter with me when I go out hunting. This call offers the hunter 4 different calls in one. The sounds range from a fawn bleat to a big buck grunt. I have had really good success calling in deer with this particular call
Primos makes an easy to use call named The Can. It mimics the sounds of a doe in heat. It is easily carried in a pocket and very easy to use. Simply tip The Can over and it makes a near perfect sound each time.
If you know a big buck is in the area you hunt, the snort-wheeze is an excellent call to use. But beware. Only use the snort-wheeze if you are reasonably certain the buck in the area is the dominant buck.
The snort-wheeze is a sound a dominant buck will make to chase off other smaller bucks. If the big buck of a lifetime is nearby he will hear the challenge and come running looking to chase off the intruder. On the flip side if a smaller buck is present, he may turn tail and run.
As for scents, I use Code Blue Whitetail Doe Estrous during the pre-rut and through the rut. I have also used Tink’s Number 69 during the rutting phase.
Before and after the rut I use Code Blue Whitetail Buck or Doe Urine.
Finally you asked if you had made a mistake in not taking one of the three does and will you get another chance at seeing them.
By what you have described the does ambled off into the woods without knowing you were even there. As long as you did not chase or spook the deer out of the area, I am reasonably comfortable thinking you will see them again. Especially by the deer sign you are seeing.
Will you see them today or tomorrow? Maybe, maybe not, but you will see them again. Perhaps next time they will be followed by Mr. Big! The best way to see deer is to spend as much time in the deer hunting woods as you can.
Try utilizing some of the things I listed. I have had great success using these things on my hunts and I am sure they will help you too.
By the way, I would love to see the picture you have taken with your binoculars. Send it to me and I will post it on the blog for our hunting community to see.
Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty
Posted by Marty Prokop at 1:55 PM | Comments (0)
More Information On How to Field Dress a Deer Wanted
Mike Q. semt me an email asking about More Information:
Hello Marty, My name is Mike Quinn. The deer season closed this past weekend. I really enjoyed the hunting. I looked up your site because the person that process our deer was not going that week, so I hoped to get some useful info on how to butcher our deer. I was all over your site, I read the 9 points and I`ll say what the .... Did I miss something here. Great kit info but ya know no meat and potatoes. Ya Know What I Mean sir!! Please tell me where I went wrong. Sincerely, Mike Q
Mike,
Thanks for your email.
No you did not miss anything. Actually the Free Deer Hunting Tips come out weekly. You had read about Feild Dressing a Deer, last week's topic. Believe it or not I get asked about the proper way to Field Dress a Deer quite often. This is why that topic was posted for this past week.
How to butcher a Deer will be in one of our upcoming weekly newsletters. I am also putting together a video on How to Butcher a Deer as well. On this video I take hunters step by step on how to process their deer. I have used these techniques to train hundreds of hunters how to cut their venison into pieces similar to that of beef and pork. I also show you how all of this can be done with just two knives..no saw needed. I cover the proper way trim your venison which will create the best tasting deer meat you have had. I cover proper wrapping and storage as well as basic grinding and sausage making. This video will be available in a short while.
There are quite a few steps involved and to answer your question, I need to know what your current skill level is to help you best. What specific questions do you have about cutting your own deer? Would you like to start at the beginning with skinning?
Feel free to email me what you would like to know specifically and I will be glad to answer those questions for you.
Thanks again for the email.
Marty
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com
Posted by Marty Prokop at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)
