Free Deer Hunting Tips by Marty Prokop: Deer Hunting Questions Archives

January 23, 2009

Deer Numbers Down for Deer Season

Below is a great comment by a fellow deer hunter who was deer hunting in my area this past year.

This past deer hunting season posed some real challenges for many hunters in my area. The deer kill was down, in some reports as much as 50% and more, with a state wide average of being down 23%.

I was fortunate in that when I went out deer hunting, not only did I see deer each time, I harvested a deer each deer hunt.

This past year also saw a growing concern of deer hunters eating lead that was being processed into their venison either by themselves or by meat processing facilities. With this concern some hunters have begun looking at safer non-lead bullet alternatives for their deer hunting rifles.

I also took the time to research and develop the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters, you can get your FREE copy by clicking here.

The Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters shares my over 27 years of deer processing experience, third party studies and why you don't want your deer processed after 6 pm.

Many Free Deer Hunting Tips members have been emailing and calling asking for help on processing your own deer. To help Free Deer Hunting Tips Members I produced a step-by-step video series on How to Process Your Own Deer. This video series takes you step by step through the process of how to butcher a deer from field dressing to freezer at Online Deer Camp.

Right now I am offering a full 7-Day, Online Deer Camp All Access Pass for only a buck. That's right...one dollar will get you full access to Online Deer Camp for you to watch all the how to process your own deer videos, listen to expert deer hunting audios, get 150 mouthwatering venison recipes and much, much more.

Hello Marty,

It’s been a great year, and I have some idle time during the Holidays. Now it is time for some Catch-up’s.

There has been quite a bit of controversy about this year’s Deer Hunt with many deer hunters outraged. We all have heard about the deer harvest being down around 22% for the season. Ironically, MN and MI were also down, though not quite as much. I shared much of my venison with folks at the local pub. Not one person there tagged a deer this season. A couple of the guys hunted in the New London (Wisconsin) area during the October herd management hunt and 9-Day Firearm Season with their 5 man party not seeing anything.

Brian gets me a subscription to the Outdoor News every year. One of the Reader’s comments really stood out. He stated that he has been hunting the same deer stand for 31 years, and the area for more than 40. This is the first season he has never seen a deer. He goes on talking about Wisconsin deer hunting, and how there are 4 months of hunting with all the different seasons. He refers back to 1952 when there was a dry spell. His overall statement is that the DNR is spoiling the traditional 9-Day Hunt and the Deer have been over harvested the last few years. The economics of WI is dramatically impacted by our deer herd numbers and the deer hunts. Hopefully our deer hunts don’t become as bad as those in the states to our East.

Brian and I keep Fine Tuning our Deer Hunts. Next year we will have some new things:

- Brian is going to start some Food Plots. Hopefully this will add some Bucks to the Area

- I got a Trail Camera to play with for next year

- We are relocating a 3rd Deer Stand to get more coverage on a large open field

- Our Group would be Shooting Lead-Free Ammo for the ’09 Season

The Lead Free Ammo is a bit of a concern for me. I am shooting 270 Win. And, doing research on the Lead Free Options, solutions are very limited. I have found that only Federal & Winchester have products available for the Lead Free Ammo. For the 270 Win, only the 130 gr. versions are available. (This will make Brian happy being the 150 gr. out-performs the 30-06 loads he uses. I am stepping down in the performance area with the 130 gr.) Hornady has a New GMX Lead Free Bullet coming out in the Spring of ’09.

Federal has a video demonstrating the performance of the different bullets. The Lead Free version traveled much further through the Gel Blocks. And, you could see there was much less expansion. On Cabela’s Website, there was feedback from one very upset hunter that used the Federal version. He stated that the 30-06 load he used went right through the deer. It took four hits to drop the deer, afterwards the deer ran nearly ½ a mile. I think that part of the equation is that the shots were placed very well.

I’ll be hitting the range this spring playing with the Federal Triple Shock X-Bullet and the Winchester Supreme E-Tip. Jack O’Conner swore by the 130 gr. 270 Win. I think that I’ll find the Lead Free will give tight groupings, with much less Kick than the 150 gr. high steroid loads I was shooting. The 150 gr. dropped the deer where they stood. The 140 gr. Winchester Accubond’s gave me the best groupings & accuracy. But with heart shots, the deer still ran 50 yards. Shooting the 130 gr. Winchester Silver Tips at the range wasn’t acceptable. They were so bad, I thought something was wrong with my gun. I immediately switched to the 140 gr., and groups were tight again. It will be interesting seeing how the 130 gr. Lead Free will shoot and the results in the field.

I have all summer for range shooting. I go out pretty much every Sunday to fire off a box of ammo, and then 2 – 4 rounds of Trap Shooting.

Did you get a chance to try that recipe yet? I will be pulling out some of the venison today for dinner, tomorrow. I can’t wait.

Take Care,

Rick

Thanks Rick for the insightful email.

If you would like to share your thoughts on deer season or about lead free ammo and your deer hunting experience, click the leave comment button below this blog post.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert

Deer Processing Expert

http://www.huntingheadlines.com

http://www.marty-prokop.com

715-868-1109

P.S. Did you get the “Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” ... It’s my gift to you at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

It’s awesome and totally FREE. Go over there and get it now.

=====================================

*** Would you like to learn to process your own deer? ***

I’ve processed over 7,800 deer and developed the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters. You can get it free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

======================================

*** Warning! Deer hunters, don't butcher your deer until you read this... ***

Health departments discover 87% of meat shops process lead into deer meat — so dangerous it’s recalled and destroyed. A partial ban is issued on ground venison.

But it’s not just meat shops, Department of Natural Resources tests find 1 in 5 deer hunters also process lead in venison.

Keep your family safe, discover why you don’t want your deer processed after 6 pm and much more. It’s shocking. Deer hunters and their families gotta know this stuff. Go get the free Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters at http://www.huntingheadlines.com now. It’s free.

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Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=======================================

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Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

November 6, 2008

“Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” from Deer Processing Expert Marty Prokop Offers Solution for Lead in Venison Problem

Free deer meat guide reveals 10 common deer processing mistakes to avoid to keep food banks, deer hunters, families and children safe from lead in venison.

Marty Prokop, who has processed over 7,800 deer in his 26 years experience as a professional meat cutter, deer processor and deer hunter, whose videos are used in Advanced Hunter Education says, “This isn’t speculation anymore. Deer processors and deer hunters can’t guess and can’t use the same old deer butchering ways.”

“To keep your family and children safe,” Prokop continues, “you must know what to do and look for in proper, safe deer processing — whether you process deer yourself or have a butcher process for you. The ‘Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters’ offers the solution to the problem of lead in venison and it is free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com”

Disturbing statistics and findings surfacing show:

• The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released in November 2008 found that higher levels of lead show up in blood of people who eat deer harvested with lead bullets than people who don’t — causing danger for families, especially pregnant women and children.

• The deer meat processed at meat shops and eaten by deer hunters, families and children is not inspected for safety or approved as being fit for human consumption like beef and pork. Due to a Department of Agriculture meat inspection loophole, venison harvested by deer hunters is uninspected meat.

• Department of Agriculture tests showed 87% of meat shops tested processed lead in venison, due in part to lack of inspection.

• Lead fragments were discovered in deer meat as far away as 18 inches from the initial bullet entry point, resulting in lead being overlooked, processed and fed to families.

• Department of Natural Resources tests revealed one out of five deer hunters don’t know how to correctly process deer resulting in dangerous lead in the deer meat they butchered.

Marty Prokop teaches safe deer processing in seminars and at Online-Deer-Camp.com, where his step-by-step deer processing videos are available to watch 24 hours a day.

Here are Marty Prokop’s “10 Common Deer Processing Mistakes to Avoid” — for the complete explanation and solution visit the free “Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” at http://www.huntingheadlines.com:

Deer Processing Mistake # 1

Believing deer processing and deer meat are inspected for safety like beef and pork.

Deer Processing Mistake #2

There is a severe lack of deer processing training for deer hunters and meat processors and no certification or inspection for safety of the deer meat.

Deer Processing Mistake #3

How using saws and the wrong knives can lead to lead in venison and higher bacteria in venison.

Deer Processing Mistake #4

Sharing a grinder with other deer hunters — one hunter’s dirty trim can contaminate hundreds of pounds of other hunters’ venison.

Deer Processing Mistake #5

Having your deer processed after 6 pm

Deer Processing Mistake #6

Not watching what cuts of meat go in the grinder. Trusting the meat in ground venison is not contaminated or dangerous — whether processed at a meat shop or by the deer hunter.

Deer Processing Mistake #7

Lack of education on what is safe deer meat and what is not.

Deer Processing Mistake #8

Deer hunters feeding deer rib meat and deer fat to their families.

Deer Processing Mistake #9

Eating slightly discolored meat that looks safe, but it’s not.

Deer Processing Mistake #10

Accepting stinky or bad tasting venison.

Resources:

Marty Prokop is available for immediate media interview 24/7 by calling Lori at 507-304-1062 or lori@huntingheadlines.com. Ask for video, audio and media kit.

Marty Prokop bio at http://www.huntingheadlines.com/who_is_marty_prokop.htm

“Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” is available free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

Marty shows deer hunters how to properly butcher deer in his deer processing videos available for immediate online viewing at Online-Deer-Camp.com at http://www.online-deer-camp.com.

You can read his deer hunting and deer processing blog at http://www.marty-prokop.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

October 28, 2008

Deer Processing: How to Butcher a Deer

Learn to process your own deer with these great deer processing videos

Did you know ...

Health departments discover 87% of meat shops are processing deer meat with lead in it — so dangerous the venison is recalled and destroyed.

Department of Natural Resources tests found 1 in 5 deer hunters do too.

Learn answers to protect your family now…

http://www.online-deer-camp.com

Warning! Deer hunters, don’t take your deer to any meat shop until you read this ...

I’ve combined my 26 years of deer hunting ... and deer processing over 7,800 deer ... into “Deer Processing Done Right” online videos for deer hunters who want to butcher their own deer.

It keeps your family safe, saves you big money on deer processing and gives you great tasting venison.

Plus my “How to Save $200 to $400 Per Month on Your Grocery Bill ... Without Coupons” online video series shows you how to use those deer processing skills to save big on the other meats you need to feed your family.

Want to see how clear and detailed these videos are?

http://www.onlinedeercamp.com

Protect Your Loved Ones from Lead in Venison and Recession Proof Your Family

Your family will really love venison after you use my deer processing system.

When venison is gone for the year, deer hunters and their families head to the grocery store to pay through the nose for beef.

You may not realize the cost per pound of beef, but you do know a big chunk of your paycheck disappears after a trip to the grocery store.

Let’s keep more of your paycheck in your pocket.

I’ll show you how to turn your deer processing skills into savings of $200 to $400 per month on your grocery bill ... each and every month ... without coupons — and feed your family better.

How?

I’ll show you how to get delicious, tender, restaurant-quality steaks ... normally $10.99 a pound ... for just $2.29 a pound.

And save big bucks on other meats like delicious boneless pork chops, mouthwatering roast beef, tender beef ribs, juicy roasts and extra lean ground beef.

I’ll show you these grocery store wholesale meat secrets and how this $200 dollar to $400 dollar a month grocery savings can be yours ... with all the hard work already done for you.

Let me explain at http://www.onlinedeercamp.com where you can watch the video and learn about all of this.

See you there.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert

Deer Processing Expert

http://www.huntingheadlines.com

http://www.marty-prokop.com

715-868-1109

P.S. Did you get the “Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” (link to http://www.huntingheadlines.com ) ... It’s my gift to you at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

It’s awesome and totally FREE. Go over there and get it now.

=====================================

*** Would you like to learn to process your own deer? ***

I’ve processed over 7,800 deer and developed the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters. You can get it free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

======================================

*** Warning! Deer hunters, don't butcher your deer until you read this... ***

Health departments discover 87% of meat shops process lead into deer meat — so dangerous it’s recalled and destroyed. A partial ban is issued on ground venison.

But it’s not just meat shops, Department of Natural Resources tests find 1 in 5 deer hunters also process lead in venison.

=======================================

Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=======================================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=======================================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

=======================================

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

October 20, 2008

Free Deer Processing “Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” is Lead in Venison Solution

Lead has been found in venison. This blog post is about the solution for deer hunters to keep your family safe when it comes time for deer processing.

The Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters is ready for you free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

It shows you how to keep your family safe.

You can see the short 1 minute video telling you all about it at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

Here’s the scoop…

Health departments discover 87% of meat shops tested process lead into deer meat — so dangerous it is recalled and destroyed.

A partial ban is issued on ground venison.

But it’s not just meat shops…

Department of Natural Resources tests find 1 in 5 deer hunters also process lead in venison when butchering deer and feed it to their families without knowing.

http://www.huntingheadlines.com

Here’s what the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters includes…

** Why 87% of meat shops tested processed lead in venison

** Why you don’t want your deer processed after 6 pm

** Proof meat inspection loopholes cause venison meat dangers

** Warning! Deer hunters, don’t process your deer until you see this…

** Nasty deer processing industry practices

** Stop sharing meat grinders with other deer hunters

** 5 step deer processing system — how to butcher a deer the right way

** How to ensure the safety of your family and children

** What if you don’t have time for butchering deer?

** Don’t take your deer to any meat shop until you read this…

** And much, much more…

As you can see, I cover a lot in the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

You can get it free, because I hope you’re enjoying your deer hunting tips newsletter and my deer processing and deer hunting blog posts.

Hey, help keep fellow deer hunters and their families safe.

Forward this email to your hunting buddies and their families to let them know the “Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters” can help keep their families safe.

They can get it too … free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

Let’s keep hunters and families safe … and deer hunters out deer hunting.

We put months into the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters.

I’m getting feedback that I could offer it for a decent price, but I want you to have it free to keep your family safe. The 1 minute video will explain.

It’s so important, all I ask is that you go get it now at http://www.huntingheadlines.com and consider passing it on to other hunters and their families.

Help them stay safe regardless of who is doing the deer processing.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert

Deer Processing Expert

http://www.huntingheadlines.com

http://www.marty-prokop.com

715-868-1109

=====================================

*** Would you like to learn to process your own deer? ***

I’ve processed over 7,800 deer and developed the Deer Meat Safety Guide for Deer Hunters. You can get it free at http://www.huntingheadlines.com

======================================

*** Warning! Deer hunters, don't butcher your deer until you read this... ***

Health departments discover 87% of meat shops process lead into deer meat — so dangerous it’s recalled and destroyed. A partial ban is issued on ground venison.

But it’s not just meat shops, Department of Natural Resources tests find 1 in 5 deer hunters also process lead in venison.

=======================================

Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=======================================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=======================================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

=======================================

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

=======================================

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

October 3, 2008

Free Deer Meat Recipes: Venison Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

Ground venison is a great meat to work with when it comes to cooking. Like many other ground meats, ground venison has literally hundreds of uses. The challenge with ground venison, as with other ground meats, is finding great tasting venison recipes.

Here is another great way to use your ground venison.

You can serve these tasty venison meatballs as appetizers or over rice or noodles as a main dish.

Venison Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 envelope onion soup mix

2 pounds ground vension

Sauce:

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 1/2 cups ketchup

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

2 tablespoons chopped onion

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

In a large bowl, combine the first three ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place on a greased broiler pan. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 5-8 minutes or until browned. In a Dutch oven, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add meatballs. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour or until the meat is no longer pink.

Serve as appetizers or serve over noodles or cooked rice as a meal.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=========================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=========================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

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*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

October 1, 2008

Free Venison Recipes: Venison Goulash

Great tasting venison is nature's gift to every deer hunter.

It can be a challenge finding new, great tasting venison recipes that your family likes. This can be especially true with ground venison.

Don't get me wrong here, I love venison meat in all forms. But sometimes I grow tired of plain old venison burgers. I like to spice it up a bit. Make something new that sticks to the ribs.

Here is another great tasting ground venison recipe that tastes great on cool fall nights.

Ground Venison Goulash

1 pound lean ground venison

4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup sliced onion

1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions:

1. Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.

2. Add all ingredients (except noodles) to browned ground meat and simmer for 1 hour, then add noodles.

Grab your favorite spot at the dinner table, fill your plate, sit back and enjoy!

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=========================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

September 29, 2008

Ground Venison: Free Deer Meat Recipes

Have you ever noticed how venison steaks, roasts and chops are first to disappear from your freezer? And rightly so. Venison steaks, roasts and chops make fantastic meals.

But what can you do with all that ground venison?

In my next few posts, I will share with you some great tasting, family pleasing ground venison recipes that are sure to satisfy.

Here is an old favorite with a tasty twist.

Venison Sloppy Joes…Greek Style

Ingredients:

1lb. Ground Venison

1/2 cup Chopped Onion

(15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce

1/3 cup Bulgur

1 tsp. Dried Oregano, crushed

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Greek Seasoning

1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

2 cups Shredded Romaine Lettuce

6 Kaiser Rolls, split and toasted

4 ounces Crumbled Feta Cheese with Tomato and Basil, or Plain Feta Cheese

In a large skillet cook ground meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce, bulgur, oregano, greek seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

To assemble, arrange romaine on bottom halves of rolls. Spoon meat mixture on romaine. Sprinkle with feta cheese; replace top halves of rolls.

To subscribe to the weekly Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter or get blog post delivered to you by subscribing to our RSS feed by clicking on one of the RSS feed buttons in the right hand column of this blog at www.marty-prokop.com .

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

****************************

Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=========================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=========================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

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*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

September 26, 2008

Free Deer Meat Recipes

Venison steak sizzling on a grill, seasoned with garlic and seasoning salt is awesome. But some deer hunters want a little more variety.

Emails from Free Deer Hunting Tips members have been pouring in asking me if I can help make a venison dinner more exciting.

In my next few posts I will share some of my favorite recipes with you.

Try these to see why they have become favorites.

Venison Nacho Dip

Ingredients:

1 lb ground venison

½ large onion, minced

salt and pepper to taste

6 oz refried beans

2 oz chopped green chiles

1 ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

6 oz mild taco sauce

3 green onions, chopped

10 ripe olives sliced

1 cup sour cream

1 cup guacamole

tortilla chips

Cook meat and onion in a nonstick pan until meat browns and onion is soft. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread the refried beans in a flat 10-inch casserole dish. Layer the meat over the beans. Sprinkle chopped chiles over the meat.

Cover with grated cheese and taco sauce.

Bake at 400 degrees F. for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions and olives.

Serve with tortilla chips. Use sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

****************************

Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=========================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=========================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

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*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

August 18, 2008

Top 5 Ways to Miss Your Deer by Marty Prokop

If you would like to listen to this Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog post as a podcast click the play button…

There are five main reasons deer hunters miss deer when they are deer hunting.

1.) Not sighting in your deer rifle before you go hunting.

This sounds pretty basic, but year after year some deer hunters refuse to go to the rifle range to sight in their deer rifles.

They may figure, “Well, it shot straight last year when I put the rifle away.”

Regardless of how straight your deer rifle shot when you cased it up at the end of season, go to the range and sight it in again for the next season, preferably several times before deer season arrives.

Why?

Sights and scopes can get bumped while cleaning, handling or transferring from gun cabinet to deer hunting woods and back again.

2.) Using different ammunition than used to sight in with.

Different bullet weights and even various ammunition brands will shoot differently from the same rifle.

Make sure you stock up on the same brand and bullet weight of ammunition, the brand and weight you sighted in your rifle with, before you head to the deer hunting woods.

3.) Taking free hand shots.

Free hand shots are the least effective for deer hunting, because in many situations you are not rock solid when shooting.

If you don’t have a good rifle rest in your tree stand or blind when you are deer hunting, use your knee to steady your shot.

Another option is shooting from the prone position, but don’t try this from a tree stand.

Always try to use a solid rest before taking the shot.

4.) Not enough perfect practice.

There is more to shooting a rifle and becoming a good shot than just simply sighting in your rifle.

The more you can practice with different shooting scenarios, the better you will become at handling your deer rifle.

5.) Not knowing your shooting limitations.

This is really simple. If you don’t feel you can make a long range shot, don’t shoot.

At times, some deer hunters let their egos take over.

Only shoot the distance you have practiced for. This will keep you from wounding deer.

How can you avoid missing your deer the next time you go deer hunting?

• Sight in your deer rifle several times before deer season arrives.

• Remember to deer hunt use the same brand and bullet weight of ammo you used to sight in your deer rifle.

• Always use a solid rest when taking a shot.

• Perfect practice. Perfect practice. Perfect practice.

• Take shots only at distances you are comfortable shooting.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

****************************

Find Deer Games, Pictures and Hunting Fun at: http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

=========================

*** More Free Stuff ***

Get Your Own Free Audio Deer Hunting Tips, listen to the Deer Hunting Podcast, subscribe to our RSS Feed, see Big Buck Pictures and read the Deer Hunting Secrets Blog at: http://www.marty-prokop.com

=========================

*** Newsletter and RSS Feed ***

=========================

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

August 15, 2008

Is Day Dreaming Costing You Your Big Buck? by Marty Prokop

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Most deer hunters have the best success, and bag more deer, during the first two hours of each deer hunting day.

Why?

During the first two hours of a deer hunting day, the deer hunter is focused on getting a deer. He/she is constantly looking for, listening for, thinking about and concentrating solely on seeing deer.

As time moves forward, some deer hunters begin to let their minds wander from deer hunting. This results in the eyes and ears of the deer hunter missing crucial sights and sounds in the deer hunting woods.

When the mind wanders, a deer hunter must continually stop and re-focus on deer hunting to bring the mind back on track.

Looking and listening for deer becomes harder and harder as the mind wanders further from deer hunting.

Deer hunters can become caught up in the mind’s rambling on about work, the never ending honey-do list and countless other chores that should be done. The deer hunter is not paying attention to the woods for sights and sounds of deer.

If this trancelike state progresses, the deer hunter becomes oblivious to the external surroundings and is simply going through the motions of being in the deer woods.

If a deer hunter cannot break this trancelike spell, he/she may be better off taking a break from the woods as they would not see a deer if it were right in front of them.

The best way to tag a deer when you are out hunting is to think, smell, see and breathe deer hunting. Concentrate on looking for deer signs and listening for sounds that could be made by deer.

You will be a more successful deer hunter by increasing your awareness and concentrating on deer hunting when you are out in the field.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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August 11, 2008

Good Deer Hunting Guns for Deer Hunting Thick Woods by Marty Prokop

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I have been asked by numerous Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Members what the best gun is for deer hunting in thick woods.

If you deer hunt in an area that has thick undergrowth and lots of smaller saplings, you need a gun that is quick to shoulder and has enough power to bust through the brush.

Here is a list of guns and calibers I use:

• 30-30

• 12 gauge shotgun with rifled barrel

• 30-06

Let’s look at each one.

Winchester Model 94 30-30

I prefer the Winchester Model 94 30-30 for making deer drives through thick woods. The gun is short and quick to shoulder.

Since most shots are within 30 to 50 yards, I use iron sites with a hood or peep site on front.

The 30-30 cartridge is not super fast. But loaded with a 180 grain bullet, it will bust through brush fairly well without flying too far off target.

12 Gauge Shotgun with Rifled Barrel

A 12 gauge slug can barrel through some pretty thick brush and still stay on target.

I prefer using slide or pump action shotguns.

I like the Mossberg 500. I have used this gun since I was twelve. It has performed flawlessly for me. I purchased a rifled slug barrel and topped it with a red dot scope. The red dot is sighted in for a 50 yard shot.

30-06 Rifle

This caliber has been around for many years.

When loaded with lighter 150 grain bullets, it has proven to be a great varmint rifle, as well as a good long range deer rifle.

When loaded with a heavier 180 grain bullet, the 30-06 is a good choice for a brush gun.

Choose a carbine style rifle if you plan to hunt thick brush. The shorter length of the carbine will allow you to pull up the gun quickly in heavy brush for a faster shot.

Using Scopes in Thick Brush

You can use a scope when hunting thick brush as long as you are able to get quickly on target, because a shot in thick brush will happen rather fast.

Make sure the scope you choose is a fixed power scope, not a variable scope. This will allow quicker target alignment. Usually a four power scope is sufficient.

Hunting thick brush is a great way to put deer in front of you when deer activity seems to be low due to hunting pressure. Carrying the right gun with the right ammunition is vital to your success.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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August 8, 2008

Is Your Deer Hunting Rifle Shooting Straight? by Marty Prokop

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You are at the rifle range sighting in your deer hunting gun. You take a three shot group. You notice the first shot is a bit off from the other two shots.

You take three more shots and find the grouping of bullets very acceptable. You pack up, head home, clean your deer rifle and wait for deer season to open.

Opening morning of deer hunting season arrives. You take a shot at a big buck at the distance you practiced at the range.

At the range you were holding a two-inch group.

Today somehow you miss.

Was it deer hunter’s error or buck fever perhaps? Or was your gun shooting off target?

Let’s look at this.

Remember back at the range when you fired the first bullet from your well cleaned gun?

You noticed it was the only bullet that was out of sync with the other rounds you shot. All of the bullets after that first shot hit perfectly.

Very few deer hunters clean rifle barrels between shots when at the rifle range. This means we are actually judging how well our guns shoot through “dirty” barrels.

In the scenario above shots fired after the very first shot seemed most accurate.

Test the shooting accuracy of your gun by shooting two 3 shot groups.

For one 3 shot group clean the barrel after each shot.

For the second group shoot three consecutive shots without cleaning in between rounds.

Pay close attention to the very first shot out of the clean barrel. Notice if it strikes the target differently than subsequent shots.

If it does, your rifle may perform better after a shot has been fired.

Remember, the first shot at a deer is usually the most important one and often times the only one you get.

If your gun performs better after a shot has been fired through the barrel, consider safely firing one shot through your barrel before you head out deer hunting.

Clean your gun after shooting, but remember the first shot out of your clean gun will be the least accurate.

Why clean your gun if it shoots poorly when clean?

A dirty barrel will shorten the life of your deer hunting rifle, perhaps causing rust and deterioration. If left extremely dirty, your gun may become dangerous to shoot.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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August 4, 2008

Fun and Easy Way to Test Your Long Range Shooting! by Marty Prokop

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You have been diligent in practicing your long range shooting skills at the rifle range. You are able to consistently shoot a 3-inch group at 250 yards. This is great shooting and is an important step towards deer hunting accuracy, but this shooting is under a semi-controlled environment.

Think of this.

How many times have you had that big buck in front of you while your deer hunting rifle was in a gun vise or propped up on shooting bags on a shooting bench? Never happens.

Here is a fun and easy way to test your long range shooting skills out in the field.

Your targets will be one-gallon plastic milk jugs filled with water. Add food coloring to the water so you can see a difference in color from the water to the background.

One gallon plastic milk jugs are the perfect target at long ranges as they will be comparable in size to the vital heart/lung area of a deer. So save milk jugs.

Next, find a safe field or area to set up your targets. Make sure there are no buildings, people or animals in your line of fire or beyond the milk jugs.

If you hunt from a tree stand, and you are able to, you could even set up your tree stand to simulate actual shooting from that angle.

If you shoot from a ground deer blind, consider setting up your deer blind to shoot from it.

The goal is to create the closest conditions to your actual deer hunting situation.

Pace off 200 to 300 yards from your shooting location or whatever distance you feel confident shooting.

After placing your milk jug targets, walk back to your shooting area. Take aim and see how well you shoot.

A direct hit will have the milk jugs exploding. An off center hit will still have the jugs emptying on the ground. You can actually see the liquid leaving the container.

If you find your original distance of 200 to 300 yards has you missing the target or hitting off center, move closer in 20 yard increments until you can hit center consistently.

Once you find you are hitting center consistently, you have found your true long range shooting ability under quasi hunting conditions.

This may be a bit humbling at first, but it is far better to know exactly what your long range shooting abilities are before you head out deer hunting. This knowledge will help ensure you don’t wound an animal.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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August 1, 2008

Can Wind Affect Deer Rifle Accuracy? by Marty Prokop

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There he is, Mr. Big, the big buck of a lifetime, out 200 yards in front of you.

You have practiced at this range and are quite comfortable you will make a good, solid hit.

You take aim, BANG!

The buck runs off.

You walk up to where the big buck was standing and find nothing. You search the area for hours looking for any sign of a hit and still nothing.

You wonder, “How could I have missed that shot?”

The wind!

According to the “Sierra Bullet Reloading Manual,” a 180-grain 30-06 pointed bullet leaving the muzzle at 2700 feet per second with a 20 mile per hour crosswind will blow 6 inches off course at 200 yards. That same bullet with the same 20 mile per hour crosswind will blow 14 inches off course at 300 yards.

Regardless of wind speed, bullet drift can occur if the wind is hitting your gun barrel at certain angles.

On the other hand, if you are shooting into the wind or the wind is directly behind you, wind will have little effect on your bullet’s path.

Study ballistic charts to see how your bullet will fly and how wind speed can affect your bullet trajectory. Learn the bullet drop of your load at different distances.

Before you head out to the deer hunting woods, make sure you listen to the local weather report, specifically wind speed and direction.

With a little research and some perfect practice, you could be zeroed in on a big buck at any range under any circumstances.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 28, 2008

How to Use your Air Rifle for Deer Hunting Success by Marty Prokop

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You know the more you practice with your deer rifle the more comfortable you are when you are out deer hunting.

It would be great if you could be out at the rifle range at least once every week practicing for deer hunting season. But, not all of us have the opportunity or luxury to have a full fledged rifle range in our back yards.

The solution? The modern air rifle.

Today, modern air rifles sport the look, feel and weight of many deer rifles. Many are surprisingly accurate at close ranges. Modern air rifles are a perfect choice for deer hunters, who do not have the ability to shoot a deer rifle at home, to get plenty of shooting practice.

Better air rifles are spring piston operated and will have a consistent 600 to 1200 feet per second (fps) muzzle velocity. Higher end air rifles will cock with a single motion (break barrel action) filling the air chamber. Some brands to consider are Gamo, Crossman and Sheridan.

If you use a scope on your deer rifle make sure to mount a similar style scope, designed specifically for air rifles, to your air rifle. This will give you the look and feel of your deer gun.

Practice with a good air rifle that has the look, feel and weight of your deer rifle. You will be conditioning your muscles, training your eyes and coordinating your body for a good shot at a deer in the woods.

Consult local rules and regulations to make sure you can discharge an air rifle in the area before you purchase your air rifle and set up your shooting area.

Make sure you set up a good back stop to capture all pellets. If you prefer, you can even buy a pellet trap and use it as a back stop. Always make sure the location you practice has nothing in or beyond the line of fire.

If you don’t have the luxury of a rifle range in your backyard and still want to practice your shooting skills get a modern air rifle and set up your own target range. Who knows, the perfect practice you put forth could have you shooting a big buck come deer season.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 25, 2008

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Deer Hunting! By Marty Prokop

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Knowing how to really handle your deer hunting rifle … fast and safely … is paramount to your deer hunting success.

Think about it. Most good shots at deer happen in only seconds.

Seconds are all you need, if you know how your deer hunting rifle handles.

Perfect practice makes perfect deer hunting. Notice I said PERFECT PRACTICE, not just practice.

At least once a week, all year long, take your deer gun off the rack. Always make sure your deer rifle is empty.

Pick a spot on the wall (make sure there is nothing or no one on the other side of the wall, even though the gun is empty).

Pretend the spot on the wall is a deer that just came into range and is giving you a clear shot.

Start with your deer rifle at your side. Raise your rifle and take aim at the spot you picked. Take off the safety mechanism but Do NOT dry fire your deer gun. Simply raise your rifle from your side to your shoulder to aim for a perfect shot. Put the safety mechanism back on and try again.

Do this two to three times as if you were taking a shot at a deer.

It is important that you are able to do this smoothly when you are under pressure or fighting buck fever.

Perfect practice makes perfect deer hunting.

By going through the motions of bringing up your deer rifle and aiming, it will become more natural with each repetition.

After many repetitions, you will find your cheek is naturally sliding to the right spot on your rifle stock and your hand is flawlessly finding and operating the safety mechanism.

When you are completed with your weekly practice make sure your deer rifle is stored unloaded with the safety on. Make sure to wipe off any fingerprints or smudges on the barrel or gun finish also. This will keep your gun in tip top shape when deer season arrives.

By the time deer hunting season rolls around you will enter the woods with new confidence and experience more successful deer hunting.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 21, 2008

Waterproof Your Deer Hunting Rifle by Marty Prokop

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You clean and oil your deer hunting rifle; spray it with one of those silicone gun waterproofing sprays.

But what happens if you are deer hunting in a steady, all day rain?

The waterproofing washes off.

That’s right.

Even the silicone based waterproofing spray can wash off in a steady, all day rain.

So how can you protect your gun from the rain?

Car wax!

Yes you read that correctly, car wax.

Car wax lasts longer than gun oils and silicone spray lubricants.

After you have applied a safe car wax to your rifle, let it rain! The water will bead up on the fresh coat of wax.

But be careful as to which car wax you use. Make sure the car wax does not have any buffing compounds that would remove the bluing or gun stock finish.

If the forecast calls for rain during your next deer hunt, try a good coat of safe car wax on your deer hunting rifle before you head into the woods.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 18, 2008

4 Steps for Successful Deer Scouting by Marty Prokop

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One of the very best ways to increase the odds of you seeing and shooting more deer is by scouting.

Think of deer scouting as having four main steps.

1.) Choose good deer hunting property.

It sounds pretty basic, but many deer hunters take whatever deer hunting area they can get.

Learn about the land you consider hunting.

Ask some of the locals about a certain piece of property before you buy or lease it. Talk to people at the feed mill or even the local postal employees.

I did this. The mail carrier, barber, farmer down the road and feed mill guy all told me about the big bucks running across the road out of the property that I hunt.

So ask around.

Check with the local DNR and ask them about deer populations on or near the land you consider hunting.

2.) Learn the contours of the deer hunting land you are considering.

Purchase a good topographic map of your deer hunting area.

Look at the map and make notes where you might find food sources, watering holes, natural funnels and potential bedding grounds once you are out scouting.

3.) Head into the woods searching for deer sign.

After studying your topographic map and three to four weeks prior to your deer season opener, head into the woods.

Usually by this time of the year the deer have switched to their fall patterns. What you see in the woods will be current information.

First go to the areas you pin-pointed on your topographic map as potential hot spots.

If you have the financial resources to do so, place a trail camera on a potential hot spot. Check your camera(s) at least once per week.

4.) Put all the pieces together.

This is where you bring all of the information you have gathered together and use it to pattern deer on your deer hunting land.

The added bonus of trail camera photos is to show you deer size, as well as times and dates of when and how often deer are moving.

Together, this information will make deer hunting tree stand site placement much easier.

Remember these 4 Steps for Successful Deer Scouting, and you could pattern a big buck each time you head into the deer hunting woods.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 14, 2008

Following Deer Tracks that Seem to Disappear

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You found a huge set of fresh deer tracks and decide to start following them to see if you can catch up to the deer that made them. All is going well, until the tracks seem to disappear.

Did the deer vanish into thin air?

Did it magically sprout wings and fly through the forest?

No. It walked firmly on the ground, but maybe the light hitting the deer tracks is playing tricks on you.

Disappearing tracks have been tricking deer hunters since the earliest times when man started to first track animals.

Here is a solution if this happens to you.

Without stepping on the actual tracks and ruining the trail, Indian trackers used to step from side to side to allow the most favorable light to shine onto the trails.

With favorable amounts of light cast at the right angles onto the trail, hoof impressions or the upturned leaves seem to pop out because of the shadows they cast.

Try this Native American tracking trick the next time you seem to lose a set of fresh deer tracks in the woods. It could have you walking up on a big buck in his bed.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 11, 2008

Deer Tracks: Are You Following a Buck or Doe? By Marty Prokop

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A while back I wrote a Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and blog post about following deer tracks.

A Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com reader asked me how a deer hunter could tell he was on the trail of a buck or a doe.

It is my experience that even if you are following big tracks, obviously made by a big deer, that deer could be either a big doe or a big buck. Yes, I have seen some very large doe deer especially offspring of big bucks.

I have followed more deer tracks since I wrote that newsletter just to see if additional experience would show me something different. Here is what I found.

Following Deer Tracks

After following many sets of fresh deer tracks on my deer hunting land this past fall I have made some interesting conclusions.

I still believe if you follow one solid set of big tracks pressed deeply into the dirt, you could be following a big buck or doe.

Here is where I saw some variances:

If you are following a set of big deer tracks that are meandering through the woods, chances are high that you are following a doe. As you are following these meandering tracks and you notice urine in one spot, you will be following a doe. Doe deer squat to pee in one spot.

A buck walks through the forest moving from point A to point B following the path of least resistance. If a buck comes across something in the trail in front of him, such as a downed tree, he will walk around it and get back on to the main trail and continue walking. A doe, on the other hand, will often go under it.

A line of big deer tracks with urine dripping into multiple tracks is most often made by a buck as he will urinate as he walks.

Deer tracks splayed (a wide gap between the front of hooves in the shape of a “V”) tend to belong to a buck.

Deer tracks with drag marks behind them are usually made by big bucks.

The reason big bucks tend to drag their hooves is because bucks are structurally different in the hip region than does. This structural difference causes mature bucks to swagger from side to side and drag their feet when walking.

The longer and deeper the drag marks behind each track usually means the bigger and heavier the buck making the tracks.

I followed a number of deer tracks to see if a deer hunter could tell the size and sex of a deer solely by its tracks. I found, if you are on a fresh set of big deer tracks and focus on the size of the tracks only, you could be following a big buck or a big doe.

When I added drag marks and urination patterns in combination with the tracks, I could get a pretty good idea of size and sex of the deer being followed.

You be the judge. Try this for yourself and see what you find.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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July 7, 2008

Recovering Your Deer After the Shot

BANG!

Your shot was well placed. You expect to see the deer not far from where you took the shot.

After waiting 20 minutes, you climb out of your deer hunting tree stand and walk to where you took the shot.

You see a good blood trail. You start tracking being careful not to disturb the blood trail.

As you continue following the trail it seems to almost disappear. You look a few feet ahead and off to the left and right and still see no deer.

You are puzzled. Where could it have gone?

“It was a great hit,” you rationalize as you replay the shot through your mind.

This happened to me in a past deer hunting season. I shot a huge doe at less than 50 yards with my 12 gauge. Normally, at close range with a 12 gauge slug, deer have dropped in less than 50 yards.

So what did this doe do?

After the shot, the doe turned and ran straight away from me. I followed her blood trail nearly 100 yards. I noticed she turned back to where she had come out of the woods.

I found her another 30 yards up the trail towards the direction she came from. She was circling back around.

Deer are herd animals. I believe they feel safer in numbers. Perhaps this doe was heading back to the group she was with.

Next time you start following the trail of a deer you have shot and can’t find it immediately, try circling back to where you first took the shot. Chances are you will find the deer near that location.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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June 6, 2008

“9 Top Deer Scouting Tips that Deer Don’t Want You to Know About!” by Marty Prokop

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Every successful deer hunt begins with great scouting.

Sure you hear the occasional story of the guy who stumbles into the woods, plops down on a log and shoots a nice deer. But how consistently does that guy score big?

To really increase your chances at a big buck every year, use these 9 Top Deer Scouting Tips.

1.) Start scouting EARLY in the year.

If your work schedule will allow, start your deer scouting by mid-summer.

When deer season ends, start looking around for deer signs you may have missed earlier in the year.

Write this information in a deer hunting journal. Use this information when you start scouting and deer hunting the next year.

2.) Learn everything you can about your deer hunting area.

The internet is a huge resource for topographic maps.

Make sure your scouting time includes online research of your deer hunting area. Learn locations of ponds, bedding areas, food sources and natural funnels. Use this information to help you pattern deer movement.

3.) When you are scouting look for DEER SIGN not deer.

Looking for good deer sign is quicker and easier, and you will see more. If you spot a deer consider this a bonus.

4.) Don’t over do it.

Spending too much time wandering around a deer hunting area is not a good thing. You can leave too much human scent in the area, which could cause big bucks to shift their patterns.

5.) WALK through the woods looking for deer sign instead of riding your ATV or driving your vehicle.

If you walk through the woods looking for deer sign you will see and learn more. In most cases you will also make less noise.

Prepare yourself ahead of time for the physical demands of scouting on foot, don’t over do it. Only walk if you and your doctor feel you are able.

6.) Scout multiple locations.

Pay close attention to grain fields, water crossings, pine plantations and hardwood forests. Deer will use all kinds of cover as well as many food sources throughout the full deer season.

7.) Look for fall feeding areas.

Don’t waste your time looking for summertime feeding areas. Deer browsing will change with the seasons. Concentrate on fall feeding grounds like white oak trees and grain fields that will be ready for fall harvesting.

8.) Be aware of deer patterns while you are deer hunting!

Deer patterns will change near instantly when deer season opens. Be aware of the changes and be ready to make a move to follow these changing deer patterns.

Why would you want to scout pre-season if deer patterns change once deer season opens?

An important part of pre-season scouting is for you to become very familiar with your deer hunting land.

You need to know the food sources, water and cover your deer hunting land holds and how deer are using and could potentially use these resources.

You want to know all the deer hunting options available to you on your land so you can change your patterns and plans to match deer activity.

9.) Always look for FRESH deer signs.

Old trails with hardly visible deer sign could mean the deer have changed their daily patterns. Look for fresh repeating signs such as new tracks, fresh droppings, new scrapes and fresh buck rubs. This will insure regular deer activity in the area you plan to hunt.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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May 7, 2008

Deer Food Plots...What Food Plot Seed Should You Plant?

Below is a comment and question I received from Free Deer Hunting Tips Community member Pat.

Pat asks...Thanks for all your good information. We want to plant a food lot on our 20 acres. What is the best kind of seed to plant?

Here is my reply:

Thanks for your email.

To answer your question, I need to ask you a few.

Are you planting the whole 20 acres?

Have you had a soil sample conducted yet?

What type of soil do you have? (ie: loamy sand, clay, etc)

How much annual rainfall do you get each growing season?

What area is your deer hunting land located? North, South, etc.

Are you going to use a herbicide to help clear the land of unwanted weeds and vegetation before you plant? Or, are you going to try to use more organic methods to control weeds?

All of the above factors and several more will play a crucial role in deciding what seed to plant.

For example, if your soil test reveals your soil to be acidic, you will have to add lime to neutralize it.

The 60/40 Rule

Here is some food for thought…I suggest you plant your food plots with 60% perennials and 40% annuals.

In other words, plant 60 percent of your total food plots with something you need plant only once and will continue to grow year after year. Then plant the remaining 40% with a food source that needs to be planted each year.

Annuals grow much quicker and will provide a good food source for deer while the perennials are establishing their root systems. Planting annuals will help keep deer from over browsing the perennial crops while they are growing.

Some annual seed choices would include: Corn, soybeans, cow peas, sunflowers, rye grass, oats, etc

Perennial seeds could include: alfalfa(buy deer specific seed), chicory

I have used The Whitetail Institute products with great success as well as Biologic seed blends.

Before you buy any seed make sure to get a soil test if you have not already done so. A soil test will tell you the type of soil you have, the pH of the soil, lime requirements and fertilizer requirements for your soil. Without soil test information, you could spends hundreds of dollars on seed and have poor results.

Soil tests usually run between 10 and 30 dollars and is money well spent.

If you would like, I would be glad to look at your soil test results and then make a more targeted suggestion for seed choice for you.

I look forward to hearing more from you.

Want more deer food plot secrets? Subscribe to the weekly Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter or get blog posts delivered to you by subscribing to our RSS feed by clicking on one of the RSS feed buttons in the right hand column of this blog.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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May 4, 2008

Think Like a Deer to Fill Your Tag

If you would like to listen to this Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog post as a podcast click the play button…

Discover the best place on your deer hunting land to find deer by thinking about what deer need and what your land can provide them.

Is it food, water, sun, shade, a place to rest, a place to hide or a windbreak? Or a combination?

Think about what deer need and where they will be at what time. Consider time of day, weather conditions and hunting pressure. Then head to the appropriate spot on your deer hunting land.

For example, let’s say it is cold, the wind is blowing and the ground is covered with snow in most areas.

Ask yourself, what do deer need today? The answer could be sunshine, a windbreak and easy food.

Hunt a south facing slope where the sun has melted some snow, making acorns or other browse available for deer while keeping them out of the wind. Come in so you are downwind so the deer will not pick up your scent in the wind.

If you can think like a deer, you can put more meat on your table.

Want more deer rutting secrets? Subscribe to the weekly Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter or get blog posts delivered to you by subscribing to our RSS feed by clicking on one of the RSS feed buttons in the right hand column of this blog.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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May 1, 2008

How Well Can Deer See?

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There has been much debate as to how far the whitetail deer can see. Are deer eyes better than human eyes?

The answer may surprise you. Here it is…

Yes and No.

Low Light Vision

In low light conditions deer can see better than humans.

Deer eyes have more rods, which are the light receptors. Human eyes contain more cones, which are used for gathering more color.

Rods are much more capable in gathering light than cones.

Night Vision

Deer also have a layer of reflective pigment in their eyes called tapetum, which increases the ability of deer to see better at night.

Here is how tapetum works in a deer’s eye. If light passes through the rods of a deer’s eye without stimulating the rods sufficiently, the tapetum bounces the light back to the rods. This allows the light receptors in the eye of the deer to respond again.

Deer have night vision superior to humans.

Colors and Distance

It is believed, however, a deer cannot perceive colors as well as humans, nor can deer see as well at longer distances.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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April 28, 2008

Post Rut Deer Hunting Success

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Post-Rut is most often forgotten by many deer hunters.

In the northern part of the USA, Post Rut occurs during the some of the coldest times of the year. Perhaps this is why some deer hunters choose to forget Post Rut.

Regardless of the thermometer reading outside, Post Rut deer hunting action can be extremely hot.

When Does Post-Rut Begin?

Doe deer not bred successfully during Pre Rut and Main Rut will go into estrus 28 days after Main Rut. Count out 28 days from Main Rut and you will be smack dab in prime Post Rut deer hunting action.

There will be fewer doe deer going into estrus during Post Rut than during Main Rut, because most does are bred during Main Rut.

Sign of Post Rut Activity

One tell-tale sign of Post Rut is a quick increase in deer activity.

Doe deer in Post Rut estrus show more aggressive approaches to finding breeding bucks.

You may notice doe deer trotting along and stopping frequently to deposit estrus urine.

Set up your deer blind or tree stand nearby. Make sure you are down wind of where the deer activity is taking place.

Doe deer in Post Rut estrus become more vocal, using soft grunts more frequently, trying to catch the attention of bucks in the area.

Bucks in the area that whiff the estrus pheromone quickly swarm the estrus doe. It is quite possible to have several bucks chasing one doe. It is as if the bucks realize this is the last hurrah for the year.

Who knows, you could be faced with the option of which buck to shoot.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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March 31, 2008

Main Rut Deer Hunting Success by Marty Prokop

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Main Rut or the peak of the rut lasts much longer than the pre-rut we discussed in my prior Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and blog post.

In my deer hunting area in northern USA, generally the main rut will begin the last week of October to the first week in November and run to the end of November.

During Main Rut you will notice daylight hours dwindling. This change in the amount of daylight, also called photoperiodism, triggers higher testosterone production in bucks.

The combination of less daylight and more testosterone makes the bucks more agitated and less friendly towards other bucks. If you happen to see two bucks meet during Main Rut a fight usually occurs.

Scrapes… What Do They Mean?

During Main Rut, as you walk through the deer hunting woods, you will notice more scrapes on the ground and more rubs on trees and saplings. Both are calling cards to other bucks in the area that this territory is taken. All challengers welcome!

Big bucks check their scrape lines and rub lines frequently during Main Rut.

Bucks will make scrapes by pawing leaves, grasses and debris off the ground’s surface and exposing fresh earth. The buck then urinates on his tarsal glands, which drip onto the fresh earth leaving his scent behind.

There is always a licking branch above a buck scrape. Look for it. A buck will rub his pre-orbital glands (near his eyes) on the branches and lick the branch to leave additional scent. This lets both bucks and does in the area know he is there and ready for action.

Big bucks will make multiple scrapes throughout their territories. Finding a big buck’s scrape line is a great tool for intercepting him, as he will be checking the scrapes frequently.

If you find an area that has multiple scrapes relatively close to each other, you may have found a big buck’s scrape line. Set up your deer hunting tree stand off the main trail and downwind of the scrapes.

Tree Rubs… What Do They Mean?

Tree rubs are made by bucks as a way to release their frustrations as well as prepare for future battles with other bucks that enter their domains. Bucks will also make tree rub lines to mark their territories.

To locate a tree rub line stand facing a rub on a tree and look in the direction going directly away from the first rub. For example, if you spot a rub on the south side of a tree, the buck was traveling north when he made the rub. Look towards the north for additional rubs on saplings and small trees.

If you see a “string” of tree rubs in a line, you have found the buck’s travel route.

Setting up a deer hunting tree stand or ground blind near this tree rub line could put you in a big buck’s front yard.

Doe… a Deer... a Female Deer

One key factor in hunting Main Rut is to have lots of doe activity near your deer hunting location.

During Main Rut bucks will only make ground scrapes and tree rubs if there are female deer nearby. During Main Rut, bucks will travel and move to where does are located.

If there are doe deer in front of you, and the rut is on, pay close attention to their body language.

If does are running about, seeming to be overly skittish and looking over their backs constantly, be on the lookout for a big buck.

As a doe is ready to accept a buck she will hold her tail cocked off to one side. If you see a doe doing this, pay very close attention as the big buck could be close by.

There is still one magical part of the rut that is often overlooked, and it can also produce a truly huge buck. That is Post-Rut.

We’ll look at hunting Post-Rut in my next Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and blog post.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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March 28, 2008

Pre-Rut Deer Hunting Success by Marty Prokop

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Deer hunting during the rut and being in the right place at the right time can have you shooting the monster buck of your dreams. But, which rut should you hunt?

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute Marty Prokop, have you fallen off your rocker? There is only one rut.”

Actually there are three very distinct parts to the deer rut: Pre-Rut, Main Rut and Post-Rut. Knowing and understanding each could help you bag the buck of a lifetime.

In my Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and this blog post I will share with you secrets for deer hunting success during Pre-Rut. In the next tips I will cover Main Rut and Post-Rut.

What is the Pre Rut?

Pre-Rut is triggered by mature does, those that are at least 4½ years old, going into a very short estrus cycle. This cycle lasts only 24 to 36 hours.

In the northern areas of the USA, Pre-Rut usually begins in early October.

Up until this short estrus cycle, bucks are still wandering around in their small bachelor groups.

As soon as the smell of an estrus doe hits the air, the bucks react by making scrapes and rubs. During this 24 to 36 hour period, deer hunters who are in the woods may notice vast numbers of fresh scrapes and rubs almost appearing overnight.

Noticing these new scrapes and increased deer activity as part of the pre-rut phase, could increase your odds of tagging a big buck.

Being in the Right Place at the Right Time

Remember, Pre-Rut only last a few days, so timing is everything. Here are some options for connecting with a big buck during Pre-Rut.

Set up your deer hunting tree stand overlooking one of the new scrapes. Make sure you are downwind of the scrape. Then you simply wait him out. Eventually he will come to check his scrape.

Another way to attract the dominant buck and lure him to you is by making a mock scrape.

A mock scrape should be about two feet in diameter, with a licking branch approximately three feet above the ground.

Mock scrapes are made by removing leaves, grasses and debris off the ground’s surface and exposing fresh earth. This can be done with a stick or garden rake.

Once fresh earth is exposed, pour a good amount of Dominant Buck Urine and Doe in Heat (doe in estrus) urine onto the scrape. Saturate two scent wicks, one with dominant buck urine and the other with doe in heat deer scent, and hang them on the licking branch above the scrape.

Place your deer stand downwind of the mock scrape and wait for the big buck to come in.

During the short Pre-Rut, testosterone levels of buck deer begin to increase and very few bucks have the chance to breed the few doe deer that go into estrus. Many bucks become frustrated. This frustration is how Mother Nature alerts and prepares the rest of the bucks for the upcoming Main Rut.

We’ll talk more about the Main Rut in my next blog post.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Deer Hunting Expert at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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March 15, 2008

Marty Prokop at Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Announces New Podcasting and Changes to RSS Feed

The Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog is being enhanced and more free services added for deer hunters.

Podcasts Added to Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com

We are adding audio podcasting of our free deer hunting tips at http://www.marty-prokop.com

The Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com podcast is like having a deer hunting coach and guide with you sharing successful deer hunts, giving you tips, helping you remember techniques and secrets to bag those big bucks and preparing you for your next successful deer hunt.

You can receive free deer hunting tips audio podcasts and text blog posts delivered through our new RSS feed.

Here are the RSS feed details…

New RSS Feed

If you have signed up for our prior RSS feed or added our blog to your own RSS feed we are upgrading and changing the RSS feed so it will send you the new audio podcasts in addition to the text blog posts.

What does this mean to you?

How to Receive Podcasts via RSS Feed

If you have not signed up for the RSS feed yet, here is how you can. Just click one of the feed reader service chicklets (buttons) in the right column of this blog.

How to Receive Podcasts via Your Current RSS Feed

If you have already signed up for the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com RSS feed in the past to receive the new audio podcasts delivered to you via RSS feed you will need to subscribe to the new RSS feed by entering the following link into your feed reader:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/%20Free_Deer_Hunting_Tips_By_Marty_Prokop

Fix Podcast Feed

If you are reading blog posts and receiving podcasts through a feed reader and don’t make this update, the blog posts and podcast may come through unclear or look funny.

To fix this simply subscribe to the new feed by entering the following link into your feed reader:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/%20Free_Deer_Hunting_Tips_By_Marty_Prokop

What about the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter?

If you have signed up for our Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and are receiving our deer hunting tips via email, you will continue to receive those tips via email. This does not change your newsletter subscription. Audio free deer hunting tips come through the RSS feed.

If you would like to receive our Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter (which has tips in addition to the blog posts you receive from our blog) you can subscribe to the newsletter at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com .

What is an RSS Feed?

With RSS you will receive the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog posts and audio podcasts sent directly to your computer via feed reader software or service as soon as they are posted to our blog.

You get free feed reader service when you click on one of the RSS feed reader service chicklets (buttons) in the right column of this blog.

Free feed reader service is really similar to your email software, but without any spam. Your RSS feed will allow into your computer only blog posts and podcasts that you have signed up for. You don’t receive any spam. So you could say it is similar to spam-free email.

You are guaranteed to receive the blog posts and audio podcasts because RSS feed readers bypass email and spam filters. Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog posts and audio podcasts will be delivered straight into your RSS feeder right on your computer.

You will be able to read the blog posts through your favorite feed reader instead of having to remember to come out and visit the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog each week. You can go to the blog to leave your comments.

You will be able to listen to the audio deer hunting tips just like you can music or other audio files on your computer or MP3 player.

RSS feed saves you time, sends the free deer hunting tips right to you, protects you from spam and gives you maximum privacy.

What is an Audio Podcast?

Audio podcasts are audio similar to radio shows, only generally shorter. I will be recording Free Deer Hunting Tips in audio files and distributing them through the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog.

You can hear free deer hunting tips audio podcasts on your computer using a media player (such as Windows Media Player) or through an iPod or MP3 player.

You can listen to these free deer hunting tips all year around on your computer. An MP3 player makes Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips portable, and you can listen to Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips audios on the way to your deer hunting camp and even while you are sitting in your deer stand.

You can receive our Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com audio podcasts free by visiting http://www.marty-prokop.com or subscribing to our new RSS feed.

You can subscribe to our Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com newsletter at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

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November 24, 2007

Deer Hunting and Tracking Deer: To Shoot or Not to Shoot?

Below is an email correspondence I had with a member of www.Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com

Marty,

Have you ever hit a buck directly in the shoulder with a rifle and not recovered him?

I hit a big buck this past Saturday. I found a quarter size piece of bone in the blood and lots of blood. I am talking paper plate size areas for about 100 to 150 yards and plenty of other drops for about a 1/4 mile and then it all stopped. The blood was bright red. The deer ran but was all hunched down to his right side and ran 2 circles in one field crossed in front of me ran 2 circles in another field and then headed into the woods. I am sure his left shoulder was gone.

Do you think a major artery was hit and this deer is dead somewhere. I can tell you that my friend and I spent 10 hours in total looking for this deer in the thickest briars you could ever imagine and covered every inch of those thickets. We were even on our hands and knees crawling through the thickets looking for any blood we could find. We have the shredded hands and legs to prove it. We did search every inch looking for just the deer also.

Please let me know your thoughts. I am sick about losing this deer. It is the biggest deer I have ever shot or seen in person.

Thank You,

Curt

Curt,

Thanks for your question.

I have hit deer and they have run off, but I have found every one I hit. I have only had to let one deer go over night before picking up the blood trail the next morning. I found that deer 30 yards from where I stopped the night before.

Without seeing the blood trail and bone fragment it is hard to say what happened for you.

Was the deer standing directly broadside to you when you shot? Could your shot have glanced off a shoulder bone and not hit any vitals? Was the blood trail on both sides of where the deer was standing? What distance is your rifle sighted in for? How close was the deer when you shot? Did you graze its back bone? Could you have hit low on a front leg?

There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before I can answer effectively.

Is the deer dead somewhere? Possibly. Again it is hard to say without seeing the fragments and blood trail.

If you can, send me the answers to the above questions.

Marty Prokop
www.Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com

Marty,

The deer was standing in parallel with me. His rear was facing me. I definitely hit his shoulder, because the piece of bone I found looked like it was part of a socket. I could not find the original impact area, because it was in a cut down cotton field and hard to find any blood or the exact location to mark it. My rifle is sighted in for 100 yards. The deer was about 50 -60 yards when I shot. I did not hit the back bone at all. It is very possible that I hit low on a front leg, but I believe that I hit more of the shoulder than anything, because of the bone fragment found. I found the fragment in a blood soaked area after he had already ran about 50 yards and 4 circles to the right. The blood trail that I found seemed to have blood on both sides of the deer.

I hope this helps.

Thank You,

Curt

Curt,

Thanks for getting me the answers to my questions. I appreciate having a dialogue on this.

If the deer’s rump was facing you and you aimed for a shoulder, then your shot most likely did not hit any vitals.

I don’t think you would have hit a main artery either due to the angle at which you shot.

Under no circumstances should this type of shot be taken. The likelihood of wounding the deer are too high. If all you are presented with is a rear end shot, let the deer walk.

The best shot to take is a direct broadside shot. This puts the deer’s whole body in front of you, and gives you a clean shot into the vitals of the deer. A quartering away shot is also a good shot to take. A quartering away shot will expose a good portion of the deer’s vitals.

For this particular shot you would aim a bit farther back on the rib cage that is facing you. Correct shot placement would have you hitting at least both lungs which would result in the deer falling fairly close to where the shot was taken.

From what you described, the shot most likely hit a leg bone and caused some soft tissue damage resulting in blood loss.

I would like to make a suggestion. Only take broadside shots at deer. Your chance of hitting the vitals is much greater and you will be able to follow the blood trail to the deer.

If a deer doesn’t present itself for a good broadside shot, wait until it does.

If it doesn’t present a broadside shot at all, let it walk.

Allowing a deer to walk away for another day is better than having a wounded one running around or worse yet a wounded deer running off and dying later.

Marty Prokop
www.Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

November 15, 2007

How to Attract Big Bucks

Here is a nice picture of a big buck I recently attracted onto my deer hunting land.

Here is an email I just received from a www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com reader asking how to do the same with his deer hunting land.

Marty Prokop,

I am getting so frustrated. I enjoy your tips each week and don't know if you respond to e-mail or not, especially on November 13th!

I usually consider Nov. 6 - 14 the peak of rut in Ohio, but I haven't seen the big bucks or the chasing this year. I am open to some tips on how to get deer under my stand.

I hunt in a small yard which borders thousands of acres in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreational Park. I see many deer in the woods, and many come under my stands, but I can't get the big ones off of their trails, 50-75 yards into the park. I have bow hunted here for 6 previous and have taken 13 deer and passed on multiple deer a year.

I have harvested 2 bucks, one a 7 - pointer scoring in the 100 - 115 inch range. I have seen the 120 to 150 class bucks, but can't get them to cross onto my legal shooting area. The park rangers know me and are very nice and always allow me to track the deer all over the park after shooting them.

I just purchased a Matthews Switchback and can group arrows better than ever, golf ball from 20, softball from 30 and football from 40, which I could never do with my Browning Mantis. Just after purchasing the bow last January, I shot a doe from 40 yards right at dark through the heart, so my confidence level is high if I can just get those bucks my way.

I grunt, wheeze, rattle, and use Tinks™ 69 over mock scrapes. I haven't invested in a motion camera, but I did stoop to buying some stuff called C'mere Deer a week ago and watched a spike eat it at 15 yards.

Help, I really want a Pope and Young, Ohio Big Buck, or a B & C deer-120, 140, or 150.

Thanks,

Desperate Don

Don,

Thanks for your comment and questions.

I feel your frustration. Last deer season was similar for me. I needed to get those big bucks onto my deer hunting land, then do what it took to hold them there.

Do you own the land you are hunting on? Or, do you hunt land with permission from a landowner?

The reason I ask is this, to get big bucks to want to leave the safety of the park, you need to attract more does to your side of the fence. During the rut big bucks will spend their days and nights chasing does. If you can hold a few more does on your deer hunting land, odds are you will attract bucks.

I planted food plots to get more does onto my deer hunting land. The deer food plots are strategically placed near water and bedding areas. On any given day I see fifteen to twenty does grazing. When the rut is on, I see four to five nice bucks tending the does.

A good food source that attracted more does was key for me seeing and holding more bucks. Since you are facing winter in your location, food plots will be an answer for you next year.

For the remainder of your deer hunting season try the following suggestions.

First, start using dominant buck urine along with a doe in estrus deer scent. Buck Bomb™ is a great choice for filling an area with deer scent without spreading too much human odor. Once you activate the Buck Bomb™ climb into your deer hunting treestand and the wind will spread the deer scent for you.

Try using two deer decoys, one buck and one doe. Place dominant buck urine on and around the buck decoy and doe in estrus deer scent on and around the doe decoy. This will make it seem a buck has moved in on a hot doe in another buck's territory.

With your deer decoys in place, call and rattle to entice a buck to come in to investigate. A deer call to try is The Can by Primos. This call imitates doe bleats made by a doe in estrus. When combined with the grunt and rattle calls, the scenario of two bucks fighting over a hot doe becomes more effective.

Before placing a decoys be sure to check your local deer hunting regulations for legality.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

October 21, 2007

How to Call Deer

Below, Terry asks a great question concerning the True Talker Deer Call.

How can a deer hunter reproduce the sound of the fawn bleat during deer season to attract does?

You can read my answer under Terry's comment.

Marty Prokop

Marty,

Someone gave me a true talker deer call. I have never used a call before and would love to try it. I have read that you can call in does with a fawn bleat. How do you make that sound? I hunt in an earn-a-buck unit so I need to harvest a doe. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Terry

Terry,

The Hunter’s Specialties True Talker is a great call. I personally use one each year and have had great success.

The True Talker has four bands over the top of the reed. Depressing each band will produce different deer vocalizations. You can also vary pitch and tone, and alter the volume, rhythm and inflection when calling. The True Talker's four memory bands allow the caller to quickly find the desired tone.

The Bleat is the fawn version of the bawl, it is given by the fawn when it wants urgent attention, is hungry, or wants care, and may be heard as far as 100 yards away with the human ear.

The Bawl is an intense call used by deer in distress, often when caught by a predator or trapped. The sound is a loud baa. Does often respond to the call by running in, presumably out of maternal instinct.

The pitch of the fawn bleat is low-medium-low. The tone is low-medium, and the volume of a fawn bleat is low-moderate.

The Mew is used by the fawn when it wants attention, or is given in response to the maternal grunt of the doe. The mew sounds much like it is spelled. The pitch of the sound is low-high-low and lasts about 20 to 30 seconds in length. Both tone and volume of this call are low.

If you have the chance to go into your local sporting goods store before your season begins, look for a deer vocalization tape or cd. Listen to the tape and try to duplicate the sounds with your True Talker.

Practice as much as you can before you head out into your deer hunting woods. When deer season opens you will be calling like a pro.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

www.Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (4)

October 18, 2007

How to Stalk Deer While Deer Hunting

Below is a great question I received from Dakota regarding How to Stalk a big Mule Deer Buck.

You can read my answer below Dakota's question.

Marty

Hey Marty,

I started bow hunting and im trying to get my first ever mule deer buck.

Can you give me tips an stalking up on mule deer?

I was stalking up on this mature buck but it heard me.

Dakota

Dakota,

Thanks for your email. Congratulations on becoming a bow hunter. The thrill and excitement of taking a deer with a bow is often greater than that of harvesting one with a rifle.

Taking on the challenge of stalking a deer adds to the excitement. You are putting your wits against those of big buck, a master at survival.

Stalking a mule deer with a bow is a great challenge. Mule deer are notorious for being spooked very easily.

It is not surprising the mule deer heard you. His ears are a bit larger than a whitetail deer and a mule deer is often more alert. That being said it is not impossible to stalk a mule deer.

Tips for stalking a muley are very similar to those used to stalk a big whitetail buck.

1.) Plan the stalk before you move. Look at all possible paths you can take for getting into bow range before you take the first step forward. Having a plan will keep you focused and prevent errors.

2.) When stalking deer keep the wind in your face. This keeps your scent from blowing in his direction.

3.) Stay low to the ground. Sometimes it is necessary to belly-crawl to get into range.

4.) Make small, almost non-noticeable, movements. When stalking deer, slow and steady will get you a lot closer for a shot. Quick movements will alert a deer to danger every time. I was stalking a nice doe one afternoon and it took me one hour to move 25 yards.

5.) Use the surrounding terrain to help conceal you. If there are rocks, trees or tall grasses between you and the buck, keep the objects between you and the mule deer buck.

6.) If the big buck lifts his head while you are moving forward, STOP. When his head is up he is scanning the area for anything that resembles danger. If the big buck senses danger, he will bolt.

As with anything perfect practice makes perfect. Notice I said perfect practice. Practice your stalking movements as often as you can. It may feel awkward crawling around in your back yard, but the more you practice the more natural it will become when you are out deer hunting.

Stalking any game animal is a challenge but can be done successfully as long as you are patient.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

September 17, 2007

Choosing the Right Deer Cover Scent

Below is a comment I received from Marcel about a prior blog post talking about preparing his clothes for deer hunting season. You can read his first question at http://www.marty-prokop.com/archives/2007/09/how_to_prepare.html#comments

You can read my response to Marcel's new questions below.

Marty,

Thank you for your answers.

One more question.

I bought a spray bottle of human scent eliminator should I still wash the hunting clothes with baking soda? And is that scent any good?

I also bought a corn scent foam ,same thing, there is no farm or corn where I hunt . Do you think if I spray some by the tree stand 3 weeks before hunting season it would work?

I also bought a bag of food called beef mash . Is it good to put some around the tree stand ?

Thanks again,

Marcel Mclaughlin

Marcel,

Thanks for your questions.

Yes, wash your clothes with baking soda. It is by far the least expensive treatment you can do for taking smells out of your hunting clothing.

Human scent eliminator sprays will help cover your human scent. Are they 100% effective? In my opinion, no.

However they do help. There should be no real scent to the spray. If you are smelling something in the scent eliminator, then the deer will be able to smell that too.

Using cover or attractant scents that are not native to the area you hunt can be touchy. Deer are curious by nature, so they may come in and check out a new smell. But on the flip side, they may steer clear of the area too. Do you have corn fields nearby your hunting location say within one to two miles? If so, deer may be used to the smell of corn and won’t be alarmed.

As far as the beef mash is concerned, I’ve not used any such product to attract deer. You had mentioned a while back you placed some near the creek at your home and the deer ate it. If you are hunting that same group of deer, it may work fine.

If you can test the beef mash on a small scale by pacing some about 100 yards or so from your stand give it a try. After you place the beef mash, let it sit for a couple days before you recheck it. When you go back to check and the beef mash is eaten, then I would say you are fine to place it near your stand.

Before you place any bait or food out for deer, make sure you check your local rules and hunting regulations.

Have you ever tried making a deer mineral lick by your deer stand? Deer will visit them year round. There are a few companies that offer deer minerals and they are easy to establish. If this is something of interest to you, let me know.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

September 7, 2007

How to Prepare Your Deer Hunting Clothes for Deer Hunting

Preparing your hunting clothes has been a heated topic of debate for many years.

Should a deer hunter wash his/her clothes in expensive UV inhibitor detergents and no scent soaps?

Does it matter if a deer hunter, after washing his/her clothes, dries the clothing in their home dryer or should you hang your deer hunting clothing outside to air dry?

Once dry, should you place your deer hunting clothes in a vacuum sealed bag?

In my never ending quest to find out what works best for every deer hunter I tested many different ways to clean my deer hunting clothes and store them for my next hunt.

I will share my tips for preparing your deer hunting clothes in an upcoming newsletter.

Here is what Fred Vorrasi of upstate New York does for his deer hunting clothes every year. It works for him. He always gets his deer.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Preparing Your Camouflage Deer Hunting Clothing by Fred Vorrasi

I personally get all my camo deer hunting clothes out around mid August and make sure it fits. I suggest you do the same. This will allow you enough time prior to your bow season opener to buy new clothes if need be.

Once you have determined your deer hunting clothes fit, here are 9 steps to prepare your clothes for deer hunting.

Set your wash machine to its large load setting.
Set wash cycle for COLD water wash and rinse.
Fill wash machine with your deer hunting clothes.
Add two cups of baking soda only and start wash cycle. Do not add any other detergents.
When the wash cycle has completed, find a shaded area out side to hang a clothes line.
Be careful that the area you hang the clothes is away from odors such as grills, car exhaust, pet odors, or chemical sprays.
Hang your clothes outside, out of direct sunlight, for one to three weeks until dry.
After your clothes have dried outside, place into a thick clear plastic bag containing one to two pine branches, or two apples cut in five to six pieces.
Seal the bag with a twist tie or if the bag is so equipped, with its zip top type closure.

Placing pine branches or cut apples in the bag will omit a natural odor to your clothing. When you open the bag for the first time after sealing it you can smell that your clothing has been naturally scented.

Through out the season keep placing your clothing in the bag when not in use and place new pine branches or apples every other week. Changing the branches or apples regularly insures the scent on your clothing is strong.

This really works, I bow hunt in NY state hard woods and pine forests and have had great success.

Good luck hunting.

Frontier Fred.

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (2)

May 16, 2007

Venison Jerky Recipes

Below is a question I received from Jack in Ohio.

marty,

can you educate me on making deer jerky at home?

Thanks, Jack Withers Sunbury, ohio

Jack,

Thanks for your question on making venison jerky.

I have posted two great venison jerky recipes on www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com complete with detailed instructons. Just click the link below to read the article "How to Make the Best Tasting Venison Jerky'

http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com/articles/best_tasting_venison_jerky.htm

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (2)

May 14, 2007

How to Make Deer Hunting and Fishing Your Carrer

Mr. Marty Prokop, in your opinion, what is the best thing someone wanting to make a career out of hunting and or fishing can do, considering the fact that school doesn’t have a whole lot to do about either one?

I used to be into hunting and fishing big time, but this past season I was really discouraged when the season ended and I hadn’t made any kills.

I'm only 16, but I'm really beginning to wonder what to learn in school that will help me with hunting and or fishing. If you have any advice or suggestions, please feel free to speak. I am really wondering.

Matt

Matt,

Thanks for your email. Congratulations upon becoming part of the Free Deer Hunting Tips Community.

You have listed some very good questions. Here are my comments.

I felt the same way about schooling, hunting and fishing when I was attending high school. And, looking back on my school years, I can now see many opportunities available to me that I didn’t realize at the time.

First of all is learning persistence and awareness.

I made the decision early on that no matter what the result (the harvest, fish caught, deer taken) of my time outdoors, I would be happy for every minute. I would be outdoors just to be outdoors. I became aware of how grateful I was to be given opportunities outdoors (even if this meant cleaning the barn or tilling the garden).

When hunting or fishing trips did not turn out as planned I started to look around at my skills (or lack at the time) and my surroundings to see if I could find clues as to what could be improved.

When hunting or fishing trips went well, guess what I did?

I did more than celebrate.

I started to look at my skills (or changes I made) and my surroundings to see if I could find clues as to what I wanted to keep doing.

I kept notes of these (yes, written notes). These became the foundation for being able to help others.

School will teach you persistence — as you complete those classes you may find boring (I had them too).

You can also look at each class or study asking yourself, “How can this help me become what I want?” This is awareness. You’d be amazed that just about every class can help teach you at least a nugget that might be helpful later on.

Persistence and awareness are great skills to acquire if you are interested in being a guide, wild life tracker, wild life biologist, wildlife author/writer, outdoor trainer or succeed in many other outdoor fields.

When You Can’t Get Outdoors

Learn all you can about wildlife by reading books and watching videos concerning fish and wildlife habits.

If your school library is limited as to what can be found, go to your public library and pick up as many books as you are able to read.

And keep reading the Free Deer Hunting Tips newsletter that you get free as a subscriber.

You can also write for this blog by just writing…yes, we would love for you to contribute your questions, stories, comments and ideas. This could be a great start for you in the outdoors field.

Outdoor Careers

As far as making a career out of hunting and fishing you may have some options in higher education courses. Those that come to mind are Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Manager, Sporting Goods Spokesperson, Sporting Goods Store Owner, Wildlife Author/Writer, Wildlife Expert, Wildlife Speaker, Taxidermist, Professional Guide, Soil Conservation, Game Warden, your local Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game Department.

Courses to consider would include math, reading, writing, business management, business marketing, wildlife biology and perhaps fisheries biology.

There are a few private courses offered for becoming a professional guide and/or a taxidermist.

Any of the above could be good options to working in the fishing and hunting fields.

Slow Season

Matt, I hear you 100% about the season. It can be frustrating to not fill your deer tag. One of the best ways to increase your odds of filling your deer tag is to increase the amount of time you are out deer hunting.

When deer hunting season arrives, being in school during the days can be tough. Stay in class, study diligently and get as much homework done at school. When school lets out for the day, hurry home get your hunting gear and head to the woods, if your parents allow.

As a young man, I used to hunt the firearm season only. After my first two years of not filling my deer tag, I picked up a second-hand bow. And after becoming very good at shooting a bow and arrow, I began to deer hunt archery season in addition to firearm deer hunting season.

Doing this could do two things for you.

It will get you out in the woods more, which could increase your chances of a big buck walking in front of you.

Secondly, as you are out in the woods, you will be learning deer behavior taught by the best teachers in the world…deer.

Use the information you acquire while out in the woods to help you pattern deer. Watch where deer come out of the woods and locate their main trails. If you notice deer coming out 100 yards away from your deer hunting tree stand, move your tree stand.

Pay attention to wind direction and deer movement. Deer will use certain trails when the wind blows from the north, south, east and west. Keep notes of which trails deer use and the wind direction each day. Before you head out to hunt, listen to the weather to see what the wind is doing that day. Choose a tree stand site that will have the wind in your face.

Another great way to learn deer habits and patterns is to go small game hunting after deer season ends. You will be out hunting, whether it is rabbits or squirrels, and you can also be out scouting for next deer season.

Rabbits and squirrels live in the same area you will be deer hunting. Follow deer trails into the woods. See where the trails lead to and from.

Big bucks have a home range or core area they spend most of their time in. If you locate a buck’s home range while small game hunting, you have just found a great place to hang a deer hunting tree stand.

Nothing beats time spent in the woods learning from the master teachers…the deer themselves.

Do not to get discouraged when you are out hunting and you don’t fill a tag. Sometimes just the excitement of seeing deer makes the experience worthwhile. Think of yourself as a student of the whitetail, as famed deer hunter Barry Wensel teaches.

In regards to making hunting and fishing a career, discovering what you love to do and choosing it as your career makes great sense. It also makes a life great. You can do it. I believe in you.

Keep me posted as to what you decide.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

May 11, 2007

Best Deer Hunting Guns for Beginners

What is the best deer hunting gun for beginners???

Zach

Zach,

Thanks for your great question.

Here are three factors to consider when choosing the best deer hunting gun:

Deer Hunting Gun Factor #1

One of the first is what your current deer hunting regulations allow in your deer hunting area. In your deer hunting area, does your state allow you to deer hunt with a rifle or do you need to use a deer hunting shotgun?

Deer Hunting Gun Factor #2

Another factor to consider is what part of the country you are deer hunting. Are you hunting in a thick, wooded environment? Or are you hunting in open grasslands?

Deer Hunting Gun Factor #3

Do you want to use your deer hunting gun for other game or is it strictly for deer hunting?

Thick Forest Deer Hunting Guns for Beginners

I first began deer hunting at 14 years old. I was hunting in thick forest. My first deer hunting rifle was a Model 94 Winchester 30/30.

I love the 30/30 cartridge but do not recommend a lever action for beginning hunters.

The recoil from the 30/30 cartridge is almost non-existent; it works great for short range shots in the deer hunting woods. Overall, the 30/30 is a great caliber deer hunting rifle for deer hunters, whether deer hunting veterans or beginners.

The Model 94 is a lever action gun. This means to shoot the next bullet, you move the lever down and up to transfer the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber where it can be fired.

The problem is the safety is off when you cycle a cartridge into the chamber. The gun is in immediate fire mode. This is dangerous.

I do not recommend a lever action gun for beginners, because placing a lever action into safety mode can be a challenge.

When I was a kid, to make sure I mastered the safety of my lever action, I practiced 100 times every day for six months putting the safety on and off with my gun empty. Most people will not do this.

Therefore, I recommend a bolt action, slide action or pump with a cross block safety or button safety. With this type of gun you can place a cartridge into the chamber with the gun remaining on safety.

But what about semi-automatic deer hunting rifles?

Semi-automatics are also great deer hunting guns. However, for the beginner, having a bolt action or pump may increase concentration, shot placement and the importance of making the first shot count.

A semi-automatic can be a great deer hunting gun if you are going to use conscious self-discipline to make your first shot count, rather than figure you have multiple shots so you don’t have to master your deer hunting aim.

Open Country Deer Hunting Gun for Beginners

If the area you plan to deer hunt consists of mostly open grassland and your average shot at deer is 100 yards or more, you will want to choose a long-range, flat-shooting deer rifle.

A good, open country deer rifle is the .243. The .243 has relatively light recoil and, with practice, is a good, long-range shooter. It is powerful enough for white tail deer, wild hogs and coyotes.

Just like the thick forest guns, for the beginners, I suggest a pump or bolt action with a cross block safety or button safety.

Deer Hunting Shotguns

Some states or even counties within states require deer hunters to use only shotguns for deer hunting.

Shotguns are great first guns for young hunters. You can deer hunt with a shotgun, and you can also use it for other hunting seasons your state may offer, such as small game and waterfowl seasons.

This is really important if you are on a tight budget. Here’s why…

You can purchase a good shotgun and buy a rifled slug barrel to convert it to a deer hunting shotgun. This can save you $500 to $600 for a deer hunting rifle, because a good shotgun can be a great deer hunting gun.

I’ve taken a number of deer with my 12-gauge shotgun.

By using one gun for multiple species, you will become accustomed to handling the gun. Your hunting skills confidence will increase.

For a beginner, I suggest a 20 gauge shotgun. A 20 gauge shotgun will have moderate recoil, and the overall weight of the gun is manageable for all day hunts.

Shotgun slugs are very reasonably priced; so you won’t spend a fortune on ammunition.

As with any firearm, it is best to practice at the gun range long before you head into the deer hunting woods.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (2)

April 30, 2007

From No Bucks to Monster Bucks

Marty,

I deer hunt with a party of six.

Before I came into the picture 7 years ago, the guys had the theory "if it's brown, it's down".

It didn't matter what size the buck was they saw, they would still shoot it.

Almost 10 years ago there was a buck that all the guys wanted. They named him the “Oh Shit Buck.”

This buck was a monster and extremely smart. He was always one step ahead of us hunters.

Every time one of us saw him we simply said, “Oh shit” as we watched from the distance.

This buck was so smart he didn't die by a hunter’s gun; rather, he died from old age.

Thankfully, before he died, the old buck produced a few monster buck offspring.

But, unfortunately, the deer he had sired have all been taken, by not just our group of deer hunters, but other deer hunters in the area.

Now 2007, we rarely see any bucks with any kind of rack, and as a result we all hunt the does.

I will spread the word to the hunters in my party and around our hunting area about Quality Deer Management. If we all practice good Quality Deer Management, maybe in a few years, we can get some good bucks back.

Now, since I am still learning about deer hunting, how can I tell the age of a deer while I am sitting in my deer hunting tree stand?

Thanks!

Alyssa

Alyssa,

Thanks for your comment. I totally understand not seeing any nice bucks due to too much deer hunting pressure and not enough Quality Deer Management.

When I purchased my deer hunting land here in northern Wisconsin, my deer hunting experience was much like what you shared. I would see countless does during deer hunting season and few, if any, bucks.

My second year deer hunting here, I learned the reason why I was seeing so few bucks.

The properties surrounding my own deer hunting land had huge groups of deer hunters.

I spoke with a few of the deer hunters from those groups. The deer hunters said they were deer hunting for any deer with a legal rack. It was in those conversations where I learned why I was not seeing any big bucks, or even small bucks, on my deer hunting land. The bucks were being harvested before they could cross the fence lines.

From No Bucks to Monster Bucks by Marty Prokop

I wanted to see the number of and size bucks increase in my deer hunting area; not only for me, but for all the deer hunters on surrounding properties also.

I began sharing my thoughts of how to increase the numbers and sizes of the bucks in our deer hunting area.

I developed a friendship with some neighbors and told them my plans of wanting to start Quality Deer Management here on my deer hunting land. We talked about how, decades ago when they were kids, there were so many more large bucks. They wanted to see those big, beautiful, breath-taking bucks again.

We knew the gene pool existed in the does who were the offspring of the monster bucks. We hoped if the pressure was off the bucks, we might be able to help bring monster bucks back to our deer hunting area.

How Quick Monster Bucks Came Back by Marty Prokop

Even though my deer hunting land appeared to have little or no large bucks in 2003, after just one and a half years of Quality Deer Management, I started seeing more bucks by 2005.

Although the 2006 season was slow for seeing a decent number of bucks during deer hunting season, I photographed a good number of individual bucks prior to deer hunting opener.

After deer hunting season, in the winter of 2006 through spring thaw of 2007, I counted fifteen individual bucks one night on my deer hunting land. That’s ONE NIGHT!

I had bucks with racks ranging from spikes, forks, six-pointers, eight pointers and two really nice 10-point bucks.

Marty Prokop says, “Quality Deer Management Really Works!”

Share your plans of wanting to start a Quality Deer Management program with other deer hunters and with your own deer hunting party. You could see an increase in numbers and sizes of future deer.

How to Judge a Deer’s Age in the Field by Marty Prokop

In my opinion, it is best to let the younger bucks grow until they reach full maturity.

Judging how old a deer in the wild is can be tough. It can become increasingly difficult when coupled with the sheer excitement and adrenaline rush experienced when you see a buck while deer hunting.

One of the best ways to be able to judge a deer’s age is to study as many deer as you can.

Look through the Deer Cam Pictures at www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com. Study pictures of deer. Watch deer hunting videos. These are great ways to learn differences between mature deer and young deer.

The easiest way to judge deer age is by the overall size. Most generally, a spike buck or fork-horn buck is probably sporting his first set of antlers. This usually happens when the buck reaches 1½ years.

But judging by antler size alone is not always accurate. Antler growth depends on many factors. Age, genetics, nutrition and stress all play key roles in antler development.

Marty Prokop Reveals a Simple Measurement to Help Age a Deer

Here is one of the best tools I use to age a deer in the field.

I focus on a simple measurement beginning at the inside corner of a deer’s eye and running to the tip of its nose.

A mature deer’s head, be it a buck or a doe, will be considerably larger than a young deer’s head.

Generally, mature deer will measure between six and seven inches in length from the inside corner of the deer’s eye to the tip of the deer’s nose.

You may ask, “How can I measure the length of a live deer standing in front of my deer hunting tree stand?”

Marty Prokop Shows…Become a Master of How to Age a Deer

Try this tip to help you better judge the size of a deer standing in front of you.

Find a life size photograph of a mature deer’s head. You could do this by measuring the deer from inside corner of the eye to the top of the nose. It should measure six to seven inches.

Take this photograph to the gun range or you can do this in your yard at your home.

Place the life-size picture of the deer head at different ranges. Look at the life-size photograph through your deer hunting gun scope or binoculars.

Pay attention to how the corner of the deer’s eye and the tip of its nose fill your lens. Make a mental note of what this looks like.

The next time you are out in your deer hunting tree stand and a deer walks in front of you, remember what you saw looking through your deer hunting gun scope or binoculars when you were viewing the photograph.

This has helped me target only the mature animals here on my deer hunting land.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

April 29, 2007

How To Attract Deer Using Food Plots

Marty,

Can you tell me how to get the deer to cross the brook at my place?

The brook is 200 feet from the house, there are deer tracks and deer droppings everywhere, but they don’t want to cross the brook.

The brook is, in some places, 20 feet wide and the water is only 12 inches deep.

I don’t want to hunt them; I just want them around the house.

One of my brothers lives six houses from me and across the road.

He also has a brook. Another brother lives across the road from me.

They both have deer on their land. They each own 2 acres. The brother who lives six houses from me has deer eating right by his door steps.

Last week I went to buy a salt lick, oat seed, alfalfa seed and beef mash Atlantic deer food.

I walked across the brook and laid little piles of beef mash food in a little trail back on my land. Then put about one gallon of beef mash in one pile on my side of the brook.

So far the deer have not crossed the brook.

I have to wait for warmer weather to seed the oats and alfalfa.

For two weeks I called three to four times a day with a lost fawn deer call trying to entice the deer to come in. The deer still do not come in.

What am I doing wrong?

We did not have any snow on the ground for two weeks. The weather was actually nice.

Two days ago we had six-inches of fresh snow.

Last night I went for a walk across the brook for about a half mile and did not see a single deer track. What is up with that?

Thanks.

Marcel

Marcel,

Getting deer to do something they normally would not do can be difficult.

I think you are on the right track using corn to attract them. Also, putting in small food plots on your side of the brook may help the deer decide to cross the brook.

Food plots will work exceptionally well when the deer’s normal food sources are low. For example, a drought period causing the normal grasses and forage deer usually eat to dry and not grow, will force deer to seek out different food sources.

In the summer and early fall, deer prefer to eat green vegetation as it is usually high in protein and other nutrients deer need. This is where your food plot comes to play.

If your area experiences drought, make sure you water the food plot regularly. This will keep the oats and alfalfa green and lush. Seeing the green vegetation, deer may decide to cross onto your side of the brook.

With any food plot, it is also important to keep the protein level as high as possible by regularly mowing the food plot.

Every six to eight weeks mow the food plot to a height of four inches. This is especially important with alfalfa and clovers. Mowing keeps the stems smaller and promotes thicker growth of the plants.

Deer generally do not eat the stems of oat plants. The exception to this is when the oats are still very young and range in size from 1 inch shoots to six inch tall plants. If the oats are allowed to grow to full maturity, the plants will dry and brown. Deer love the dried oats and will clean the oats off the stems.

Food Plot Secret

Here is what I would do in your situation. It is a secret to help steer deer to a specific location using a food plot.

Plant a food plot in the shape of a funnel. The food plot edge that is closest to the brook will become the narrow end of the funnel, or point. As you move back closer to your house, the funnel shape will widen.

Once deer cross and begin feeding at the point end of your funnel they will, in most cases, follow the funnel back and feed in the wider section.

Deer Patterns Change with the Seasons

One possible reason you are not seeing deer tracks now is that the deer in your area may be moving into their spring/summer patterns.

I have watched deer on my deer hunting land. They have different areas for each season.

In the spring of the year, deer on my deer hunting land seek the thick undergrowth near swamps.

As summer heat increases, deer will search for the coolest part of the forest to escape the heat. This area is usually near a good water source.

In the early fall I see deer frequenting the wood edges and more open terrain. Their bedding areas are closer to good food sources this time of the year.

In winter months deer seek yarding areas. A yarding area is a place where many deer congregate at one time.

Yarding areas are usually found in very dense forest or areas offering deer protection from winter winds. Often times, yarding areas are close to good winter food sources.

Although deer patterns change with the seasons, the areas deer occupy year long may overlap. The main difference is that the areas deer bed and spend the majority of their time will be different with each season.

Calling Deer

Calling deer too much or with calls which are “out of season” may confuse the deer.

You’ve called in early spring with a lost fawn call. In early spring, does are pregnant and her fawns from last spring are nearly grown.

As does become closer to having their new fawns, usually end of May to mid-June, they seek thickets or heathers to deliver. As delivery time grows closer, does will also chase their year old fawns away.

It could be does are not responding to the lost fawn call because they are actually kicking their last year fawns away to give birth shortly.

I think you are moving in the right direction to get the deer to cross your brook. Using corn and food plots is a great idea. For now while does are delivering, put your deer calls away.

After you start seeing newborn fawns, try to use the lost fawn bleat again. You may get a more positive reaction from the deer in your area.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (2)

February 27, 2007

Following a Deer Trail...How Far Should You Go?

I read in a book that a person should follow a deer trail both ways to determine where the deer are coming from and where they are going to.
I would like to know how far a person should walk before turning around, especially a person like me who gets lost easily.

ML

Thanks for the great question.

I agree. A deer hunter could choose to follow a deer trail in both directions to see where the trail leads to and from.

How far to travel will depend on what you see while following the deer trail.

I personally like to follow the trails until I find one of three things; a bedding area, a food source or a watering hole.

If, while I am walking, I find the trail leads to a bedding area I stop and turn around. Rarely will I go into where the deer may be bedding. I simply do not want to disturb the area. The only time I will enter the bedding areas is if I have a wounded deer that went into one.

If I find the deer trail leads to a food source or food plot, I will look over the area to see if there is a good place to set up a deer hunting tree stand or ground blind overlooking the food source.

If I come across a watering hole on the trail I will look to see how heavy the deer traffic is around the water source. If deer sign is heavy, I will look to see if there is a place to hang a deer hunting tree stand over looking the water hole.

Often times you may find that a trail leads to food or water in one direction and to a bedding area in the other direction. A great place to put a deer hunting tree stand is half way between a bedding area and a food or water source.

As the deer gets up from the bedding area it will move to either feed or drink. You will have your deer hunting tree stand set up to intercept the deer.

Avoid Getting Lost

Getting lost in the woods is never fun. A GPS is a great tool to help you find your way back out of the woods. They are a bit expensive, but they work very well.

An inexpensive way to keep from getting lost while you are walking deer trails is to purchase a roll of plastic marking ribbon. Each roll costs around two bucks. The ribbon comes in many bright colors and each roll is about 100 feet in length.

When you start to follow a deer trail, tear off a piece of marking ribbon and tie it around a tree. Every 20 feet or so tear off another piece of ribbon and tie it to another tree. Mark your way as you follow the trail. Follow the ribbons back out of the woods.

Knowing where the deer are going to and from could help you bag a big buck.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you come across a deer trail you want to follow.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (4)

February 22, 2007

Which Way do Deer Travel?

I recently received this question from one the members of the www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com community. If you would like to have your questions answered, make sure to go to the questions and comments link below this post.

After typing your question, hit submit and your question will be sent to my inbox. I answer all questions that come to me and will post them to the internet within 48 hours.

Marty,
Something I never pay attention to is, does a deer travel in the morning from north to south or south to north or do they just travel any direction?

This is a great question.

Whether during the morning, noon or night…most often, deer travel with the wind blowing in their faces or simply “into the wind.”

The reason deer do this is so they can “wind” or smell everything ahead. This allows deer to avoid dangerous situations.

Although deer prefer to travel with the wind in their faces, on occasion deer will travel with cross winds, which blow from one side to another. The currents from cross winds will still alert deer to any dangers from left or right.

But, I have seen deer travel with the wind at their backs for a couple of reasons.

It can happen when they are being pursued.

Plus, on my deer hunting land, I have watched deer run to food plots with the wind at their backs. This is usually for very short distances. And, as soon as they hit the field, they immediately turn their noses back into the wind.

Next time you notice deer running north or south (or any direction) when you are out deer hunting, see which way the wind is blowing. It’s likely the deer is heading into the wind.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 18, 2007

Can Reading a Book While Deer Hunting Spook Deer?

Marty,
What is your opinion of reading in the treestand or woods while deer hunting ? I myself find it relaxing.

Thanks,

Marcel

Marcel,

Reading in the woods is a matter of personal preference for each hunter.

I personally choose not to read while I am in the deer hunting woods.

All of my attention goes to watching and listening to every noise and movement.

I want to make sure I can get my bow or rifle up and be ready when a shot presents itself.

If I had a book in my hands I do not feel I would be able to put the book down fast enough to raise my bow or rifle.

Keep in mind most book covers have a glossy coating. If the sun hits the cover at the right angle it could produce a flash similar to shining light on a mirror or lens. If an approaching deer sees sun bouncing off the book cover it could bolt before you get a clean shot.

Most book pages are white, a danger color for deer. Turning pages could flash enough white to alert deer of your presence. A deer seeing a flash from the white pages may associate this with danger and run before you can shoot.

One could eliminate the problem of the sun bouncing off a cover or the white pages alerting a deer if they hunt from an enclosed blind.

I know you, Marcel, hunt from an enclosed deer hunting tree stand, so the sun’s reflection off a book cover or the flash from white pages may not spook deer while you are deer hunting. I am sure you will be fine reading books while in your tree stand. But, if you hunt on the ground, I would shy away from reading a book.

To see a picture of Marcel’s deer hunting tree stand read the November 1, 2006 blog post.

Reading while you are out deer hunting can be an enjoyable and relaxing activity while you sit and wait for a big buck to appear. As long as the deer doesn’t see flashes from white pages or a reflection on the book’s cover you could still get your deer.

It is purely the hunter’s choice whether to carry a book to his stand or not.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 14, 2007

If Hunting Over a Scrape, What Deer Scent Should I Use?

Below is a question I received from Andy after he read his Free Deer Hunitng Tips newsletter called Get More Results from Your Deer Scent. Thanks for the question Andy.

What deer scent do you use when hunting over scrapes?
Andy

Andy,

Thanks for your email.

I recently answered this question on the www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com blog at www.marty-prokop.com.

Most generally, scrapes start popping up about a week before the main rut begins. A buck will revisit the scrape all the way through the rut.

The main thing a big buck is looking for is a doe in estrus. But, a big buck will also be checking to see if another buck is in his territory. This being the case, I use two types of scents when deer hunting near a scrape.

I use doe in estrus scent, also called doe-in-heat scent, and I use dominant buck urine.

I place one scent wick with dominant buck urine and one scent wick with doe estrus over the scrape. If possible hang the dominant buck scent wick right on the licking branch. Hang the doe estrus scent wick so it can drip into the scrape.

Any buck coming to visit the scrape will smell the doe in estrus scent and the dominant buck scent. The visiting buck will rework the scrape and start looking for the other buck to chase out. If you have positioned your deer hunting tree stand in the right place, you could get a great shot at the buck while he reworks the scrape.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 11, 2007

A Question of Human Scent and Human Urine While Deer Hunting

Marty,
Is it a good idea to urinate in a deer scrape?

If I hunt where there is a pool of water or brook, I usually urinate in spurts to make it sound like a deer urinating. Do I do that for nothing?

I have heard a lot of stuff from the old hunters. I don’t want to teach any body the wrong thing. It is hard enough to get a deer and I don’t want to do anything to scare them way for any reason.

Thanks,

Marcel

Marcel,

The subject of urinating by or not near your deer hunting tree stand has been a deer hunting topic debated for years.

Decades ago when I started deer hunting, I was taught to never urinate by my deer hunting tree stand or anywhere near my deer hunting area. As a result, I always carried an empty soda bottle and used it. If I forgot my bottle, I would walk a half mile or so, relieve myself, and head back to my deer hunting tree stand.

Sometimes the bottle posed a challenge of its own. On a cold day, hitting a small target while bundled up in my deer hunting clothing didn’t always work so well. (LOL) Unfortunately, there were times I just plain missed and ended up wearing some urine on my deer hunting clothes anyway.

If I forgot the bottle and walked a good distance away from my tree stand to relieve myself, it seemed I was consistently jumping deer on my way back to my deer hunting tree stand. Usually the deer were only a few feet from my tree stand.

Since I couldn’t go an entire day without relief, I began to search for the answer.

Over the years I have read countless stories on whether or not to urinate by a deer hunting tree stand. Many articles stated human urine does not affect deer behavior. I’ve also read a few that still touted never to pee by your deer hunting tree stand.

So, of course, while deer hunting I had to try my own experiments. Here’s what I’ve found from personal experience.

I tested different scenarios:

1) Climbing down from my deer hunting tree stand and peeing at the tree’s base
2) Walking a short distance from my tree stand and relieving myself
3) Urinating right off my deer hunting tree stand platform

The results were really shocking.

When I climbed down from my deer hunting tree stand and either walked a short distance away or peed at the tree’s base, I saw fewer deer. On the days when I relieved myself from the deer hunting treestand platform I saw more deer.

Interestingly enough, no matter where I relieved myself, I found deer tracks on or near the pee.

I believe on the days I was climbing in and out of my stand to go, my movements, not the smell of the urine, is what kept the deer from coming in.

As far as urinating on a deer scrape, I personally have not tried that one. I read one guy has tried this. He even went as far as to create a mock scrape using only human urine. He claims to have photographed more deer on that scrape than ones created by deer themselves.

In regards to peeing in spurts in a stream to sound like a deer, I would get it done quickly and get back to hunting. I’ve found the deer are more spooked by extra movement than attracted or spooked by human urine.

Good Luck and Great Hunting

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 9, 2007

Choosing the Best Hunting Location

Marty,
When a person is checking around to see if it’s a good place to put a treestand, and see no big heavy trails, just droppings, is this a good place for the tree stand?

Thanks,

Marcel

Marcel,

Without knowing more about the area you are deer hunting I would have to say no. But there are these exceptions. Let me tell you more.

I would not pick a deer hunting tree stand location based solely on deer droppings.

If you are seeing a few deer droppings and not seeing a deer trail nearby, the deer in the area could be using that particular location sporadically as they run through.

Rocky Terrain

One exception to this would be if the terrain where you find the droppings is rocky. If you are hunting over a rock outcropping, there could be plenty of deer activity in the area, but the rock’s surface will not show tracks.

If this is the case, walk small circles from where you found the deer droppings. Look for a trail leading to or from the top of the rocky area. If you can see trails leading into or away from the rock, and are seeing other deer sign like rubs or scrapes, the rock could be a good place to hunt over.

Food Plot

Another possible exception is if the droppings are in the middle of a deer food plot or feeding area. If the droppings were found in an opening or food source area, start walking the edges of the opening. Look for main trails leading to the opening.

Once you find a main trail or two, follow them back into the woods. Look at the areas the trails are leading to. If a trail leads into thick and gnarly brush, you may have found a bedding area. I don’t go into the bedding area, because I don’t want to disturb it.

Set up a deer hunting tree stand in the woods between the open field and the thick, gnarly bedding area. You could intercept a big buck as he walks from his bedding area out to feed.

Taking into consideration these possible exceptions, if you do not see any deer trails near the deer droppings consider putting your deer hunting tree stand in a better location. The droppings you see may be from a deer just passing through the area.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 2, 2007

I Looked Up and the Elk Was Gone

Hi Marty,
Last year, when i was elk hunting with my dad, my dad and I saw a group of elk maybe 50 yards away. We sat there for almost a half an hour spotting those elk. My dad gave me the rifle and said if you see a shot to shoot. I was looking for almost 15 minutes until I saw a 5 by 5 elk walk into view.

I put the cross hairs right behind the shoulder and went to flip the safety off. When I looked back through the scope, the elk was gone.

What could I have done to get that elk and can an elk or deer hear the safety being flipped?

I know elk isn’t your specialty but I just thought I’d ask.

Matt

Matt,

Thanks for the great questions.

There are a few different possibilities that could have resulted in the 5x5 elk disappearing.

It is likely you were hunting in the mountains. This being the case, the potentially ever changing wind direction would be one variable I would consider. Wind currents are constantly changing on hillsides.

Another possible scenario is the bull elk winded you and took off. Always be aware of what the wind is doing and which way your scent is moving.

Another factor was you taking your eye off the elk when you flipped your safety. Whenever I am hunting and spot an animal I want to harvest, my eyes always stay on the animal. If the animal moves while I am taking off the safety, I am able to follow its movements and keep my gun ready for a shot.

You ask whether deer and elk can hear the click of the safety. I have tested this on my deer hunting land, and my answer is yes. Moving a gun from safe to fire produces an unnatural, metallic sound which deer or elk are not accustom to and normally are not exposed to in their natural environments. This unfamiliar sound could cause them to bolt.

I have had deer as far out as 100 yards. I clicked the safety off, without trying to be quiet. As soon as the deer heard the metallic click of the safety, they went from feeding to looking straight at me. At fifty yards or less, not only did deer look my way, but they took off running.

Here is what I suggest to help you on future hunts. This method works very well for hunting rifles equipped with a cross bolt or button safeties.

Here are 7 Steps to Practice Quietly Moving Your Safety to Fire:

1) Make sure you are in a safe area to practice. You will be pointing your gun forward as if a deer or elk is in front of you. It may be best to do this at the range or wherever you safely sight in your gun.

2) Remove ammunition from your gun. It is not needed to simply practice moving your safety to fire mechanism.

3) Keep your eyes on the target at all times.

4) With your scope on the target and eyes looking ahead through your scope, carefully reach down to the safety mechanism.

5) Put your thumb on one side of the safety button and your index finger on the other. You will be “pinching” the safety between your thumb and index finger.

6) Move the safety button from safe to fire, by pinching the safety mechanism between your thumb and index finger. Keep a slight amount of pressure on the index finger side of the safety button while moving the gun from safe to fire mode with your thumb. This pressure with your fingers “absorbs” much of the metallic sound.

7) Practice taking the gun off safe as much as you can. When I was younger I would practice nearly everyday. It’s just like anything you want to get good at…practice, practice, practice. And make sure it is perfect practice. Practice alone does not make you an expert. It is PERFECT practice that makes you an expert. As a result of my practice, I have not had deer bolt due to them hearing the safety click.

With perfect practice you will be able to move the safety from safe mode to fire mode without any noise.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

February 1, 2007

Do Squirrels Let You Know Deer Are Approaching?

Marty,
Is it true if you hear a squirrel or a jay squawking around you it could mean there might be a deer not far away? The reason I ask is I read in a book that was just a myth. But, twice while I was in my deer hunting tree stand, squirrels and jays were making a lot of noise.

A few times I saw squirrels and jays just eating away and never saw anything else. Is this a coincidence? To me it might not mean that there is specifically a deer there, it could be any thing or any body right? So be on your guard?

Marcel

Marcel,

This particular question has been a topic of deer hunting debate for years.

It is always a great idea to keep your eyes and ears searching for any sign of deer activity when you are sitting in your deer hunting treestand, deer blind or out deer hunting.

Red squirrels are notorious for chattering when something new is in their territories. I can not recall one instance when I did not have a red squirrel chattering at me while I was sitting on my deer hunting tree stand. It is just the squirrel’s way of letting you know it sees you.

But, I have had squirrels alert me to an approaching deer on more than one occasion. In these cases, the squirrels were 50 to 100 yards distance from me when they started to chatter.

When I turned toward the squirrels’ callings, there were deer coming from those directions.

Did this happen every time? No. Many times the squirrels were simply chattering to let me know they saw me.

I have heard squirrels chatter at other animals like fishers, mink and coyotes too. Nonetheless, I believe squirrels could alert you to something approaching your location.

Jays, on the other hand, are opportunists. They will fly in and around your deer hunting area looking for food. When food becomes a bit more scarce, jays can be territorial, squawking to chase off other birds or squirrels.

I have listened to and followed the calls of jays and crows to help me find downed deer.

A few years back I had taken a nice buck toward the end of the deer hunting day. I knew I had a good hit but could not find any sign. I tracked the deer for an hour. Finding no sign, I opted to let the deer go over night. It was the only deer I have ever let go overnight. Talk about a sleepless night.

The next morning, I went back to where I saw the deer go into the woods. I noticed about 60 yards into the woods that two bald eagles were perched high in one tree and crows and jays filled the next tree over.

The eagles were quiet. The crows and jays were squawking. I walked towards the tree the crows and jays were calling from.

Twenty yards into the woods, I picked up a good blood trail. Forty yards further into the woods, right below the jays and crows, was a nice 10-point buck.

Always pay close attention to the sights and sounds when you are out deer hunting. Although squawking jays and chattering squirrels don’t always alert you of approaching deer, there are times they will. The next time a squirrel chatters in the distance, he could be telling you a big buck is heading your way.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (1)

January 30, 2007

I Jumped a Deer on the Way to My Stand

Marty,
One morning during deer hunting season, as it was just getting day light, I jumped a deer. I proceeded to walk to my tree which was 10 minutes away. Was I supposed to stay right there or take a chance the deer would come by my treestand?

Marcel

Marcel,

Thanks for the great question.

I’ve had similar experiences on my way out to my deer hunting tree stand.

Deer like to think they are invisible in low light. I have walked as close as 20 feet away from a deer when it was near dark, and it stood still like I did not see it.

Here is what I do in similar situations.

First decide whether or not the deer has winded you, has seen you or is running from some other noise it heard.

If a deer catches your scent, nine times out of ten, it will run for the hills. You may not see that deer again that day.

Always try to have the wind blowing in your face when you are walking to your stand. This will keep your scent away from deer ahead of you.

Watch what the deer does. If the deer bolts out and slows down to look behind it, chances are you were not seen, and the deer will go about its business. In this case, wait until the deer walks out of sight and proceed to your deer hunting tree stand slowly and quietly.

If the deer bolts and keeps running without looking back, the deer either saw you or winded you. Rarely will you see that particular deer again that day. Regardless, wait until the deer is out of your sight and proceed to your deer hunting tree stand.

Here’s an interesting deer hunting tip on what to do when you are winded by a deer.

This past deer hunting season, when I was winded by deer and they ran, I had great successes in stopping the deer in by using a fawn bleat call.

But, remember this point. I have tested this call on mature does and younger bucks that winded, heard or saw me and were running away and have had them stop immediately when I called. But it did not work in stopping large bucks.

Overall, I think your choice to keep moving towards your deer hunting tree stand was the best option.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!
Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

Does the Buck Growler Really Work?

In a recent blog post from Moses, he asked if the Buck Growler by Madd really worked?

I shared with Moses that I had not had the chance to use the Buck Growler yet.

Here is your chance to help your fellow deer hunters.

If you or any of your hunting partners has had success using the Madd Buck Growler let us know.

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the questions and comments link.

As soon as I receive your post I will put it up on the blog for our deer hunting community to read.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop
www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (1)

January 11, 2007

How to Tell an Active Deer Scrape

Here is a great suggestion and question Marcel posted to the Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog:

Hi Marty,
When I see a scrape on the ground I break a small branch and put it across the scrape and put a bit of deer scent in it.

That way if the deer goes there again to scrape, I know because the branch would be removed or pushed away. Is that a good thing?

Some questions I think I asked you about before, but I am just going through my note book that I was writing in when I was in my tree stand. So this time I check them off as I go through it. I hope you don’t mind.

What do you mean when you say 200-inches?

Marcel

Hi Marcel,

Thanks again for the great comment and question.

Let’s discuss the scrape question.

Yes, I think placing some leaves or a twig in the scrape and adding a little scent to the area is a good thing.

Here’s what I’ve found.

I’ve placed twigs and leaves in a scrape and used scent in and around the scrape site.

After putting the twigs or leaves in the scrape, I either hang a scent wick saturated with deer scent over the scrape or I drop doe-in-heat scent directly onto the scrape.

If a buck is still using that scrape, the twigs and leaves will be moved.

I’ll answer the scoring question in tomorrow’s blog post.

Good Luck and Great Hunting!

Marty Prokop

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (3)

January 23, 2009

Deer Numbers Down for Deer Season

November 6, 2008

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Deer Processing Mistake #2

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Deer Processing Mistake #9

Deer Processing Mistake #10

Resources:

October 28, 2008

Deer Processing: How to Butcher a Deer

** Warning! Deer hunters, don’t take your deer to any meat shop until you read this ... **

** Protect Your Loved Ones from Lead in Venison and Recession Proof Your Family **

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Free Deer Meat Recipes: Venison Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

Venison Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

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Ground Venison Goulash

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Venison Nacho Dip

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Is Your Deer Hunting Rifle Shooting Straight? by Marty Prokop

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Fun and Easy Way to Test Your Long Range Shooting! by Marty Prokop

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July 11, 2008

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July 7, 2008

Recovering Your Deer After the Shot

June 6, 2008

“9 Top Deer Scouting Tips that Deer Don’t Want You to Know About!” by Marty Prokop

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May 4, 2008

Think Like a Deer to Fill Your Tag

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April 28, 2008

Post Rut Deer Hunting Success

March 31, 2008

Main Rut Deer Hunting Success by Marty Prokop

March 28, 2008

Pre-Rut Deer Hunting Success by Marty Prokop

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Marty Prokop at Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Announces New Podcasting and Changes to RSS Feed

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Deer Hunting and Tracking Deer: To Shoot or Not to Shoot?

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Warning! Deer hunters, don’t take your deer to any meat shop until you read this ...

Protect Your Loved Ones from Lead in Venison and Recession Proof Your Family