Free Deer Hunting Tips by Marty Prokop: Marty Prokop Archives

October 8, 2008

Free Vension Recipes: Vension Schnitzel

Fall is in the air. Cool crisp nights, leaves changing colors and the promise of another deer hunting season just around the corner.

A favorite part of a successful deer hunt is sitting down to a meal of fresh venison tenderloins. Add a little salt and pepper to taste and sauté in melted butter to medium rare. Makes your mouth water just thinking of it.

As hard as it may be to believe, there are other ways to enjoy venison tenderloin.

The following recipe brings back memories of visiting Great Grandma on Sunday's. She loved to cook, and cook she did. There was always enough food to feed a small city and it always tasted great.

Here is one of her old-world deer meat recipes for Venison Schnitzel using tenderloins.

Venison Schnitzel

2 pounds venison tenderloin

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons bacon drippings

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup dry bread crumbs

1/2 cup crushed buttery round cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut tenderloin into 1/2 inch steaks. Slice each steak in half horizontally, from the smallest toward the largest side, until there is only a very small section keeping the two halves connected. Slice a few small scores on the outer edges of each steak to prevent them from curling up when frying.

2. Preheat oil and bacon drippings in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. In a large shallow dish, combine flour, salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat together egg and milk. In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs and cracker crumbs.

3. Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour, and using a meat mallet, pound them down to just slightly less than their 1/4 inch thickness. Dip the steaks in the egg mixture, then coat each steak on both sides with the crumbs. Set aside on a clean plate. When all steaks are evenly coated, place prepared steaks gently in a single layer into the hot oil.

4. Fry steaks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle each steak lightly with lemon juice.

To 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 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 ***

If you want to keep up on new deer hunting 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.

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

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

Help your deer hunting buddies and support deer hunting…it’s free to do… Go ahead and email this Free-Deer-Hunting--Tips.com blog URL to your deer hunting buddies or use our Tell A Friend form at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com/ .

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

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

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

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 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

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

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)

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 ***

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

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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

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 ***

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

*** Help Your Deer Hunting Buddies ***

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

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 ***

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

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

August 15, 2008

Is Day Dreaming Costing You Your Big Buck? 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…

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

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

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)

August 11, 2008

Good Deer Hunting Guns for Deer Hunting Thick Woods 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…

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

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

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)

August 8, 2008

Is Your Deer Hunting Rifle Shooting Straight? 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…

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

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

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)

August 4, 2008

Fun and Easy Way to Test Your Long Range Shooting! 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…

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

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

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)

August 1, 2008

Can Wind Affect Deer Rifle Accuracy? 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 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

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

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)

July 28, 2008

How to Use your Air Rifle for Deer Hunting Success 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…

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

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

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)

July 25, 2008

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Deer Hunting! 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…

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

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

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)

July 21, 2008

Waterproof Your Deer Hunting Rifle 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…

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

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

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)

July 18, 2008

4 Steps for Successful Deer Scouting 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…

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

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

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)

July 14, 2008

Following Deer Tracks that Seem to Disappear

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

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

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

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)

July 11, 2008

Deer Tracks: Are You Following a Buck or Doe? 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…

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

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

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)

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

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

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 ***

Help your deer hunting buddies and support deer hunting…it’s free to do… Go ahead and email this Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com blog URL to your deer hunting buddies or use our Tell A Friend form at http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com/ .

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

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

June 6, 2008

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

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

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

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)

June 3, 2008

Finding Early Season Deer

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

In my Free-Deer-Hunting-Tips.com Newsletter and blog posts I write about one of the most favorable spots to set up your deer hunting tree stand during early season overlooking food plots or well-used deer trails. These spots can indeed be good, but don’t over look other great feeding areas.

During early deer season you may want to find a good stand of white oak trees. White oaks, unlike red oak and black oak, drop acorns more readily. White oak acorn nuts are not as bitter as those from red and black oaks.

When white oaks have good acorn crop, target these areas. They will draw deer. Deer will use these heavy acorn producing trees year after year.

Make sure you do plenty of pre-season scouting to help you locate if and where your deer hunting woods holds white oak trees.

When scouting for white oak also look for areas with lush grasses, vines, wild grapes and wild fruit trees such as apples and plums.

You may have an old homesteaded or abandoned farm on your deer hunting land. Watch this location carefully.

The folks who homesteaded these now abandoned locations may have planted fruit trees to harvest for their pantries. If these trees are now abandoned, they become great hangouts for deer to find early autumn food sources.

Once you locate an abandoned homestead, look for well-used deer trails leading to food sources, water and cover. Study deer movement surrounding the old buildings and orchards on the property.

When you have patterned deer movements to and from the food sources choose your deer stand locations wisely. Make sure your deer hunting tree stand is set up downwind from food sources you plan to hunt.

You might get a shot at the big buck nobody else has seen yet.

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 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 ***

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

Posted by Marty Prokop | Questions and Comments (0)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

May 1, 2008

How Well Can Deer See?

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

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

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

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)

April 28, 2008

Post Rut Deer Hunting Success

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

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

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

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)

March 31, 2008

Main Rut Deer Hunting Success 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…

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

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

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)

March 28, 2008

Pre-Rut Deer Hunting Success 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…

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