Whitetails are an eternal fascination. We work hard to scout effectively, hang stands, play the wind and weather, and generally hunt as hard and smart as we can given our allotted hunt times. And over the course of a long season, we’ll likely do pretty well, seeing deer with some regularity and maybe even getting a chance at a shooter buck. But as most can relate, there will also be some stretches that will be extremely slow and boring, or downright frustrating.
Most of us can handle a dry spell that spans a few days or so, but if yours lasts a couple weeks (or more), it might be time to change your approach. As in, a hunt strategy that is totally different than the one you’ve been using. It might even be something that flies against conventional wisdom. The goal is twofold: 1) Improve your focus and motivation, and 2) change your luck. What follows are some things to try.
STALK YOUR RUT STAND
In the upper Midwest where I do most of my hunting, the last week in October ushers in the late pre-rut. But whenever it hits in your neck of the woods, it means bucks will increasingly spend more time on their feet in daylight. And that offers an opportunity.
For the next couple weeks, instead of beelining to your stand of choice along your standard route in the inky predawn, try a new approach. Way until dawn breaks, and then slowly still-hunt to your stand along a new route, with the wind in your face. Be prepared to shoot a rutty buck at any time along the way. Likewise, leave your stand a bit before dark so you can slowly still-hunt back in the same fashion. Be sure to keep an arrow nocked and your rangefinder handy.
LEAVE YOUR PERCH
One fall I was treestanding in a tiny Kansas woodlot adjacent to a recently cut cornfield, when I spied a white-tined buck approach during the late morning. At first glimpse it was way out across the field about 200 yards, but the cruising deer was more or less headed in my direction, so I sat still and hoped.
As the deer approached the woodlot, I threw out a few grunts and bleats, and the buck did stop and stare. But when it was obvious the deer was going to enter the woodlot on the far edge, maybe 100 yards from my stand, I made the decision to get down. I was glad I did.
Slipping slowly toward the buck through the mostly open woods, I was able to get within 40 yards. As the wide-racked 10-pointer entered the woodlot and stopped to feed on some acorns, completely unaware of my presence, I slowly drew my bow and center-punched it.
To this day it’s one of just two mature whitetails I’ve arrowed from the ground. My first instincts in that situation are to remain on stand and let my calling lure in a passing buck. But if your gut tells you to bail and make something happen, trust it.
