Avoiding getting picked off

[TboneD]

Any tips? I've hunted for quite a while now and for some reason it seems to happen more than ever.

Is it because I'm hunting from a Summit Viper instead of my old Lone Wolfs? Is it just because I'm hunting deer that are more pressured? Because I'm making my move too soon? I just don't get it. Seems like years ago (before I sold my stands and took a several year hiatus from hunting) I didn't get busted near as much. I've started hunting a new area and I could swear the old does must be walking through the woods with their eyes peeled for anything that moves 20 ft up a tree! Seriously thinking about a leafy or gilly suit for next year and maybe hunting on the ground on purpose. I try to get in the shadows, as high as reasonable, but it seems there's often not quite enough cover. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Dave


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[buckaroo]

I always like to have some cover around me, don't move unless deers head are down or looking away

 

[TboneD]

Yeah, I know, and that's good advice.
I should've posted that my problem is with multiple does, like three to five. Guess I'm moving too soon because I figure it's now or never.


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[catman529]

Do the deer come in and just look up at you? Or do you think they're picking up movement, or maybe you stick out like a sore thumb? I wouldn't be against trying it from the ground. Try to find where the deer is in the most lit up area like a field or clearing, and set in the darkest pocket of bushes and undergrowth you can find. You will probably have to clear a couple shooting lanes thru the undergrowth but keep them narrow and make sure the deer can walk behind cover between lanes so you can see it coming and also have a chance to draw back. And most importantly hunt the wind very carefully when on the ground.


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[caveman]

TboneD, How high are you in a Tree? As you are finding out, contrary to popular belief Deer do look up into the trees. This is especially true, as buckaroo alludes to in his reply, as any movement from the stand must be done very cautiously. Try your best to position yourself at a height level that movement won't be easily identified. Part of the most intense moments of a any bow hunt is pulling the string back in anticipation for the open shot. My heart races every time and it is what keeps me coming back for more. The second I spot a deer approaching I immediately begin the motions to position myself for the big pull. This involves waiting for the deer to get it's head behind a tree, limb, or brush. Wait for it to turn it's head and eyes the opposite direction or put it's head down to feed. It is not an easy task at all. Never has been and never will be. Good Luck and keep at it.

 

[TboneD]

Do the deer come in and just look up at you? Or do you think they're picking up movement, or maybe you stick out like a sore thumb? I wouldn't be against trying it from the ground. Try to find where the deer is in the most lit up area like a field or clearing, and set in the darkest pocket of bushes and undergrowth you can find. You will probably have to clear a couple shooting lanes thru the undergrowth but keep them narrow and make sure the deer can walk behind cover between lanes so you can see it coming and also have a chance to draw back. And most importantly hunt the wind very carefully when on the ground.


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They're catching my movement. Yesterday I was already standing because I literally had just peed, and here they came. Three does. I guess I should've left my fly open. lol.

Great advice for the cover between shooting lanes. Problem now is that we're seeing more deer using oak flats or bottoms where it's a bit open. (I've been skunked like three times hunting isolated red oak acorns.) I'm supposed to wait till heads are down, looking away, or behind something, and the more does there are, the harder that is. Thanks for the advice. I think I'm gonna have to just be more patient.


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[TboneD]

TboneD, How high are you in a Tree? As you are finding out, contrary to popular belief Deer do look up into the trees. This is especially true, as buckaroo alludes to in his reply, as any movement from the stand must be done very cautiously. Try your best to position yourself at a height level that movement won't be easily identified. Part of the most intense moments of a any bow hunt is pulling the string back in anticipation for the open shot. My heart races every time and it is what keeps me coming back for more. The second I spot a deer approaching I immediately begin the motions to position myself for the big pull. This involves waiting for the deer to get it's head behind a tree, limb, or brush. Wait for it to turn it's head and eyes the opposite direction or put it's head down to feed. It is not an easy task at all. Never has been and never will be. Good Luck and keep at it.

Thanks. I do need to be more selective of my trees. Reminds me of an eight pointer I bow shot out of a bachelor group, years ago. They came in to two white oaks and just started crunching on acorns. I was maybe 25 ft up and to them I could've been in the next county.


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[FLTENNHUNTER1]

I've noticed no matter how high up I get in my climber, unless I am absolutely the tallest point around, somewhere in the 360 radius around me is a hill that puts me at eye level with the deer when they come over it. Also the opposite is true, when deer come up from a lower level from me and I am higher than them on a hill they merely just look straight ahead and I am directly in their line of sight. Keeping absolutely still is the key. Stand placement is the key and as others have mentioned, try to have something behind you. I haven't found a perfect spot where absolutely everything comes together for me. Doesn't help much when the leaves are gone from the trees. Knowing or guessing the travel routes helps also. Most of the time I think it is being at the right place at the right time and the more hours you are in the stand the more likely you will see deer. Hunting pressure must play a big part also. I try to stand as much as possible so that eliminates them busting me when I try to stand up. Keep scanning around you to make sure you don't get busted by another deer behind you when you draw on a deer in front of you. This has happened to me several times. This is one of the reasons I enjoy archery season so much, it is much more challenging then plugging a deer from 250 yards. I like seeing the whites of their eyes!! But yes, I will be up there again during rifle season and plugging them from 200 yards away if the opportunity arises. :super: :super:

 

[TboneD]

I've noticed no matter how high up I get in my climber, unless I am absolutely the tallest point around, somewhere in the 360 radius around me is a hill that puts me at eye level with the deer when they come over it. Also the opposite is true, when deer come up from a lower level from me and I am higher than them on a hill they merely just look straight ahead and I am directly in their line of sight. Keeping absolutely still is the key. Stand placement is the key and as others have mentioned, try to have something behind you. I haven't found a perfect spot where absolutely everything comes together for me. Doesn't help much when the leaves are gone from the trees. Knowing or guessing the travel routes helps also. Most of the time I think it is being at the right place at the right time and the more hours you are in the stand the more likely you will see deer. Hunting pressure must play a big part also. I try to stand as much as possible so that eliminates them busting me when I try to stand up. Keep scanning around you to make sure you don't get busted by another deer behind you when you draw on a deer in front of you. This has happened to me several times. This is one of the reasons I enjoy archery season so much, it is much more challenging then plugging a deer from 250 yards. I like seeing the whites of their eyes!! But yes, I will be up there again during rifle season and plugging them from 200 yards away if the opportunity arises. :super: :super:

I hear ya. Seems there's rarely a "perfect" set up, and even then, with multiple deer it can be tough. Like I told my son, if it was easy we'd get bored with it.


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[FLTENNHUNTER1]

Also, to build on my post above, I place my ladder stands on ridge lines that are relatively flat or less rounded to eliminate them busting me from coming up a hill or down a hill towards me.

 

[Mike Belt]

Movement will kill you. You can eliminate some of it by learning to shoot while sitting. Also, if possible place your stand not where the deer are coming or going to but where they will pass by.

The more deer in a group means more eyes to detect movement. It's tough. My most memorable bow shot was taking a big doe out of a group of 18 deer that were standing from 3 feet from the base of my tree out to 30 yards. It was hard trying to time my movement and draw because there was always at least 3 or 4 heads up and it took forever. I was a wreck but got my deer.

 

[TboneD]

Movement will kill you. You can eliminate some of it by learning to shoot while sitting. Also, if possible place your stand not where the deer are coming or going to but where they will pass by.

The more deer in a group means more eyes to detect movement. It's tough. My most memorable bow shot was taking a big doe out of a group of 18 deer that were standing from 3 feet from the base of my tree out to 30 yards. It was hard trying to time my movement and draw because there was always at least 3 or 4 heads up and it took forever. I was a wreck but got my deer.

Great tips, Mike. It's so tempting to hunt the oak dropping acorns. Thanks. Wow. Fooling 18 sets of eyes is like incredible. I wish you a speedy recovery. Thanks.


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[TboneD]

Also, to build on my post above, I place my ladder stands on ridge lines that are relatively flat or less rounded to eliminate them busting me from coming up a hill or down a hill towards me.

Not so much a factor here in Wilson County but yes, that's always a good idea and sometimes is a factor for sure.

I hunt public land, and regarding stand placement, I need to start thinking more about picking trees I'm least apt to be seen or winded, and not require that they're in range of a particular acorn dropping tree. If I get a shot, I'll shoot. If not, at least I didn't spook the deer and I don't have to go get the cart.


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[JeepKuntry]

Normally I hunt from 15 to 25 ft. I usually climb to the surrounding foliage. But I've hunted areas where I'm in the open. For me, it's always been watching the deer and making slow movements.

 

[TboneD]

Normally I hunt from 15 to 25 ft. I usually climb to the surrounding foliage. But I've hunted areas where I'm in the open. For me, it's always been watching the deer and making slow movements.

Seems like I used to be able to hunt in the open if high enough, but I don't have any confidence in that anymore. Seen too many deer looking up. I do need to mask my movement more. Thanks.


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[jaconmac]

Try to place your stand with as much cover it as possible around it. Ever see a hunter 25 feet up a tree without a limb near, sticks out like a sore thumb. Years ago before I had killed a deer I was talking with a friend who killed every year, he said what do you think about when you see a deer, there is a deer I'm going to kill it right well deer have a sixth sense and detect danger. He said the next time you see a deer keep saying to yourself I'm an acorn I'm an acorn and it will walk right up without being spooky. thought it was pretty silly until I killed 2 bucks that year.

 

[TboneD]

Try to place your stand with as much cover it as possible around it. Ever see a hunter 25 feet up a tree without a limb near, sticks out like a sore thumb. Years ago before I had killed a deer I was talking with a friend who killed every year, he said what do you think about when you see a deer, there is a deer I'm going to kill it right well deer have a sixth sense and detect danger. He said the next time you see a deer keep saying to yourself I'm an acorn I'm an acorn and it will walk right up without being spooky. thought it was pretty silly until I killed 2 bucks that year.

Don't know about thinking "I'm an acorn", but I do know it's best not to look directly at them. Best to only let them see one eye when they're coming in.


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[Poleaxe]

Got the idea about 6yrs ago and I can't think of the last time I've been busted. Winded me is totally different. Got tired of having to always looking for trees with alot of cover cause I always climb. Now I look for any straight soft barked tree and unroll it when I get high enough. I buy the blind material from Walmart and measure and cut the excess. I only put 2 zip ties on the very front so I can fold each side and roll up and secure with a small bungee.

 

[FLTENNHUNTER1]

Try to place your stand with as much cover it as possible around it. Ever see a hunter 25 feet up a tree without a limb near, sticks out like a sore thumb. Years ago before I had killed a deer I was talking with a friend who killed every year, he said what do you think about when you see a deer, there is a deer I'm going to kill it right well deer have a sixth sense and detect danger. He said the next time you see a deer keep saying to yourself I'm an acorn I'm an acorn and it will walk right up without being spooky. thought it was pretty silly until I killed 2 bucks that year.

Telepathic deer in Tennessee, that is awesome!! :super:

 

[TboneD]

Got the idea about 6yrs ago and I can't think of the last time I've been busted. Winded me is totally different. Got tired of having to always looking for trees with alot of cover cause I always climb. Now I look for any straight soft barked tree and unroll it when I get high enough. I buy the blind material from Walmart and measure and cut the excess. I only put 2 zip ties on the very front so I can fold each side and roll up and secure with a small bungee.

Pretty neat. Guess you gotta get it pretty tight in case of wind.

This afternoon I had one lone doe come in to 20 yds to gorge on acorns. I watched her for nearly 45 minutes and moved all over trying to get a shot. Never did get picked off by her, so that wasn't the problem. There were shooting holes, but not clear lanes for my shot so she lived another day. I was right, though. I should've climbed back down and cut down that dang 3" maple sapling that I figured would be in my way!


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[catman529]

Got the idea about 6yrs ago and I can't think of the last time I've been busted. Winded me is totally different. Got tired of having to always looking for trees with alot of cover cause I always climb. Now I look for any straight soft barked tree and unroll it when I get high enough. I buy the blind material from Walmart and measure and cut the excess. I only put 2 zip ties on the very front so I can fold each side and roll up and secure with a small bungee.

Pretty neat. Guess you gotta get it pretty tight in case of wind.

This afternoon I had one lone doe come in to 20 yds to gorge on acorns. I watched her for nearly 45 minutes and moved all over trying to get a shot. Never did get picked off by her, so that wasn't the problem. There were shooting holes, but not clear lanes for my shot so she lived another day. I was right, though. I should've climbed back down and cut down that dang 3" maple sapling that I figured would be in my way!


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lol if you think it's in the way, cut half of it down... if it's still in the way, cut the rest down.. I like to have as much cover as possible, but still have pockets or lanes to shoot through. At least she didn't bust you, it's a good feeling knowing the deer never had a clue you were there.

 

[TboneD]

Got the idea about 6yrs ago and I can't think of the last time I've been busted. Winded me is totally different. Got tired of having to always looking for trees with alot of cover cause I always climb. Now I look for any straight soft barked tree and unroll it when I get high enough. I buy the blind material from Walmart and measure and cut the excess. I only put 2 zip ties on the very front so I can fold each side and roll up and secure with a small bungee.

Pretty neat. Guess you gotta get it pretty tight in case of wind.

This afternoon I had one lone doe come in to 20 yds to gorge on acorns. I watched her for nearly 45 minutes and moved all over trying to get a shot. Never did get picked off by her, so that wasn't the problem. There were shooting holes, but not clear lanes for my shot so she lived another day. I was right, though. I should've climbed back down and cut down that dang 3" maple sapling that I figured would be in my way!


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lol if you think it's in the way, cut half of it down... if it's still in the way, cut the rest down.. I like to have as much cover as possible, but still have pockets or lanes to shoot through. At least she didn't bust you, it's a good feeling knowing the deer never had a clue you were there.

Yep. Two afternoons ago (after getting picked off) I picked this tree for next time after climbing down, because I'd noticed that the does had all come up the draw to feed. Only thing was that I was one oak off the mark, but didn't realize that until I got settled in and the squirrels started knocking acorns out 20 yds behind me. I know I probably should've waited till next time to saw the sapling down, but I just had to do it before packing up. I really like this stand and think it'll be a good one come firearm seasons as well.

Catman, thanks for posting and congrats on your PI doe. Bet that was a fun excursion and I hope you can go back one day for a real bruiser.


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[catman529]

Thanks Tbone it was fun. Doubt I will put in for the buck hunt but might go back for the doe again. Just don't want to give up the enjoyment of a draw hunt for years to hunt the bucks, i have a better chance at killing a giant behind my house in the next few years than I do drawing the buck hunt.


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[TboneD]

Thanks Tbone it was fun. Doubt I will put in for the buck hunt but might go back for the doe again. Just don't want to give up the enjoyment of a draw hunt for years to hunt the bucks, i have a better chance at killing a giant behind my house in the next few years than I do drawing the buck hunt.


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Makes sense to me.


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[BUCKTOOF]

TboneD, when you conquer this age old obstacle, please PM me with the secret formula! Me and you can put it on the market, and become instant billionaires!

 

[TboneD]

TboneD, when you conquer this age old obstacle, please PM me with the secret formula! Me and you can put it on the market, and become instant billionaires!

And bored billionaires, at that, if we still deer hunted, that is.

Comparing yesterday's hunt to Friday's, it was a a real reminder to me of how much more cautious deer on the move are, compared to when they've been there a while and feel safe.


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[benellivol]

Try to place your stand with as much cover it as possible around it. Ever see a hunter 25 feet up a tree without a limb near, sticks out like a sore thumb. Years ago before I had killed a deer I was talking with a friend who killed every year, he said what do you think about when you see a deer, there is a deer I'm going to kill it right well deer have a sixth sense and detect danger. He said the next time you see a deer keep saying to yourself I'm an acorn I'm an acorn and it will walk right up without being spooky. thought it was pretty silly until I killed 2 bucks that year.

One of my best trees to climb, I can only get about 12 ft off the ground but I've got a few small cedars in front of me and a lot of foliage draping down.

I've killed two bucks and 7 does out of it, 6 coming from a bow. It's an awesome hiding spot.

 

[LanceS4803]

I hear ya. Seems there's rarely a "perfect" set up, and even then, with multiple deer it can be tough. Like I told my son, if it was easy we'd get bored with it.

Does can be like a flock of turkeys. Too many eyes.

 

[Winchester]

MOVEMENT, is more often than not the culprit! Try limiting your movement and when you do move make it very slow and fluid! Hunting higher may help as well.

 

[docg]

Unfortunately I have learned this the hard way on a couple of big bucks. Tree selection is huge. On a climber, you are much more limited because you can't have limbs in the way. I think you are much more likely to be spotted in a climber. I have gone to all lock ons. I like to climb trees with lots of limbs, then cut some, not all, around my stand. I have several stands that I have to look twice or three times to see. Those are the good ones.

I have one stand in a place that doesn't have much cover. It's a straight tree with no limbs, but there were no good trees in the right spot for the wind and the trails. I brushed it with oak limbs like a duck blind. Using ratchet straps, I attached 6 or 7 oak limbs under and around the stand to break up the stand and my silhouette. I have hunted it 4 times this bow season, seen about 30 deer, and I haven't been busted yet.

Cover is key! It helps you get away with mistakes.