There are many tips and tricks that you will learn as a hunter, whether its tips on what to wear, what to use or how to become a better hunter. There are also some great tips on how to get closer to the deer you are hunting, one of which we have already addressed in a guide on deer hunting blinds which will allow deer to come closer to you while you are undetected behind a deer blind or mirrored panel.
The other tip that we would like to offer you today is deer hunting food which will draw in many types of deer to you (as long as you are in some form of hiding, like behind a net mesh or hunting blind).
You see, even hunters that are cooped up inside a hunting blind may have to wait hours on end before deer pass their way, even if they have put up the blind near a regular food walking path. However, by using a deer hunting blind and a combination of food you are much more likely to get deer moving in to see what’s going on, especially if they are hungry deer!
Pick a Good Tree Stand
It goes without saying really, but in order to have a good food plot for a deer you need a tree stand that gives you great visibility of the food plot, but also gives you good range in getting your shot in. Additionally you need coverage from being seen by the deer so it’s important to get the tree stand sorted out before you think about deer hunting food.
Choosing the right location for the stand is the first piece to the puzzle in getting this process right. Look for an area with plenty of trees but with an open area, these are usually the best vantage points for hunters.
Watch that Wind!
Wind is a massive factor for hunters and any veteran or serious deer hunter will tell you that paying close attention to where the wind is blowing will either help you in a successful hunt or completely ruin your day.
Now, we know that you can’t predict the weather and which way the wind is going to blow every single day of the season but you can get a good idea on which way it blows more than others. Take some time to research this because if you approach the tree stand on a day where the wind changes direction and you end up with the wind blowing from behind you, what will happen is that your scent will then blow over the food plot and then you are going to be in trouble.
Either the deer will not come near it, or they will be very cautious. If you see the wind direction change then avoid the tree stand for that day and change your hunting method until the wind direction is against your face and not blowing your scent over the food plot.
Selecting the Right Deer Hunting Food
What do deer like to eat? Well, to be fair they eat a lot of crops so it’s worth giving them a banquet of different types of season mixes rather than just focusing on one particular crop. Remember, you want this to be the best deer restaurant in the forest that attracts plenty of deer so you’ve got to put the time and effort into it, for it to work. In most cases you will have to make the food plot as good as you would if it were your own garden which does take a lot of time to do but the results are very rewarding for hunters.
Sunflowers, soybeans, cowpeas and sorghum are perfect summer crops that you can plant, and you will be guaranteed of deer heading your way to taste your menu of crops. If its winter foods you are looking for then turnips, wheat, and kale that you want to be adding onto the menu.
However, before you begin planting you need to think about the shape of your food plot, most hunters will tell you that long and thin rows work the best because the deer will tend to start from one end and work their way to the other end in a predictable movement that will allow you to get your aim in front and fire off the perfect shot to catch your prize trophy.
You may also want to think about planting some fruit trees, again this will take time and effort but for some deer they will be more attracted to fruit trees than your vegetable food plot so it will pay to get this sorted out and let deer feast on the fruit during winter. This will also give you another opportunity to track predictability and fire off the perfect shot.
Think About Shooting Angles
The final bit of advice we are going to offer you is to look at shooting angles before you settle for any plot location. We have already spoken about vantage points from tree stands but what about your view from the ground level? Think about the different area where you can stand and put yourself into the shooting position.
If there is any obstructions that are in the way that can be moved prior to hunting then make sure you get rid of them. Usually this will mean trimming down branches from another tree or removing a bush that will get in your firing line.
It will only take a small amount of time to test all these angles out but it will be beneficial when it comes to the time you start properly hunting as you will be thankful that section of tree branch was cut down if it helps you get a better sight on the deer to enable you to fire an accurate shot and bring that trophy back home.
Also, talking of angles you need to make sure that sunlight can get through to your plot in order to help it grow.