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How to Get Deer to Come to You in 6 Easy Steps

It’s been years since you brought in a deer, maybe it’s even been awhile since you’ve sighted a buck worth taking a shot at. It’s not your fault, you just don’t know the tricks of the trade yet. This is especially a problem for stationary hunters, you simply don’t know how to get deer to come to you.

Follow these instructions, and you’ll never have that problem again. Let the deer come to you, fill those tags, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt with an ease you never have before.

What You’ll Need

Thankfully, most of the items you’ll need for attracting deer are readily available in hunting shops, or even just from artifacts of your past hunts.

Rubber Boots
Forage Grade Seeds
Deer Call

Deer Scents
Simple Gardening Tools
Antlers

Once you have all of these items in your possession you’ll be ready to follow this simple guide and get started on attracting the deer to you in order to get the best results while you’re in the field.

How to Get Deer to Come to You – 6 Easy Steps

1.) Control Your Scent

Deer have a hellacious sense of smell, and they can scent out hunters pretty easily. The best way to start is to make sure that you’re not running around reeking like… well, like a human. You’ll want to be downwind even at the best of times, but there’s quite a bit you can do to help yourself out in this area.

There are special shampoos, detergents, and even dryer sheets which can help you to cover the scent in your clothes. There are also cover scents that you can apply while you’re out hunting to help matters. If you think you’re going overkill on taking care of your scent, then you’re probably getting close to doing enough.

Protip: Try using rubber hunting boots as well, due to their nature they’re virtually scentless and you’ll find that they can help quite a bit in keeping your olfactory profile down to manageable levels.

2.)Use a Kill Plot

A “kill plot” is an ideal solution for those who have access to private areas, but it requires quite a bit of forethought and preparation in the off-season. Essentially what you’ll be doing is setting up a food plot within the range of your hunting weapon of choice in order to maximize your chances of a successful harvest.

If you’re on land that’s well managed, you might want to try and put something a little bit different there to attract deer despite the human scent around it. Set your stand up at a distance you’re sure you can make a clean shot from, and you’re good to go.

Protip: If your state allows it, you might also want to bait the kill plot. Something different from the general food in the area is always better, as animals crave diversity in food just like we do. It’ll definitely increase your chances of getting that prize-winning buck you’ve always dreamed of.

3.) Antler Rattling

Antler rattling is designed to simulate the sound of bucks fighting, which will naturally attract the attention of other deer. You’ll find that it’s most effective during the rut since bucks will be sparring during that time over a doe.

Rattling antlers are most effective in areas where there’s a lot of competition over doe. You won’t have nearly as much luck if the doe-to-buck population ratio is heavily in favor of the females.

It’s a pretty simple process, all you’ll need to do is get a couple of antlers and… well, rattle them together. There’re some specific techniques that will work better, but you should definitely try to simulate fighting. Smack them together, lock them up, grind them a bit.

The best part is, most hunters will have an antler rack lying around from a previous hunt, so you won’t need to spend any money to utilize this technique.

4.)Deer Calls

Deer calls are widely used and for good reason. They’re one of the best ways to get animals coming in closer so you can take the shot. There’s a number of good calls on the market, but to make the most of your tool you’ll want one that will let you make a number of vocalizations without having to switch calls.

It’s more of an art than a science, but if you’re careful your application you can really make a huge difference in your ability to get deer close.

During the rut a good strategy is to switch between doe “bleats” and buck “grunts” as it might convince younger bucks that some action is about to go on. If you’re lucky you might even get an older, aggressive buck intent on stealing the doe for itself and be able to add a serious trophy to your wall.

5.) Scented Attractants

Scents are a common tactic employed by hunters, with sometimes varying effects. The thing is, most people don’t pay enough attention to the wind or use them properly. You’ll need to employ a variety of scents and some clever tactics to get the maximum effect out of your scents.

For instance, non-estrous doe urine can make a great way to cover your tracks on the way into your favored spot. Estrous doe urine scent on a rag dragged behind you can also make an effective way to lure bucks along the lines you want them to follow.

You can also use estrous doe scent as a lure, place the scents a bit off from your stand and you’ll get bucks coming in to investigate.

The best usage of scents definitely comes in during the rut, if you’re hunting at other times it can be useful but it’s not the most effective route.

6.) Set Up Mock Scrapes

Mock scrapes are an often-overlooked tactic which can help to draw in bucks quite easily. The first thing to do is find an ideal location for the set-up. You’ll want to find somewhere you know there will be bucks to complete the illusion of an intruding male in their territory. The edges of fields are a great place to begin.

Rake out the leaves under a branch that’s roughly 4 ½’ off the ground, this will be the “licking branch” and it’s vitally important that you have this in place.

If you have an ideal location without the branch you can try breaking off a branch and holding it at the proper place with a zip tie. Spray it down with buck scent after you’re done and you’ve got your scrape in place.

Protip: Use all of the scent-control protocols from step one of this guide while you’re setting up the scrape and it’s far more likely that you’ll attract a buck who feels challenged. You’ll have much better results if you haven’t stunk up the place.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a variety of tactics which can get the deer to come to you. By employing all of them properly you’ll exponentially increase your chances of getting the buck of your dreams or filling your meat freezer for the year.

Once you know how to get deer to come to you, the rest will lie on your quickness and marksmanship to complete the most thrilling part of the hunt.

Did you enjoy this article? Have your own methods of getting your quarry in? Leave us a comment below!

When To Plant Turnips For Deer? Find Your Answer Here

Are you ready to land the big one? Of course you are, but you need to be able to successfully bait the big one in, before you can add him to your trophy wall. One great way to do this is by introducing deer to turnips. However, you’re probably wondering when to plant turnips for deer, so you’ll have the best chance of success.

That’s exactly what we’re going to answer for you over the course of this article, so put the rifle down, and grab yourself a hot cup of coffee, because we’re going to tell you everything you need to know.

Why should I plant turnips and not something else?

There are tons of benefits when it comes to using turnips for deer bait, which I’m going to go over below, but you’re likely wondering why I’m such a fan of using turnips as deer bait. Honestly, turnips are very easy to grow, and I truly enjoy watching them grow.

It’s fun to watch as the taproot develops, and then the leafy top pops out afterwards. Also, I’m a fan of yummy food, and I, like deer, enjoy the taste of a good turnip. So, that’s why you’ll always find turnips in my garden.

Of course, you can grow whatever you like in your garden. I mean, turnips aren’t the only thing you’ll find in my garden, and they’re not the only crop that deer enjoy to munch down on. Therefore, I suggest you grow all the veggies you like.

Why are turnips so great for deer?

It’s a fact that deer absolutely love to raid gardens, and one of the things on their shopping list is turnips, because turnips give them a great bang for their buck (no pun intended).

Deer do not only enjoy eating the leafy top of the turnip, but they also love to eat the taproot, as well. Therefore, don’t be surprised when a deer takes off with the entire turnip.

However, there have been cases in which deer will take off with just the leafy top. If this happens, you have the best of both worlds — you’re bating in a deer, and you get to eat the taproot.

In addition to the fact that deer love the taste of turnips, they’re high in protein, so they’re very beneficial to the deer. Even though turnips are about 20% protein, they’re easily digestible for deer. Basically, a deer like at a turnip the same way us humans look at beef jerky.

FURTHER READING➜ Do You Know When To Plant Food Plot For Deer?

➜ When Is The Best Time To Plant Soybeans For Deer?

➜ How To Plant Chicory For Deer

So, how hard is it to grow these turnips?

Honestly, it’s not that hard at all. Turnips are extremely versatile, and can practically be grown on any type of soil. Turnips are also a very high yield crop, so you’ll have tons of turnips on your hands before you know it.

when to plant turnips for deer? When’s the best time to plant turnips for deer?

Now we’re going to get to the meat of things, as I like to say, and I’m going to hook you up with the info you need to get those crops planted in time for deer season. However, the best time to plant turnips is going to depend on the region in which you live, which I will go over below.

Before I get started on the best time to plant turnips, you need to keep one important thing in mind: turnips grow very quickly. That being said, you can expect turnips to reach maturity between 75 – 90 days. Keep this time frame in mind, so your crops will be ready for deer season.

Deer love to eat turnips after they’re mature, and they’ve gotten a good frost on them. This is due to the fact that the older leaves will have a more starchy and sugary taste, which deer like better. Younger leaves, on the other hand, will have a bitter taste to them.

Cooler climates

If you live in a cooler climate, such as a northern state, you’ll want to plant your crops in late summer, so they’ll be ready for deer season.

Warmer climates

If you’re a southerner, or live somewhere in which the weather is typically warmer, you can go ahead and plant your crops in the fall and they should be ready for deer season.

Was it as hard as you expected?

Shew! I know that was a ton of information to take in, but I truly hope you’ll walk away from this guide feeling like you’ve learned something.

We’ve covered why deer like turnips, how hard it is to plant turnips, the benefits of turnips, and when the best time is to plant turnips for deer.

If I’ve missed anything, or you have any questions, you can always leave a comment and let us know what’s on your mind.Also, feel free to bookmark this guide and refer back to it anytime. Now, go out there, get your hands dirty, and lure in that big one!

Slingshot Hunting Rabbit – How To Hunt A Rabbit With A Slingshot

Hunting a rabbit with a slingshot can be very exciting, it embarks you on a journey in the past, there is nothing like using a primitive weapon that makes the chase even more exciting, rabbits are a fast prey, that are very easy to scare. Sure, not all slingshots today have that primitive look, but you can always make a slingshot at home.

By following the simple steps explained bellow you will learn Slingshot hunting rabbit ethically and make the chase fun.

How To Make Your Slingshot DIY

If you are quite frugal and you won’t want to spend a dime on your slingshot, I have some good news, you can easily make one at home by using chained rubber bands and as ammunition 5/8 eye cat marbles or you can just use small, round stones, make sure they are heavy enough because their weight will make a difference in the strength of your shot.

Where To Hit A Rabbit

Hurting a rabbit and not killing him is considered unethical hunting, it causes the rabbit useless pain and you aren’t coming with a rabbit for dinner either.

It should come as no surprise that hitting the skull is the best way to kill a rabbit fast, however that’s not the only fatal shot.

The Skull

As I said this is an imminent death for the rabbit, doesn’t matter if you use stones or eye cat marbles but shooting at the head can be quite difficult, it’s a really small target, make sure your practice before you go out there after a rabbit.

The Atlas

Look at the image above, the atlas connects the skull with the cervical vertebrae, aiming at the atlas will result into a total disconnect from the nervous system to the brain.

For this you will have to use a heavier projectile.

The Cervical Vertebrae

The neck bone impact will either result in a paralysis or a total shut down, this also depends on the weight and the speed of the projectile.

Never Shoot Blindly At A Rabbit’s Body

Many people advocate shooting in the body, no matter the area as long as the weight and the speed of the projectile will do enough harm, however the rabbit will still have that kick to run, and because you damaged his body, he will still die somewhere, suffering of a slow and painful death.

If you aren’t confident enough in your shooting skills don’t aim at the atlas or at the cervical vertebrae, even thought those shot can be deadly, if the weight of the projectile is not heavy enough or if doesn’t hit with enough speed, the rabbit will only suffer a slow death.

FURTHER READING

➜ What are the Best Rubber Hunting Boots – The Hunter’s Guide

➜ Where To Shoot A Deer – Top 5 Best Places To Shoot A Deer

➜ Best AR 15 Bipod Reviews – The Best Bipod for AR15

Where Should You Look For Rabbits

Rabbits are small, fast creatures and they hide quite well, you can find for example cottontail rabbit in any environment where they can find a constant source of water and food but you can spot them better on railroads.

However hunting near a railroads is both challenging and fun, you have to be both careful at the trains that are coming and at the rabbits that you are hunting.

Industrial Sites

Are the perfect places for rabbits to hide, especially if they close to a field or they have plumber to hide.

They also hide in old houses that are being abandoned as long as the houses are close to a source of food and water , during the winter they hide under the building.

Deserts

Rabbits can be found of course in Desert habitats, in places that have brambles and bushes, maybe some tall grass where they can hide in. How to track rabbits down?

Look at roads that are being surrounded by one side and another by tall grass and bushes, if you want to look for where they actually live, just look at the tracks.

How to Prepare Yourself Before Hunting A Rabbit With A Slightshot

Bring with you a back up slingshot , that way you will avoid the wasted time on repairing your first slingshot, a pocket knife and a plastic bag.

Bring some matches, you never know if you need to make a fire, some drinking water and a snack, easy to carry and without any strong smell.

Make sure that early in the morning you don’t shower with heavy perfumed soaps, no aftershaves, no colognes or deodorant, and no shampoo just plain water.

When you are all dressed up, make sure you spray off. Use a a solution made from alcohol and Cedar wood oil as this is a natural insecticide that is lethal to ticks and fleas.

Ticks can be a serious problem and they can cause deadly illnesses, so it’s better to be on the safe side.

The Hunt

They are many stories out there about hunters who swear that whistling stops a rabbit that has bolted and they are plenty of videos like that on youtobe, personally I never used that tactic successfully, my biggest weapon is my silence and patience, another thing that I’ve learned from my hunting experience is that often the birds can tell you what’s happening around you.

If the birds are singing normally no other predator or human is around. Sometimes the raptors can give away where the rabbits are hiding.

Here you can see a hunter in action, going after a rabbit with a slingshot, video uploaded by Bill Hays.

What You Should Avoid Doing

Don’t bring with you any foods with a strong smell, carry with you a cereal bar or anything that doesn’t have a strong smell.

Don’t expose your face and hands, rabbits are very quick and once they ran, they are lost, if they notice you, you don’t have a second chance.

Don’t underestimate the power of the natural obstacles, don’t ever shoot a rabbit that is hiding after tall grass, the grass will make your shot less strong but still strong enough to damage the rabbit, the rabbit will die later, in pain, never try that, is unethical.

If you are a beginner who is just getting started, practice first, as easy it might seem like, aiming at a target is not as easy, no matter what weapon you are using, don’t shoot when other people are around either, a slingshot can be deadly or provoke a lot of pain for humans too.

Conclusion

Hunting a rabbit with a slingshot can be a fun, challenging way to bring yourself and your family a nice dinner on their table. If you want to buy yourself a slingshot and make yourself one, is up to you, hunting with a tool that isn’t as sophisticated reminds us of the old days od hunting.

If you have any questions about the steps written above or just about hunting a rabbit with a slingshot in general don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

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