With each approaching hunting season, new entrants and seasoned veterans gear up to take part in this rewarding hobby. Whether you are a newbie or an old hat, you might want to read these tips provided by avid outdoors man William Schoellkopf:
- When eliminating odors, and you definitely want to because that will certainly tell the deer to steer clear of your position, you want to be sure to carry an eliminator with you so you have it when you get to the stand. The long walk will bring forth your odor if you only elected to spray after you suited up. Spray again at the stand site.
- Keeping with the odor theme, when preparing for the trip make sure to launder all clothes, towels and fabrics in a non-scented laundry detergent. This helps to enhance your odor elimination. Also, seal them in plastic containers or bags until you get to the site to use them.
- Mimic a squirrel? Yes, mimic a squirrel. When strategically moving your position on the hunt you can every now and then mimic a squirrel by using a call to mask your noises and the deer will be none the wiser.
- Use a full body harness if climbing high up to a stand that is elevated. If you don’t use one all it takes is one slip from moist bark or damaged branches and it could spell disaster.
- Always make sure your weapons have been cleaned, and maintained. Even though it isn’t a duty weapon still treat it with the same respect and care as if your life depended on it. Minimize malfunction and mishaps!
- This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you drive close to your setup, don’t drive in too close. Um, wasn’t that sentence contradictory? No, it means park at least 300 yards away from where you start your walk to your grounds. Don’t tip the deer off before you even get a chance at them. You have waited too long in anticipation for this moment to let that happen now.