Whitetail firearm season is a totally different animal than archery season, without a doubt. Not only in the obvious way of using a different weapon, but in states where hunting pressure is high, this plays out in very different ways – namely the approach. Expecting deer to behave in normal ways when the orange army hits the woods is a fairy tale at best under these conditions. But with the right tactics, this time of the season can really pay off for those armed with the right “ammo.” Here’s 2 of those time-tested, buck-killin strategies.
Scenario #1 – High Pressure Areas:
In areas with high hunter density, like my home state of Michigan, or on densely hunted public lands, it pays to focus on the other hunters instead of the deer. As said, deer are not going to behave normally under these stressful conditions, and it’s more a game of “deer pinball” than anything else. You just have to be in the right place to catch deer bouncing off other hunters. So, scouting other hunters, or predicting where and when they will show and also how deer will escape them is key to your approach.
Now, setup along escape routes to get in on the action. Another angle is to bury yourself deep in areas where they will be headed to for safety like thick cover that is usually free from humans. Getting in early is key to both these scenarios, before the other hunters, or you’ll become the “pushers” and the other hunters will become the “standers”. Yes, it’s basically a deer drive in high-pressure areas, and the more you understand this, the better off you’ll be. And, most hunters get up and leave mid day for a bite to eat, so that makes for 2 more drives during the day if you stay put. Planning for an all day sit is a big advantage in areas with a lot of hunters, so pack a lunch and stay put.
Scenario #2 – Low Pressure Areas:
In areas with little pressure, like private land tracts with low hunter densities or that have high QDM participation, you should do the opposite. Keep pressure low on your land, and deer may be behaving like normal for you to capitalize on (moving freely in daylight and frequenting places like food plots).
And the less intrusive you are, the more attractive your land becomes to deer being pressured from the outside – a sanctuary. Sitting back and, again, allowing the actions of other hunters to help you is a smart strategy that will actually make your land better and better as the season progresses. As long as deer feel your area is a safe haven, and you have the cover to back it up, you can just keep hunting by low-pressure means and reap the benefits.
A couple simple principles to keep in mind when you grab the slug-gun, rifle, or muzzle loader and hit the woods this time of year.
