Deer hunting has been a national and traditional passion for many generations in America. Countless of Native American stories are filled with the hunting and harvesting of deer. Early explorers preferred mule and whitetail dear as sources of food for them and their families.

The 20th century saw a slump in deer hunting caused by over hunting and a decline in the deer population throughout the U.S. However, with diligent conservation efforts, many states today have deer overpopulation. Overpopulation of deer impends forest growth, and hence responsible hunting plays a significant role in controlling the deer population.

Types of Deer

These are the four most common types of deer hunted in the United States:

White-tailed Deer

The name of this deer comes from its unique whitetail. This is the most famous type of deer in North and South America. Females weigh up to 200 pounds while males weigh 300 pounds on average.

They have a brown fur color during the summer, which turns grey as winter closes in.

Mule Deer

The Mule Deer is another common deer species hunted in America. They are found all across the United States. They have fur similar to the whitetail deer but with a more grey shade in it.

What sets them apart from other deer species is their big mule-like ears and fork-like antlers.

Caribou

The caribou has a thick coat that protects it from extreme weather conditions. Remarkably, both males and females have antlers.

Moose

Moose are the largest and tallest species of deer. They are mostly found in cold climate areas. They weigh up to 1700 pounds. They have darkly colored fur, a mixture of black and brown.

Elk

This is the largest deer species in North America. They are mostly found in forests. The male elk have big antlers, which they shed yearly. They are hunted for their antlers and meat. Their meat is low on fat and rich in protein.

Deer Hunting Equipment and Accessories

This includes plainly everything that will be used for the hunt itself. Hunting equipment may include:

• Rifle
• Binoculars
• Ammo
• Shooting glasses
• Hunting knife
• Scent killers
• Compass
• Hunting License

Clothing

The clothing you wear while hunting depends on the type of weather. When hunting in the snow, wear an extra layer of clothes, hand warmers, and insulated boots. In moist and warm weather, wear a few layers of clothing.

Public Land Hunting

Public deer hunting grounds are federal, state, or locally owned. Use state hunting agencies to find public hunting areas. These agencies will equip you with information on the area, terrain, and game details you may need to know.

Private Land Hunting

Hunting on private land is accomplished by either leasing land or buying land. Leasing is expensive and thus less popular. Buying your own hunting ground is the most desired option by many.

Deer baiting

Deer baiting is strategically placing food near hunting spots to lure dears into close range. You can use the following as baits:

• Acorns
• Corn piles
• Deer feeders

Deer feeders from Feed That Game will attract deer from far and wide to the hunting ground. A well-managed bait of peas, cereal grains, or turnips is also an effective way of attracting deer.

When To Hunt Deer?

Deer hunting starts in September or October. In the earliest parts of the hunting season, male deer are often found an hour before dark. Catch them by scouting the area with cameras and ambushing them on their way to find food.

How to Track Deer

To track a deer, start by learning deer patterns before the hunting season. Proceed and gather as much information as possible on the hunting land.

With this information, you are ready to go out on the wild and score your first kill. Remember to always abide by your state’s hunting requirements and regulations.