Deer Hunting Do's and Don'ts

As deer season approaches, it is a must that we list the dos and don'ts of the sport. Some of these items may not surprise you; then again, others you may not have even thought of before. Here, we will go through a short list that is not all inclusive, but gives you a pretty good idea what to do as well as what NOT to do.

DO go the range and fire your weapon before the season begins. This means buying some of the ammunition or arrows you will hunt with and get accustomed to them.

DO sight in your scope or archery sights. When you go to the range, be sure to adjust the sights so you are as dead on as possible when it counts.

DO clean your gun regularly. Not only should you clean your weapon after the trip to the range, but after every trip into the field. You may be out there is all types of weather and you have to keep that weapon safe to fire.

DO wear blaze orange when you enter the field. Every year, we hear about hunters mistaken for wildlife. Deer cannot see the blaze orange like we do; they are actually color blind.

DO keep your weapon UNLOADED when transporting it, even when only changing hunting areas.

DO get a legal hunting license. The fees help keep the DNR running and the game reserves in good condition.

DO take water with you.  If you're going to be out there for several hours, you WILL get thirsty.

DO use scent control and increase your chances of success.

DON'T ever point your weapon at anything unless you intend to shoot at it.

DON'T wear any shades of blue into the field. Deer are color blind, but they have sensitivity to ultraviolet frequencies. They see blue as a bright blue haze and will avoid that area at all costs.

DON'T go into the field without wearing safety or blaze orange clothing. Wear it from the time you leave your vehicle and leave it on.

DON'T use illegal techniques to attract deer. Follow the rules and be the example.

DON'T leave trash in the woods. I am constantly finding beer cans, cigarette packs and other assorted pieces of garbage and I hate that. Whatever you take with you comes back out with you. Leave the woods the same way you found them.

DON'T eat or smoke in the woods. This creates odors that deer can smell and avoid.

DON'T take illegal game and be certain that you know the species you are hunting. Be able to tell males from females and only harvest legal game.