- Joined
- Apr 15, 2016
- Messages
- 3,515
- Reaction score
- 3,799
An observation from the field. This one is for the hunters primarily North.
Hunting black powder, you need every advantage you can get for a one shot only kill.
Many times afield I find deer tracks in the snow in one area, but no place to hide. Also, the reverse. Great ambush point, but no deer tracks in the snow.
Going to and coming from these spots, bushwhacking a mile, I have the chance to wander any old way looking for new sign. That's common up here in Maine. But the last couple of seasons I noticed something.
After a new snowfall of lets say 4"-6", and no luck tracking a buck to his bed, I'm worn out from my years and want to take a beeline home. Often, this will run through the hardwoods and across a field or two.
The next morning I go out, and wanting to get back into the game quickly, I return to follow my beeline path only to find the deer are now using it!
I thought it was a one time thing the first time I noticed it years ago but now realize its quite common. They are not put off by the human scent as manufactures freak you out over. They seem to be over ridden by their herding and trail following instincts rather than put off by the human activity.
Now, I have yet to put it to the test, but I bet if I set up a tree stand (I don't use one, just an example), or a brush hidden ambush point, I could go back to the area where the deer are, walk a trail back and forth 2-3 hundred yards to beyond my ambush. And wait for them to follow my "game trail" right to my hiding spot.
Anyone else notice how the deer are following you? Ever use it to your advantage?
Hunting black powder, you need every advantage you can get for a one shot only kill.
Many times afield I find deer tracks in the snow in one area, but no place to hide. Also, the reverse. Great ambush point, but no deer tracks in the snow.
Going to and coming from these spots, bushwhacking a mile, I have the chance to wander any old way looking for new sign. That's common up here in Maine. But the last couple of seasons I noticed something.
After a new snowfall of lets say 4"-6", and no luck tracking a buck to his bed, I'm worn out from my years and want to take a beeline home. Often, this will run through the hardwoods and across a field or two.
The next morning I go out, and wanting to get back into the game quickly, I return to follow my beeline path only to find the deer are now using it!
I thought it was a one time thing the first time I noticed it years ago but now realize its quite common. They are not put off by the human scent as manufactures freak you out over. They seem to be over ridden by their herding and trail following instincts rather than put off by the human activity.
Now, I have yet to put it to the test, but I bet if I set up a tree stand (I don't use one, just an example), or a brush hidden ambush point, I could go back to the area where the deer are, walk a trail back and forth 2-3 hundred yards to beyond my ambush. And wait for them to follow my "game trail" right to my hiding spot.
Anyone else notice how the deer are following you? Ever use it to your advantage?
Last edited: