Bow Hunting Texas Whitetail. What Have You Learned?

[jt400]

I've got one on our property right now that has us nailed right now. I swear he beds by the entry gate. We have two gates onto the place, and the spot he frequents is half a mile from the southern gate. We pull in lights off and quiet, walk in early, only use dim red lights to see our feet, only hunt favorable wind, etc, and he never shows.



I enjoy hunting a deer that is smarter than me, but I would love to hear other suggestions on what to do different. I've even considered stringing up a hammock and sleeping on stand out there overnight to eliminate the access problem. My only other thought is to start hunting off stand on the ground and try and catch him coming or going.

In my experience what seems like a favorable wind isn't always what it seems. I've seen big bucks stage downwind or circle to come in with the wind in their nose. I try to set my spots up where it's very hard for the deer to get downwind. If they can they will.

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[Gerald G]

One thing that I think is a problem is hunting only on weekends. Yes I know people have to work and can’t make it whenever they feel but I firmly believe the animals learn you and when you are present as opposed to not out in the woods. I’ve always been a random time hunter and go on different days and such throughout the season.

This,
and riding around on Friday night with the stereo blaring and light bars lighting up the whole place to check camera cards. It’s been quiet all week until hunters show up.

[jt400]

This,

and riding around on Friday night with the stereo blaring and light bars lighting up the whole place to check camera cards. It’s been quiet all week until hunters show up.

Checking camera cards 1st thing has probably cost more people mature bucks than anyone could fathom. Ambush predators that announce their presence before hunting an area would starve if it weren't for grocery stores. They prioritize looking at pictures over a successful hunt.

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[txbowman12]

In my experience what seems like a favorable wind isn't always what it seems. I've seen big bucks stage downwind or circle to come in with the wind in their nose. I try to set my spots up where it's very hard for the deer to get downwind. If they can they will.

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Agreed 100%. They just change the direction they approach from in my experience. I think we are overdue for some stand re-positioning to focus more on putting the wind in our favor. We have enough water on the property that we should be able to get most of our spots with our back to the water to help eliminate that issue

[WillowCity2506]

I agree with most comments about different hunting styles throughout the state. In the same breath, hand corn is better than any feeder. I don't care where you hunt in the state. Most of my setups are now 150-200 yards from a feeder. A 1 gallon bucket of corn and some sweet feed is thrown 20-40 yards in front of set up. I will have more deer hit that feed than the feeder. You may have mature bucks at the feeder, but like some have said. He still has you patterned and he knows what goes on an that feeder in the fall, and he knows that box is there. Get out of the box! There is a time and place but we have gotten way to comfortable.

The past 4 years have been a game changer for me. I consistently see mature bucks that none of us have on camera. 700 acres with 20 cameras and still no pictures. They pick up on the camera too. Back off the feeder a little ways. Get in tight! You don't have to see 100 yards in every direction.

Wind is important. He was there and bailed, but he walked out so you wouldn't know.

[Gumbo Man]

This,
and riding around on Friday night with the stereo blaring and light bars lighting up the whole place to check camera cards. It’s been quiet all week until hunters show up.

Amen brother.

[Gumbo Man]

I have one bow stand and 2 rifle stands. If I do burn out my bow blind early I still have 2 stands to alternate from through the rest of the season.

[RedYote]

Ive wasted so much time hunting the wrong wind because I wanted to go. I swear Im not doing that anymore.

[txtrophy85]

Also the “ I get there 2 hours before sunrise”…. Why? Are you playing a trumpet? I personally go in at grey light if I do hunt mornings and can shoot going to stand (I’m rarely hunting a timed feeder)

Everything in the woods makes noise… only one thing has a flashlight

Only 1 occasion I had to get in the stand exceptionally early because i kept bumping deer when i walked in.

All the others I get in 15-20 min before shooting light. Never had any issues....your insane to think the deer don't know you are there, its just if they care or not.

[GarGuy]

There are a million stupid rookie mistakes. The most common mistake I see seasoned hunters make is hiw they get out at dark.. banging around, shining a light everywhere. That stand just went cold.

[muddydog]

Hand feed only. Wont use a feeder. I also hunt when most guys are back at camp taking a nap.

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[ByronB]

Wearing matching camouflage matters especially in a ground blind.

[black dallas]

I hear a lot of people talk poorly of our style of hunting in Texas. I.E. over a feeder. I explain to them that when it comes to archery, its still not an easy task to close the deal on a mature buck at 20 yards. I've seen a lot of guys try and try for years and but with little to no success. Doe and small bucks all day but can't get the bruisers to come in even though they're in the area.

What are some of the things you've learned that work or major mistakes you see people repeat over and over with the same lack of results?

I try to keep it simple. Don't announce your presence. If a mountain lion went to check his game cameras before he hunted an area he probably wouldn't be too successful.

yeah.. i suck

[jt400]

Wearing matching camouflage matters especially in a ground blind.

No doubt

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[RifleBowPistol]

People don't know deer, near as well as they think they do. More so the guys who watch the hunting videos.