Global Sports: Hunting Whitetail Deer

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Hunting Whitetail Deer

By Bill White


Probably the most commonly hunted game animals in North America is the white-tailed deer. Before hunting was regulated, the numbers of white-tailed deer sank dangerously low.

When hunting was controlled, and conservation efforts were successful, the white-tailed deer population bounced back, and now an estimated 30 million deer roam the continental U.S. Because of this, controlled hunting is able to continue, and enthusiasts are able to hunt white-tailed deer.

You can find different forms of white-tailed deer hunting. Most favored is through the use of a hunting rifle, with shots usually taken at long range. Some hunters also use a bow to hunt white-tailed deer, with bow hunters using recurve or compound bows to shoot white-tailed deer at closer ranges. Uncommon among more traditional hunters is a hunt using photography. This last method is not usually accepted as "true" hunting among traditional hunters.

While specific strategies will be different from hunter to hunter, though most employ either a stand or blind, or will choose to stalk a deer. Blinds are generally low on the ground and meant to hide the hunter, while a stand raises him up above a deer's line of sight. Both generally protects against the hunter's detection by the deer. Both cases will also require the hunter to locate a good spot to set up a blind or stand, where the hunter will wait or call for a deer.

Actively locating and approaching white-tailed deer is known as stalking, with the hunter exercising self-control in order to move silently while following the target animal.

It is typical for hunters to go in groups, and to be assisted by a guide or more veteran hunter. Several lodges provide hunting trips, providing maps, equipment and a guide to assist novice hunters through their first few hunts. Cost varies from lodge to lodge, and from state to state, often reflecting both the quality of the white-tailed deer found during the hunt, and the relative privacy of the hunt itself. Public hunting grounds are visited by more hunters, and so some will favor such privacy, allowing a better chance for a successful hunt.

While hunting white-tailed deer is often done for sport, a lot of hunters choose to bring home the meat for consumption. It's quite common practice to field dress harvested deer, and most hunters consider it part of the hunt. At least a few hunters consider it a chore, however, in comparison to the actual hunt itself.




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