How to Hunt Deer if you never have Hunted Before

Are you wanting to hunt deer, but have never hunted before? By the end of this article, you will be armed with the knowledge to hunt deer. 

Why is being able to hunt deer important? If you can hunt deer effectively you can provide food for months and help the environment by helping to stop the spreading of Lyme disease, which is carried by deer and stop limiting the tree and plant growth of an ecosystem.

1. Choosing a weapon

The first step in hunting a deer for the first time would be choosing a weapon. The most popular types of weapons would be rifles, compound bows, or crossbows. The type of weapon most beginners start with is rifle to learn the ropes of hunting a deer. 

Assuming you choose to buy a rifle, you now need to consider these factors

• Budget 
• Fits the size of the shooter
• High enough caliber to kill a deer quickly and effectively
• Consistent with shots

Most popular deer hunting rifle calibers

• 7mm Remington Magnum
• .30-06 Springfield
• .30-30 Winchester
• .308 Winchester

2. Practice firing your weapon

The second step in hunting a deer for the first time would be practicing shooting your weapon. The saying "practice makes perfect" describes this process, by saying if you practice you will improve. The best way to practice is to have a target.

Steps to practice with a target

1. Place a stationary target at least 25 yards away from the rifle
2. If needed, use a rifle rest, a stand to keep the rifle steady, to stay on target until not necessary
3. Shoot at the target and try to get "groups" on the target or bullets that were all close to each other
4. As you become more comfortable move the target further out until around 100 yards
5. Keep practicing from 100 yards or beyond, train for the distance you will most likely see

3. Hunter's safety course

The third and most important step in hunting a deer for the first time would be to take the Hunter's Safety Certification Course so you can buy a hunting license. You should take this safety course after you feel comfortable hitting the target. Each state in the United States sets its own laws for how to get certified and when you can. The most popular way is online through a combination of readings, pictures, and videos. They also do offer in-person safety courses at public places. These courses teach you virtually everything you would need to know to have a successful hunt, start to finish.

What do I have to do after passing the hunter's safety course?

After you receive your certification upon completing the safety course, you will want to purchase a permit or license to hunt. In most states, you may purchase a permit online or in person at a Department of Natural Resources near you.

What type of permit should I buy?

In the case of the state of Georgia, you may buy a big game license that just covers deer and other large animals. You also can buy a sportsman license which includes most animals and fishing privileges including deer and migratory birds.  

Keep in mind

At the beginning of the hunting season, you always want to check up on your state's and the county's latest regulations since they change almost every year. These regulations are things like how many deer you can kill, what kind of deer you can kill, and how many points they have to be on the antlers.

4. Equipment you want to have while hunting

The fourth step in hunting a deer for the first time would be having the right equipment with you on your hunt. This step is crucial because it keeps you safe and helps to have a more successful and less stressful hunt.

Recommended equipment

• Your choice of weapon
• Your permits or licenses
• Bright orange vest for safety
• Correct ammunition for your firearm
• Warm clothes for cold hunts like deer
• Your phone or other communication devices
• Knife for many different uses
• Flashlight or lighting device for night hunts
• Gloves for protection against disease and cold
• Food and water
• Boots for the rugged terrain and elements
• Backpack to carry supplies

Do I really need all the recommended equipment?

Yes, in most cases all of these supplies and equipment are needed for a safe and successful hunt. You do not realize the sheer importance of each item until you forget one during a hunt.

5. Finding an area to hunt

The fifth step in hunting a deer for the first time would be to find a suitable hunting area. Some people will use their own land to hunt on if it is a habitat for deer, while some have to resort to a public hunting area or hunt on acquaintances' land.

What kind of area is the best to set up while hunting?

In most instances, a wooded area with a large opening will find the most success or on the edge of open farming land. This allows you, the hunter to be covered, but the deer be in the open for an easier shot.

Do I need to use a tree stand?

Using a tree stand is a matter of preference, but most people like you, on their first couple hunts will want to hunt on the ground to become familiar with the process. The tree stand does have advantages like being elevated off the ground which conceals you more from the deer because you are not at ground level. The disadvantages are the cost of a stand and the mobility you will lose.

A proven way to increase the chances of a successful hunt

One way to increase your chances of seeing a big deer is to attract. This can be done with food like deer corn, scents, and posts so they scrape their antlers against it. These practices are regulated state by state, especially the deer corn. In most areas deer corn can only be out no later than 10 days prior to a season or earlier. Doing this will dramatically increase your chances of seeing a worthy big deer.

6. What to do when you see a big deer 

The sixth step in hunting a deer for the first time would be analyzing the deer you see, to make sure it legal and worthy of killing. You only want to kill a deer you would eat and pass the regulation of state or county. 

After confirming the deer is worthy

After you confirm the deer is worthy of shooting, you want to make sure you stay calm and composed. A way to stay calm and composed is taking deep breaths before a shot. Before taking the gun off safety you want to make sure the deer is in the open and check the background so if you miss the shot it will not harm anything. You want to make the deer is broadside, so the deer is at the best angle to shoot, this is behind the front shoulder in the vitals. 

7. If your shot is successful on the deer

Whether your deer ran after being shot or barely moved, you want to wait at least 5 minutes so the deer to calm down enough. If your deer did run, make sure to look to see the direction of where it went. 

How to follow a trail of a deer that ran

The first thing you have to do is go over to around where you shot the deer. Then, examine the area for hints of the direction of where the deer ran. These hints are anything from fur, to tracks, and the most important and obvious blood. Once a trail is found it is straightforward, follow it to the deer. After stumbling upon the deer, you now see if the deer is dead or alive, if alive you are going to have to shoot it again or more humanely cut the area around the neck.

8. What to do after killing the deer

The final step in this first time killing a deer journey is to tag and report the deer to the Department of Natural Resources. This also where you decide to butcher the Deer yourself or get a processing shop to do it for you for a small price. You will have abundant venison for months and it is delicious.

Ways to tag or report a deer

This like everything else depends on the state regulations. Some states you have to write down, then tell a game warden and some report it on your phone or both. This tag and reporting system helps the Department of Natural Resources decide on new regulations to conserve the deer population.

Do I need a pickup truck to transport a deer?

No, not necessarily while a pickup truck with the bed is the easiest way to transport your deer, you can transport it with almost any type of vehicle. For larger cars and SUVs you can use the back trunk with some tarp, or most opt for a small towing trailer to put the deer on.

So why does deer hunting matter?

Deer hunting matters as it controls the rising deer population. You may ask why a rising deer population is a bad situation, but deer can overcrowd a forest's vegetation and carry diseases like Lyme disease. It also provides you with plenty of delicious meat to eat for months, as most deer weight 150-200 pounds. So, you now know how to effectively and ethically hunt a deer. This activity needs to continue as it keeps nature in a balance because moderation is the key.

Sources

https://georgiawildlife.com

https://georgia.gov/popular-topic/hunting-licenses

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease

http://www.deerfriendly.com/decline-of-deer-populations

https://www.realtree.com/deer-hunting/how-to-deer-hunt