It’s the month Whitetail deer enthusiasts look forward to the most, November! If you have the time, you better spend as much of it as you can in the backwoods. I still pay attention to major/minor feed times along with the weather and moon phases, but it does not determine whether or not I will be in my stand. Any hour the sun is up is an hour I would consider to be prime time.
Fact: Majority of big bucks are harvested in the month of November in most parts of the United States. There is no doubt mature bucks are on the move checking scrapes in hopes of catching the scent of a doe in estrous. All it takes is one hot doe to cross the path of your stand and you never know what will be on the prowl behind her. So keep your head on a swivel, ears open, and be focused; ready to take a shot from any direction. “The most successful hunt last just 5 minutes longer”. With that being said, sit as long as you possibly can.
Helpful Hunt Strong Tips!
- Be Prepared. Have your best foot forward. Pack snacks such as jerky, walnuts, fruit, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and only water. Avoid foods that smell, in other words, keep it wholesome and natural so you won’t alarm deer in the area. Stay away from crunchy foods like apples or peanuts that make noise when you eat them.
- If you Snooze, You Lose. Go to bed at a decent time at night so you will not be forced to doze off in the stand. 7 to 9 hours should be adequate.
- Dress Appropriately & Pay Attention to the Weather. Changing weather systems and cold fronts bringing rain and wind could find you feeling miserable if you have the wrong attire. Also, make sure you are comfortable so it’s easier to endure long sits.
- Watch Wind Directions. Usually this time of year, the majority of the wind comes from the north, northeast. So put the wind in your face to make sure you are downwind from the deer.
- Pay Attention to other Animals. A squrrel barking may indicate that a deer is in the area.
- Be Aggressive. This is the month where I will do a lot of grunting, rattling, snort wheezing, and even a doe in estrous call.
- Keep Your Gear in Tune. Make sure your gun or bow is precisely dialed in. Have your arrows knocked and a bullet in the chamber. Have your gear organized and know exactly where things are located.
- Location, Location, Location. Choose stand locations where you have a lot of doe activity and main travel corridores. Where there are does, there are bucks in the area. Also check your plots for running tracks, as this may be a clue does have been chased by bucks.
- Be Scent Free. In other words, BE CERTAIN, BE LETHAL. I recommend Lethal’s complete system of Lethal™ ProHunting products- Field Deployment Kit; Boot and Body Powder, 4X Ultra Laundry Detergent, 2-n-1 Laundry Sheets, Shampoo & Body Wash, and Human Scent Eliminator Field Spray. Keep this in your arsenal.
- Use Scents That WORK. I prefer Muzzy’s Scrape Juice or Muzzy’s Bowhunter’s Set Up. I will also use the real thing. If a hunter shoots a buck, cut out the tarsal glands and use them on a drag line to your stand. If a doe was shot, bottle the urine and place it in a nearby scrape or hanging from a limb or on a drag line as well.
- Exercise in the Stand to keep the Blood Flowing. You don’t want to pull a muscle drawing back your bow or trying to get in position to make an ethical shot. Perform some isometric exercises which involve little to no movement. Example, tree squats with your glutes just above the seat and your back against the tree firing the muscles in your quadriceps, or calf raises and holding your weight up on your tip toes, etc. If you are able to do so, perform tricep dips in your stand.
- Avoid Playing on SMART PHONES. Don’t get caught off guard checking Facebook, Twitter, texting, or playing games. Check your phone on occasion but keep your focus on the woods and always make sure it’s on silent or vibrate.
- STAY SAFE. Wear Your SAFETY HARNESS! You have loved ones and friends that need you and care about you. It’s your responsibility to be safe.
- HUNT STRONG. You have put in the time training hard, increasing your muscle mass and cardiovascular endurance, and it’s now time for all the hard work and effort to pay off. Give it your best and be optimistic. Be Patient, Be committed, Persevere, and Hunt Hard!