Proper Techniques For Stalking Red Deer

Prior to your hunting trip, you should scout the area during off season to check for deer sign. There are some areas that the red deer will frequent more than others. All deer need three essential things; forage, water, and bed-down locations (or safe areas, such as heavy brush). When you are in deer country, scout for heavily used animal trails, which will usually have plenty of deer droppings.Always wear silent clothing and secure any rattling gear, because sound is one of the principal methods the deer will locate you.

Always check for wind direction prior to a stalk. The nose of a deer is much more sensitive to smells than your own! Check the time of day, as that will give some indication of where the deer are. Early morning and early evening usually means they are headed to water sources. If you find a well used water source, you can set up an ambush and wait for the deer to appear. In mountain country, the deer will usually be headed downhill, looking for water and their favorite forage locations. Hunting along the edge of a tree line and open field is a good stalking method for the red deer hunter. Good luck!