Outdoor Hunting and Fishing Tips

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 16, 2006

Move s-l-o-w-l-y in the woods

The most fundamental mistake most of us make in the deer woods is not watching the wind. The second most serious mistake lies in moving too fast. It doesn’t matter whether you’re hunting from a stand or still-hunting through good cover. It also doesn’t matter whether you’re in head-to-toe camouflage or blaze orange. If a whitetail gets your wind, he’s gone, but if the wind is in your favor, the next most likely thing to spook him is movement. Sudden movement is the kiss of death. Just because you can’t see a deer doesn’t mean there isn’t one nearby, so concentrate on keeping all movements slow and steady, all the while looking around — moving only your eyes and keeping head movements slow. If you see a deer’s head, he can see you. Freeze. Don’t bring your binoculars, gun or bow up until the head is completely hidden, and then move slowly and deliberately. Don’t let a deer startle you into rapid movement. As long as he’s stationary or moving slowly, take your time. The best way to turn an easy shot into a lost opportunity is to bring your gun or bow up too fast.

Craig Boddington, Elite Gander Mountain Pro Staff member

Feather can show where your scent travels

When hunting from a treestand, it is essential to be aware of where your scent is traveling. Wind checkers are great for the immediate area around your treestand, but another great choice is as close as your local fly shop.
A small piece of marabou or feather can show you where your scent is being carried well beyond your stand. By ripping off a small piece and letting it float away, you can identify changing wind currents for several yards.

Jeff French, Gander Mountain store manager, Kenosha, Wisc.