Deer Hunting Tips for Beginners - The Essential Guide

A Beginner’s Guide to Deer Hunting

As the team behind Grow Masters Deer Mineral, we have years of experience raising and hunting deer. In this post, our experts distill this knowledge into 10 deer hunting tips for beginners.

1. Take a Course

The best way to dive in is with a hunter safety course. Hunter education covers a variety of topics, such as firearm safety, wildlife management, hunting ethics, game laws, shot placement, and stand placement. Some states require one before issuing hunting licenses. 

2. Know Your Weapon

Nothing is more important in hunting than safety, which starts with understanding how to use your weapon. Whether you choose a shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, bow, or crossbow, you must first hone your skills on the range. A rifle is typically the best choice for novices.

3. Understand Your Quarry

Depending on location, North American hunting usually involves white-tailed or mule deer. These species prefer different habitats and move differently within their environments. Beginning hunters should learn about their quarry, including where they live, when they react, and how they move.

4. Learn the Rules

One of the most important deer hunting tips for beginners is to learn the applicable hunting laws. Hunting regulations control how many deer you can hunt, which class you can hunt in which seasons, and what kind of weapon and ammunition you can use. 

5. Wear the Right Gear

Bright orange gear makes you visible to other hunters. Many hunters are accidentally shot every year, making an orange hat and vest important safety gear. Some states require hunters to wear a minimum amount of orange.

6. Stay Scent Free

Deer have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, making scent control nonnegotiable. Shower before heading out on the trail, preferably with a scent-reducing soap. Also, try to keep odors from lingering on your clothing and gear with scent-eliminating detergents or sprays.

7. Find a Good Spot

Just like retail, the key to successful hunting is location, location, location! You may be able to hunt on public lands like national forests and wildlife refuges. Hunting on private land is also often possible, but make sure you get permission from the owner. 

8. Keep Quiet

It's no secret that deer startle easily. Hunters must learn to walk slowly, talk quietly, and crouch out of their line of sight to avoid spooking the animals. 

9. Practice Patience

Whether scouting a location or waiting for the perfect opportunity to take your shot, hunting is an exercise in patience. The longer you stay in the field, the more successful you will be.

10. Respect the Animals

The last entry on our list of deer hunting tips for beginners is practicing ethical hunting. This includes using the proper equipment, taking only what you need, and using what you take. Learn how to correctly field-dress the animal so you can eat what you harvest. 

Keep Your Herd Healthy With Grow Masters

One last bonus tip: Support your deer herd by giving them the nutrition they need to thrive. Grow Masters Deer Mineral provides vitamins and minerals for healthier deer and bigger bucks. Contact us today for more information about our products.