Deer & Deer Hunting is written and edited for serious, year-round hunting enthusiasts, focusing on hunting techniques, deer biology and behavior, deer management, habitat requirements, the natural history of deer and hunting ethics
It’s almost as if I’m sitting on the sidewalk two hours after the homecoming parade. There are still signs the party took place, and there’s excitement in the air, but everyone’s gone home (and took most of the deer with them). It’s times like these when I coach myself into arriving on stand an hour early and staying at least until the bitter end. You see, with late-season whitetails, you just never know when a deer will show up. And you just never know which tactics might bring them within range. Two late-season topics profiled in this issue are ones you might have thought were reserved only for the prime pre- and peak-rut months of October and November. Of course, I’m talking about rattling and the art of understanding buck…
Editor’s note: A national survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates an increasing downward trend in the number of hunters in the United States. We asked our Face-book fans to provide their thoughts on why this decrease is happening. Here’s what they had to say: Keith Lucas I think it’s hard for most people to gain access to quality hunting land, and the cost of land and hunting in general is not feasible for most people. Public land is a great opportunity, but you have to be a good hunter and unless you have a mentor or someone to help you it can be difficult to tag a deer. George Smolinski Traditional deer camps are a thing of the past. Guys are becoming extremely lazy. They want…
SHOPDEERHUNTING.COM The “Deer Hunter’s Almanac 2018” offers vital data and useful insight for the region you hunt, ensuring you can make the most of your time afield next season. Compiled by the publishers of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine, this comprehensive 208-page guide breaks down key deer hunting statistics state-by-state and provides essential regional resources that make planning a hunt a snap. It’s filled with thousands of helpful facts about deer behavior and biology, proven hunting strategies, practical whitetail management tactics, archery and firearms info, and much more. A staple of serious deer hunters and professional wildlife managers for 26 years, the “Deer Hunter’s Almanac 2018” is a must-have tool. For more information, visit www.ShopDeerHunting.com and search HA2018 to get yours. DEEROF THE MONTH Brian Stout…
Upcoming episodes of Destination Whitetail on Pursuit Channel November 4: “Mission Control” North Dakota whitetails and Cold War relics. November 11: “Princess in Texas” Brittney Glaze hunts the Lone Star State for the first time. November 18: “Oregon Chef” Team D&DH experiences the outstanding hunting and food of Oregon. November 25: “Texas Triumph” Texas wild hog hunting adventure for Brittney Glaze. December 2: “Wounded Warrior” A few of our nation’s heroes enjoy a fun, well-deserved hunt. December 9: “Grandpa’s Freezer” Two generations of a hunting family work to keep the traditions alive. December 16: “First Trip to Kansas” Brittney Glaze bowhunts the legendary big bucks of Kansas. December 23: “Texas, Texas, Texas!” Dan Schmidt is after mature bucks and the Texas whitetails…
Although the Alger County, Michigan, Sheriff’s Department acquired a hovercraft to aid in the rescue of humans who sometimes fall victim to thin ice conditions in and around Munising Bay and Grand Island, the vehicle proved to be just as valuable for rescuing of a pair of whitetails stranded on the ice between the mainland and Grand Island on the morning of Jan. 15, 2017. Logger David Mannisto from Christmas, Michigan, spotted the deer on the ice and reported the situation to authorities. He said they were lying on the ice, unable to stand because of the slippery ice conditions. State police officer Jeff Seaberg drove to Grand Island Landing, confirming the deer remained stuck on the ice, and set the rescue in motion. Alger County Conservation Officer Mark Zitnik…
Twas three weeks before Christmas, when young Manchester heard a pounding on his door; A bang, rattle and discombobulation, like an angry sledgehammer piercing through oak board; For fear of an intruder, the lad’s heart began to quiver; But it wasn’t a burglar, or even Santa with presents to deliver; When what, to his wondering eyes should appear; not a tiny reindeer, but a big, brash whitetail sporting shiny headgear. When 17-year-old Ryan Manchester (Frederick, Maryland) first laid eyes on the figure standing in his home, his first thought was one of relief. “I was afraid a burglar broke into the house,” said Manchester. While it was an intruder, it wasn’t one of the human variety. “I knew no one would believe me, so I took out my phone and…
