Quote:
Originally posted by Hunting-231:
This is going to sound like a smart-aleck response - but, here's how I've had the most success.

1. Hunt where there are a lot of deer (most important) - it sounds obvious, but I swear I've know people that bow hunt like crazy on property that's just doesn't have a large deer population and get frustrated during bow season when they only see a couple of deer that are out of range. Then when gun season starts, they still only see a couple of deer - but, the deer are in range, so they feel better about it.
2. Hunt where there is a lot of sign of where deer travel.
3. Hunt where there is a lot of natural forage for the deer to eat (skip the food plot hunting).
4. I'm going to disagree with Matt Brock, I hunt where the longest shot possible is the longest shot you would take with a bow. I never bow hunt where I have longer rifle shots - it's just one of those things. I do rifle hunt where I bow hunt, though.
5. Stay awake and standing/leaning the entire time you are hunting - if you follow #4 you won't be startled by a deer sneaking through the woods.
6. Keep the bow in your hand with the arrow nocked and the release attached. Makes for some tired hands - but, reduces movements.
7. Hunt out of a climber as high as you can stand to climb and wear your safety harness.
I would have to stongly disagree with some of the points made here. I have been bowhunting for over 30 years and have taken several deer with my bow.

The higher you climb, the more you lower your area of a kill shot on vitals. Granted, it might conceal you more but you limit yourself.

As for food plots, I have killed some really good deer off of food plots, particularily during bow season before the pressure of the gun hunters arrive. Yes, acorns and natural vegetation are good but without knowing your area, that one is tough to address.

Always hunt the wind, always. It also isn't necessary to hold your bow in your hand and have it hooked to your release while in the stand. Get you a good bow holder and practice grabbing it so you limit your movement. Always focus on being in the stealth mode. Never move quick, slow and steady is best.

As I stated before, patience again. Don't rush a shot. I know you want to shoot one badly but try just sitting still and watch the deer and how they behave. Maybe even let one walk just to get your confidence level up.

"Don't cling to Mistake, just because you spent a lot of time making it."