How to Field Dress a Deer

Technique Fast and Efficient for Deer Hunters

Field dressing skills are as important as shooting prowess in deer hunting. Handling the deer well results in better venison, beautiful trophies, and safe hunters.

Buy the Right Knife for Hunting and Fishing

Knives Differ in Design for Different Uses

Every serious outdoorsman or woman needs good knives. Excellent, affordable knives are available for every outdoor sport.

How Well Do Deer Hear You?

Hunters Must Have a Knowledge of Deer’s Auditory Range for Sucess.

A successful hunter must have an understanding of a deer’s hearing range. The type of sounds you are making while hunting is more important than the volume.

Essential Gear for Texas Deer Hunting

Guns and Gear Suggestions for Beginning Hunters

A brief look at gear used for hunting deer. If you want to have a successful hunting season, you have to start with the right gear. Pick up the newest Cabela’s, or Bass Pro Shops catalog and you will find that there is more gear available than any normal person would be able to buy. So what gear is needed for having a successful hunting trip? Here are some suggestions:

Quality Texas Deer Management

QDM Practices Yield Deer Hunting Success

Landowners and whitetail deer hunters in Texas become game managers when they follow Quality Deer Management practices.

According to the Quality Deer Management Association, “This level of deer management involves the production of quality deer (bucks, does, and fawns), quality habitat, quality hunting experiences, and, most importantly, quality hunters.”

Feedlots Help the Herd Survive and Grow

Putting down feed or planting a feedlot ensures the survival and improved health of a deer herd. In addition, the placement of a feedlot will help determine the movements of deer during the hunting season. Landowners can improve the likelihood of harvesting trophy bucks on their properties by providing plenty of food during the winter months. Several manufacturers offer specialized forage seed as well as mineral supplements which can be applied over corn or other grain.

Yearling Bucks Disperse to Neighboring Ranges.

Young male deer, born in early summer, may remain with the doe herd until the following summer. At that time, they will usually be rejected by the doe herd. Only small, non-breeding males occasionally remain. Faced with competition from the does and mature males for food and cover, the yearling bucks will leave their home range. The following autumn rut will pit these young, marginal breeders against mature bucks. The youngsters will travel for miles in search of new territory. Once a young buck establishes a new range, he is likely to remain there. As a result, the number and quality of bucks in a given range depends largely upon the degree to which that range is attractive to transient bucks.

Harvesting Does Create Better Hunting

Harvesting the older age group does diminish the competition for food and cover while increasing the competition among bucks for finding a mate. Transient bucks are more likely to establish themselves in the range and respond more readily to rattling and scenting. At one time, it made sense to protect does, since the overall goal was to increase the wild deer population. Presently, the population level allows for shooting does without endangering herd population levels.



Protecting Young Males Results in More Trophy Bucks

When hunters pass on the one or two-year-old bucks that come within a gun or bow range, they increase the likelihood of shooting a deer with a big basket rack in the future. However, shooting some younger bucks that do not show promise of becoming trophy individuals will result in great hunting in future years. Keeping in mind the tendency of young bucks to remain in their new range following initial dispersals, quality deer management practices, such as winter feeding and selective harvesting will grow big bucks while they improve the herd.

Gun Safety

Proper Usage, Maintenance, and Storage Essential

Responsible gun ownership begins with a commitment to safety.

Buying a Gun & Learning to Use It

Discover Recreational Shooting and Hunting

Gun owners can become comfortable and proficient with firearms by regular shooting practice at a shooting range or hunt club.

Hunting Early Season Whitetails

Proper Scouting and Stand Location Prior to the Season are Key

Early season hunting can be highly productive with proper scouting and stand placement. Knowing where and when to place stands is critical.

The Future of Hunting Rights

Organizations and Individuals Join in Efforts to Preserve Hunting

While difficult decisions remain, there is reason to be encouraged about the future of public hunting opportunities in the U.S.A.

Deer Hunting from a Tree Stand

Tips for Safe Deer Hunting

Deer hunters who plan to hunt from tree stands should consider safety issues before climbing.