White-tailed Deer Hunting Information

North America’s most popular big game animal is the white-tailed deer. 

Other than a few arid states in the west, white-tailed deer are available to hunters in most of the country and Canadian provinces.  Large mature whitetail bucks are also one of the most difficult trophies that a hunter can take.  There are many magazines and countless books devoted to the art of hunting white-tailed deer.

White-tailed Deer Behavior and Ecology for the Hunter

White-tailed deer are secretive by nature and are most active at dawn and dusk.  They also prefer to inhabit densely forested or wooded habitats at some period during the day. 

For this reason, white-tailed deer hunters must always be patient and a hunting style that minimizes hunter movements such as sitting up in a tree stand or hunkered down in a ground blind is a preferred technique.  Hunters can actively stalk whitetails but must move slow and stop often to scan the woods foe movement or the shape of a deer. 

White-tailed deer also exhibit a breeding behavior called the rut.  Bucks are more vulnerable at this time as they are distracted by chasing ad following does.  Because of this behavior it is a great tome to plan your hunt.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Public Land White-tailed Deer Hunts

The United States abounds with accessible public and private agricultural lands that are open to white-tailed deer hunting.  There are many deer hunting options for the DIY white-tailed deer hunter on both on private and public lands.   First, begin scouting for lands that you gain hunt early in the summer.  Develop a relationship with a farmer or rancher by helping with tasks performed on the property long before you ask for hunting access. 

For public land white-tailed deer hunting, prospective hunters should also purchase United States Forest Service travel maps to learn about open roads, trails and campgrounds that can be utilized during the hunt.  Many State Fish and Game Department websites offer deer hunt planning information, white-tailed deer hunting district information and deer success rates by district for the DIY hunter.  Be sure to take advantage of the information provided by these free agency websites.

Guided White-tailed Deer Hunts

There are many experienced quality white-tailed deer hunting guides and outfitters throughout North America.  The first step in locating a reliable white-tailed deer hunting outfitter is to research by state the local guides and outfitters association websites.  The next step is to solicit referrals from white-tailed hunters who have hunted with that particular outfitter in the recent past. 

Once you have chosen an outfitter you can then research the State Fish and Game website for license availability and application deadlines.  A quality outfitter should also help you with this licensing process.  Be sure to check references before you provide a deposit for your white-tailed deer hunt. 

For those hunters interested in taking a large north woods buck there are many well known Canadian whitetail outfitters that consistently produce large buck for their clients.  The bucks taken in Saskatchewan and Alberta are some of the largest in North America.

White-tailed Deer Hunting Equipment

Quality hunting gear and an appropriate rifle caliber is also essential as white-tailed deer country offers a variety of hunting conditions and methods.  One of the more popular white-tailed deer rifles is the 7mm.  The widely used 30.06 and .270 calibers are a fine option as well. 

A strong but lightweight tree stand is also a popular piece of whitetail hunting equipment.  Rattling antlers, scentless hunting clothing, a range finder, good hunting boots and other gear is essential.  Hunting clothes that can be worn in layers is recommended.  Weather and hunting conditions can change rapidly so a variety of hunting clothes should be available to the deer hunter.  One of the most important deer hunting aids is a good pair of binoculars and a quality rifle scope.

Where to Hunt White-tailed Deer

If a mature whitetail buck is what you seek then states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota all offer hunts that annually yield mature whitetail bucks.  Most of the hunting occurs on private agricultural lands in these states.  If you do not know a farmer, public state lands and national forest lands are a great option. 

The first step is to contact the local fish and game office and inquire about public hunting access programs that are offered.  North American Whitetail magazine is a reliable resource to glean hunting information on both hunting locations and hunting techniques.  The Boone and Crockett Club website is also a dependable online information resource for hunters.