Deer Hunting 02

   The deer will move to an area they feel is safe for them; they will also start moving if the storm passed through their feeding period. Most deer feeding occurs in fields of agriculture such as corn and soybeans. Because they don't like to be caught in the open during a storm, the deer tend to move to a more covered area of the feeding ground or leave the ground entirely until the storm ends. The rut, usually a month long period in which bucks mate with does, can last longer or slightly shorter than one month. The rut causes deer to be more active and do things that they would not normally do. The last factor in deer movement is the position of the moon. When the moon is directly overhead deer seem to be more active.Many different weapons are permitted in various states of the USA during certain times of deer season.

   These include bows, crossbows, rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders.Archery season usually opens weeks or months before a state or locality's gun season and can be permitted for several weeks or months afterwards. Modern compound bows and recurve bows are used, as well as some primitive recurve and longbows by historical enthusiasts when permitted.Rifles and shotguns are commonly used for hunting deer. Most regions place limits on the minimum caliber or gauge to be used; rimfire rifles and centerfires under.22 caliber are often prohibited due to ethical concerns. Some areas of the United States prohibit rifle hunting altogether; most hunters in these areas use 10, 12, or 20 gauge shotguns with buckshot or slug loads. Muzzleloader hunting is also a common practice. Modern muzzleloading rifles equipped with synthetic stocks, telescopic and fiber optic sights, in-line ignition systems, advanced bullet designs, and black powder substitutes such as Pyrodex are much more effective than the muskets of generations past. However, many traditionalists still use wood stocked, iron sighted rifles with round lead balls and traditional black powder charges.

   Camouflage has been used for many years and while it is very important, it is not essential, especially during gun season when it is required that hunters wear blaze orange clothing when on public land.There are many different types of deer stands, ladder stands, climbers and stationary blinds. Ladder stands are ladders with a platform on top of them chained to a tree. Climber stands are platforms with a seat that may be carried on your back and then placed usually about 4-8 feet off the ground on a tree. Stationary blinds, built from wood and other materials are meant to be a durable and long-lasting blind either on a stand or on the ground, depending on the terrain. Knives are essential for skinning and field dressing deer. Tags and permits are required to hunt deer legally which helps defray the cost of enforcement and conservation programs.