The Top Ten Myths of Deer Hunting

In talking with hunters all over the US, I have found that even some great hunters still hold on to common myths of deer hunting. In this article I would like to expose what I consider to be the top ten myths of deer hunting.

Myth #1 Big bucks roam frequently roam.

Truth #1 Big bucks have a home territory that they usually stay in. They may roam some during the rut in search of does in estrus.

Myth#2 Bucks bed in the thickest cover.

Truth #2 Bucks will bed in thick cover but they will also bed in thin cover on hills and ridges where they can view approaching predators

Myth #3 Finding frequent scrapes close together means there is a big buck in the area.

Truth #3 This is most likely the work of a younger buck that is showing off his prowess. A mature buck will make big scrapes but not as many as a 1 to 2 year old.

Myth #4 and #5 Big bucks don't walk in doe trails. Bucks follow behind does to avoid danger.

Truth #4 and #5 Big bucks normally don't walk in doe trails except during rutting season. A dominant buck will walk a doe trail and behind does when he is following a doe in estrus.

Myth #6 A full moon is bad for hunting.

Truth #6 Scientific research has found that the second full moon after the fall equinox starts the rutting season in central and northern states.

Myth #7 Spooked deer run for miles.

Truth #7 While deer can run 35 - 40 mph, they will run for only a couple of hundred yards when frightened.

Myth #8 The rut lasts only a few days.

Truth #8 Does come into estrus individually. Does that do not breed during their first estrus of the season will enter into estrus again in about a month.

Myth #9 The size of a buck's antlers indicates his age.

Truth #9 While antler size usually increases with age, the age of a buck cannot be determined by the size of his antlers. Antler size and number of points varies with the individual based on genetics and nutrition.

Myth #10 There's no need to stay out hunting in the middle of the day because the deer are resting.

Truth #10 Especially under the pressure of the hunting season, deer (including bucks) will be on the move all day.

About the author

Joe Pineland has written an acclaimed eBook called Deer Hunting Secrets. He wants to promote this great North American pasttime through proper education of the fundamentals and knowledge of hunting history. More information can be found at http://www.deersecrets.com