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Spot and stalk riperian Whitetails

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Sidewinder:
Hi everybody. I haven't posted anything in this area because I have'nt hunted before this year. I was just granted the privlege of hunting in an area of hardwood creek bottom forest that has good farmground surronding it. I have several questions if y'all don't mind. Can some of you tell me some of your spot and stalk stories on whitetail and offer whatever tips you can to help me on my way. I understand the part about hunting into the wind. I also understand changing your walking candence to be less man like when moving through leafy areas that are noisy. What else can you guys add that will help. Another side note is at this point he (landowner) does'nt want me to take any bucks( saving those for his bro inlaw) so what can you suggest to help my chances on a doe since they don't usually repsond as well to rattles and grunts? Danny

Pat B:
Find the travel routes from the bedding areas through the hardwoods and into the crop fields. Set up an ambush in a ground blind and wait for the does and yearlings to come by. Generally the bucks will be using different trails until the rut begins.
   A ground blind can be as simple as a blown down tree or tree top. Sitting with your back against a large tree and a little brush around you should work too. A good background is better than front cover if you sit still. If you can see the deers eyes, the deer can see you!      Pat

Sparrow:
 Work on your stealth.Learn to move without making alot of noise.This is possible but takes alot of patience.The game I play with myself is to move thru the country without making any noise and any sudden movement.when i do this game well,It is often interupted by some animal walking by or coming into veiw at close range.It's called still hunting and is basically moving from one standing place to another.If it looks good,stand still,sit or lie down and watch.Eat a few berries.Chill.Relax. You learn alot about the place your hunting and the where's and why's of the animals habits.You get to see alot of interesting things and become a part of that environment,not just a guy trying to kill something.Wear camo.
 It's not for everyone. Good luck !   Frank

Sidewinder:
Thanks Pat and Frank. Both of those comments sound like experience and wisdom talking. I have visualized this for the last yr and I could never decide if I was going to hunt from a stand or on the ground. I find that my limited time means that I cannot scout the area as well as I would like to place a stand so being on the ground and the ablity to move in when the opportunity is right sounds good. I guess my poor schedule will dictate my method of choice. Its still kinda warm here in Kansas 82* today so I have a couple weeks yet to get a good lay of the land. I will spend dawn to dusk out there this Sunday.

 Frank, I think that is a great game to play and will enjoy it immensely. I understand that it is not for everyone, but then again neither is harvesting a tree, curing the stave and then making a bow with it so I guess doing it the hard way is the path I have chosen,but I also know that it resonates in my heart like something I am supposed to do. 

Do any of you guys know what deer prefer to eat given a choice? Right now soybeans, milo, and accorns are in abundance in this area I am hunting. I figured it might be better to up my odds a little by focusing in on one or the other.  Danny 

hawkbow:
Sidewinder, my advise to you would be to hunt into the wind, hunt very slowly, and try and blend with your terrain.. use natural cover and avoid any instance when your shadow may be cast over the terrain.. whitetails are very canny prey and in my opinion does are just as hard to hunt as bucks...hunt with honor and integrity and the deer will come to you ;)... good luck brother and look forward to the pics of your harvest... HAWK

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