Deer

Use a hunting app (like HuntWise) to find public land by turning on Government Lands or Public Hunting map layers. Zoom out to see regional tracts (e.g., WMAs or National Forests), zoom in to check boundaries, and download offline maps before you hike.

Clover is an essential forage in any deer food plot due to its high protein content (up to 35%), palatability, and longevity, as it can thrive for several years if carefully managed. From spring to summer, clover provides crucial nutrition for antler growth in bucks and lactation in does.

To build a ground blind, choose a location with natural cover, use branches or brush to create a concealed structure, and position shooting lanes for clear visibility. Effective blinds blend into the environment, minimize movement visibility, and provide concealment from a deer or turkey’s line of sight.

Just because the primary fall hunting window has wrapped up doesn't mean you must hang up your bow or lock away your rifle. In many states, including the northern part of the country, the extended season offers a unique and exciting late-season opportunity for deer hunters. 

December is almost over, and it is probably safe to say that the majority of whitetails have hit the brakes. But there's still time to get out and hunt some blizzard bucks before the late-season ends!

Late-season deer hunting efforts often include a mixed bag of opportunities for mature bucks. Focusing on food, warmth, and less pressure can be the shift in strategy that helps those hours in the cold pay off.

Calling in a deer is one of the most exciting things you can do as a hunter, especially during the rut. It means you are perfectly positioned and communicating directly with the nearby whitetail.

Missed out on the draw? Sometimes, securing a tag can be one of the biggest hurdles to a hunt, especially during peak application times, when preparing for a hunt on a popular target species or in high-demand zones with intense competition for tags in draw hunts. 

Before you step foot on that new property for a hunt, you need to check a topographic map app. Let's talk about why.

If you view the chase of whitetail deer as strictly a fall activity, you might go through the season with an unfilled tag. The most successful whitetail hunters know that the chase for whitetails is a yearlong endeavor, with each month providing a unique opportunity for the hunter to learn about their quarry. 

As the next part in our series about the Year-Round Hunter, we wondered what you should be doing in February. "Hunting" doesn't have to be limited to spring turkey or fall deer hunts — so what can you do while waiting for winter to end?

Have you ever been out in the field and wished the animal you were hunting would come closer? Using a decoy might be the answer you are looking for.