Deer

“I don’t think it’s as great of an impact as people think.” – Jeff Sturgis.

Deer have to eat. However, we all know that deer are cautious, highly skittish, and spooked by sudden movement, sounds, and smells – and sometimes, we don't even know what!

The best deer decoys for 2026 are realistic and strategically designed to attract deer (especially during the rut), helping hunters create better shot opportunities.

You're glassing and spot a huge buck just out of range — what do you do next? Seasoned hunters understand that hoping deer wander into range is not always successful — sometimes, you have to call them.

Just imagine your dreams for that handsome-looking 2-year-old 10-point that has been feeding in your alfalfa field all summer. He is with a brat pack of two other young bucks that you know will be some real studs in the coming years.

To hunt the wind for deer, position your stand downwind or crosswind of expected deer movement. Plan entry and exit routes to avoid blowing scent into bedding areas, and adjust your setup as wind direction changes. Deer rely heavily on scent, so controlling wind exposure is critical for avoiding detection and increasing hunting success.

You are prepared, primed, and ready to hunt cold fronts all season long. You plan your schedule and time your days off around them, and then it happens – you get a bunch of hot weather days smack dab in the middle of your schedule. 

Every hunter knows that rain puts a damper not only on the ground but also on deep camp. Many of us save our vacation time all year long for this short season, which is our pride and joy.

Every hunter knows that bagging trophy bucks is a mixture of skill and luck. You must have the shooting skill to put the big boy down. However, the skill in trickery and deceit plays a significant role in getting a nice buck in range.

To scout for deer, focus on locating bedding areas, food sources, and travel corridors, then identify deer sign such as tracks, rubs, scrapes, and droppings. Scouting during the offseason improves visibility and reduces pressure, allowing hunters to map patterns and plan stand locations before hunting season begins.

Any serious deer hunter understands that the season actually lasts 365 days a year. Yes, you read that right.