What has made you a better hunter?

[Popcorn]

I was born with a drive to be a woodsman, and that was valuable in many ways but I became a far better hunter when I became a true conservationist and was fortunate enough to have a job where I got to practice that every day. @Snake yes I thank the lord for everyday and every experience or lesson, I pray over every deer the moment I lay hands on

 

[REN]

I can tell you what has made me a worse or lazier hunter, CELL CAMS!

It's still why I don't really run them anymore or rely on them for anything

#1 thing that's made me better is experience and time in the field

 

[SC Manimal]

Hunt the thick stuff…just because the open woods look good, deer don't see it the same way we

When I was young I would try to sit in spots where things were open enough to see far. Hardly ever seen a deer in those places. Learning to hunt thick areas where 50 yards is a far shot. That has greatly improved my experience at seeing deer.

This is something I KNOW but still gravitate to the "pretty woods." Maybe one day I"ll actually learn what I learn.

 

[xatxay]

If I spook or jump a buck, I backtrack where it came from. I try to figure out why it was there & where it was headed to attempt to ambush it next time.

 

[41Magnum]

Hunting with a handgun. More rewarding (to me) at least. Taking my time to be more precise with my shot placement and more of a challenge as well. Plus I'm able to pack lighter, not having to carry around a rifle through the thickets to get to my stand, and easier to get the deer out too. Learned to conceal my ladderstands better, brush them up, I use wire ties and tie the brush to the stands. It's amazing at how much better it blends in with the surroundings. Being quieter and taking my time going to and from my stand , and once I'm there I'll sit all day, leave at dark.

 

[buckbstr_1]

Old sportsman named Raymond Lowery. One of the best still hunters I have ever hunted with. I do not think this guy entered the woods before dark and did not wear a lick of camo. Always had the legal limit of orange and whacked and stacked them up. He usually killed 15-20 deer a year. I listened and absorbed everything he said or showed me. I still can't hold a candle to him. He was the best. He believed in knowing the terrain, wind in your face and walk slow and quiet. He made fun of us because we hunted from the stand. He said I am not hunting that way. I am going to where the action is happening. All you are doing is waiting for action when you can walk right to it.

 

[trout]

This is an awesome thread with great insights. I would add fishing and trapping as a child improved my deer hunting. This added time in the woods taught me a lot about fish and game by learning to slow down and look and listen and to read sign. Minimizing the scent on my boots and hands was essential for trapping success. Washing my hands in creek water greatly improved my trout fishing. Scent control is prudent even if scent free is not possible. I learned to say a prayer for a good shot and quick kill before pulling the trigger. After the kill I will place my hands on the deer praise the Lord for his bountiful blessings. Wishing everyone here all the best in 2025!

 

[Whitetaillane8]

Better clothing ( It doesn't have to be the expensive name brands) to stay warm and comfortable while hunting. Also don't over think it.

 

[MidTennFisher]

Hunting edges and putting more effort into being quiet as I'm walking into an area. Especially if it's a new area that requires a bit of scouting before climbing a tree. It takes some patience as I just want to get in there and get up a tree but walking fast just makes so much more noise.

 

[Dully]

65 yrs of experience,and all the above,and still learning