To effectively hunt deer in any area you must ascertain a few things. Good scouting is key to big bucks. Knowing their feeding patterns and sightings are crucial.

When I determine where I am gonna hunt, I first get permission from the land owner. They are your best ally. They usually know how many, different genders, and frequent sightings. In other words, they know the deer's routine.

After digesting the new input, I then scout the best locations. I look for scrapes, and rubs. Worn trails are a goldmine. Fresh tracks let you know frequency. With these things in mind. I look for a tree that would be close enough without disturbing routine to place a stand in. Even in a tree stand, you have to place it according to the prevailing wind. Though the winds changes day to day, knowing the prevailing wind will help you.

If a suitable tree cannot be found, then I look for a place to put a blind up. Sometimes existing brush piles, hay bales, and barns/out buildings can be utilized. Blinds are usually warmer for the hunter... lol.

Matching the gun to the terrain is key. If you are in a heavily wooded area, then buckshot from a shot gun is better than a rifle. Open woodland and fields demand distance. A rifle is then the weapon of choice. Various calibers are available, along with weight of bullets. Heavier bullets drop quicker, than lighter ones. Also, you must consider the size. 30-06, .308, and .270 all have different trajectory patterns. This sounds complicated, but it really isn't. Just pick one and plan on taking the deer within a 100 yards. Any rifle would do in this instance!

You can use attractant if you like. Some hunters vow it works, while others try and have no luck. The key is masking your scent. Don't wear Old Spice cologne when hunting deer! lol

When you are hunting follow all safety rules and be careful! Veteran hunters are accidentally shot every season! BE CAREFUL!

When you sight a deer to harvest, then be disciplined enough to be sure of your shot. Nothing bothers me more than careless hunters wounding a deer and not knowing it. I shot a deer last season that was shot with a shotgun and was infected! I took it down with a rifle. We began to skin it and found the wound. I was angry! This happens sometimes under the best intentions. However, be sure that you will kill the deer! You can usually get close in North Carolina!

A hunter give me the best advice I ever got. He told me not to be alarmed about jumping up a deer when entering or exiting the hunting area. Whitetails are curious. Most of the time they will circle back. Just get behind something and sit a while. If darkness doesn't hinder you, then you will most likely see that deer again!

Please pass along your thoughts!