Hunting

I’m here! Firstly, congrats on having private land! That will be a big step up as far as actually getting in a position to where you can pull the trigger where it can be more difficult (due to hunting pressure) on public land.

Full disclosure, I’ve only been hunting for deer for two years so I am not the most experienced but I think I know enough to be able to pass on what knowledge I’ve found to be most useful and practical.

The question you should be initially asking yourself is what are you looking to do at the end of the day? Do you want the experience of a noble hunt where it’s man vs nature and there shall be one victor? Or are you hoping to fill your freezer? Both are perfectly valid but it’s best to set real expectations. That said, I’m looking to fill my freezer and what follows will have that slant

I would say to resist the temptation to go all in on fancy equipment such as expensive tree stands, spotting scopes, scent blocking clothes etc and approach it as simply as possible. Our grandfather’s and great grandfathers hunted without that stuff and did just fine and so will you if you’re determined enough. All you really need is drab earth colored clothes, something blaze orange, and patience.

Take the time now to scout the land you’ll be hunting. Look around for game trails that pass through clearings. These are good places to set up along the tree line in some concealment. Cut some branches and pile them up now so the deer get used to it and you can hide behind/in them when the season opens.

A simple call like a pack rack is inexpensive, easy to carry, and sounds like deer fighting which is the equivalent of yelling “FIGHT” into the forest and has been effective for me insofar. I’m not familiar with the laws in Connecticut but you might check to see if baiting is legal on private land. A few apples could be very effective.

Decide now what you’re going to do if you do manage to shoot a deer. You would be much better off gutting it in the field then getting it to your vehicle because guts make it that much heavier. Are you going to butcher it yourself or are you going to take it to a processor? If a processor does it need to be skinned first? Call around and ask if that’s the route you’re going to go.

This as all I can think of for now but I’m sure I’ll have more later on which I’ll post here. Hope some of this has helped!