Tips for Deer Hunting on Crowded Land

Here are some tips for deer hunting on crowded land. Whether the land is public hunting land or private land with a lot of hunters, deer hunters can use the other hunter's tendencies and presence to their advantage for more productive hunting.

Hunt Earlier and Later

Being the first hunter in the woods in the morning and the last to leave in the evening improves a hunter's chances on crowded land. Take up a stand position and sit tight. The other hunters who arrive later and leave earlier will help to keep the deer moving and they may come by your location.

Stay All Day

Skipping the noon time trip to the truck or cabin for lunch allows hunters more time hunting. Not only does simply being in the woods longer improve a hunter's chances of success, but on crowded land the other hunters are more likely to push deer at odd times during the day. This includes when the other hunters take their noon time trip out for lunch.

Don't Be Lazy

Hunting on crowded land means that a hunter must be willing to go places that other hunters will not. Deep canyons and steep hills or mountains are ideal places to escape the other hunters who are more likely to stick to the easier areas.

Use Others to Drive Deer

While the other hunters on the land will help to keep the deer moving in general, a hunter can also purposefully set up in areas where the other hunters will push deer toward them. Just a few hours or days of scouting can help a hunter to find areas that other hunters are likely to use (well roads, right of ways, paths, etc.) and the escape routes that deer may use to avoid the hunters.

Neutralize Scent

A hunter should always work to neutralize scent. However, on crowded land a hunter may need to setup in tight spaces and not be able to overlook large areas. When hunting in close to the deer removing scent as much as possible will give a hunter an added advantage.