White Tail Deer Hunting in the Carolinas

From the mountains, to the upstate, to the Carolina coast, whitetail deer run abundantly through both North and South Carolina. Whitetail hunters run just as abundantly through the winter months. With many dense forests still intact, the Carolinas provide many areas which are well suited to support herds of whitetail.

An added benefit that these two states offer are many acres of farmland which are often surrounded by forests of evergreens and thick underbrush. For the deer, this means good food close to the safety of home. Even with the abundance of prey, the Carolina whitetail hunter must still delve into his bag of tricks to come out a victor in his hunt. Bucks do not live long enough to grow those nice racks unless they are pretty smart. So, you, the hunter have to outsmart him.

First, put yourself in his shoes, so to speak. If you were a deer, where would you like to live? Find that patch of woods sprawled out between a field of corn and soy beans with a nice little stream winding its way through it, and you are sure to find your whitetail community therein.

Within this patch of woods, you should find the path that they are walking daily which will include stops to eat, drink, and "socialize" with neighboring does. In their neighborhood, a human sticks out like a sore thumb, so your next job is to blend in.

First get rid of that terrible "springtime fresh" smell on your clothes. Wash all clothes in a scent eliminating detergent, and your body with scent eliminating soap. Next, apply a cover scent to your outerwear such as fox scent. At the right time of year, doe in rut scent on a cloth tied around your shoe works well to get the attention of the big bucks.

Don't forget about blending in visually, too. Choose a camoflauge style which matches the foliage in your immediate hunting area. Place your stand in a tree with good visibility on all sides, and overlooking high traffic areas, such as the edge of the woods, or by their water supply. Make sure you can look out over several places that you know they will stop at on their daily rounds (places you have found rubs, etc.).

Finally, use sound to your advantage. Use grunts, and rattles to simulate bucks at war, or bleats to call the does in looking for their little ones. She is following your sound, and he is following her! Think like a deer and use the Carolinas' beautiful terrain to your advantage. Blend in to the forest in every way you can: sight, smell, and sound, and with some luck you will take home a trophy Carolina whitetail buck.