By Dallin Saurey

REXBURG, Idaho—Whitetail deer are known for their tails raising up and waving like a flag when there is a predator around. They are the smallest member of the deer family. Their habitat is forest lands, wetlands, reverting farmlands, and riparian forests. They consume grasses, ferns, sedges, lichens, clover, alfalfa, mushrooms, acorns, corn, poison ivy, and fruits. They are usually most active during the dawn and dusk.

Their activity can also be influenced by weather conditions, seasonality, and human activity. During breeding or, “rutting” season, deer are easier to spot because their activity increases as bucks chase the does. There is a very interesting article called, “How to Read Whitetail Body Language” on mossyoak.com

The population of whitetail deer is currently greater than one million. There have been suggested projects and government bills written to conserve deer populations because their habitat is limited to river ranges.

If there is a problem, it seems to me like the concern would be easily addressed if hunters supported deer populations. I think a handful of grass seeds instead of an expensive government project would increase the deer survival rates. According to reference.com, alfalfa and clover are their favorites.

My aunt decided to go bowhunting to spend time with her hubby. My uncle was surprised when she took a shot, and it was a good hit. At first, she had buck fever (defined as “nervousness felt by novice hunters when they first sight game”) and was shaking. My aunt would rather eat elk meat than deer meat.

There are multiple ways to prepare for a deer hunt. My dad and I would go looking for deer throughout the year, to see where the bucks or does were. I even sat in a tree stand for about four hours waiting for a whitetail deer to cross my sights.

My uncle’s favorite whitetail trip is along the South Fork. He spends a bunch of time getting ready for it.

Shooting at home is imperative in get ready for bow season. Rattling horns, tied together, can bring the bucks closer during the latter part of the year. My wife has a friend who makes pine tree-scented soap, so the deer won’t smell her husband in the forests.

It is very important to wear camo, so they don’t see you moving around. Getting a tree stand would be very important, as would getting a good bow. Some hunters use a spotting scope and then track the deer. I’d rather hunt with a bow than a gun as it requires getting closer to the deer and is more of a challenge.

Bow tags cost 19.50 this year. The best tips for finding the whitetail, are hidden throughout this article! Happy hunting!