With the arrival of autumn comes the appeal of cooler temperatures, colorful displays of orange hues and the arrival of deer hunting season. Without a doubt, it is the best time to hunt deer. It’s also during this time that folks flood the sporting goods shelves in search of camouflage, thermals and hunting gear. The excitement is real
1. Hunting Deer
The majority of hunters are known for stalking their deer with high quality shotguns. However, there’s a growing fascination and passion for hunting deer with the crossbow. Whether you’re involved in the Georgia deer hunting season, the Illinois deer hunting season or the Kentucky deer hunting season, or anywhere, you will want to know about crossbow hunting.
Why would you want to hunt deer with a crossbow? It sounds complicated, right? Many people doubt that it will kill the deer or that the arrow will shoot fast enough. If you’re one of those people, then we have news for you: hunting with a crossbow can be just as exhilarating, if not more exhilarating, as hunting with a traditional hunting gun.
Typically, crossbows work best in short range shots. For beginners, these hunters like to start out with a range of 30 yards or so. However, most hunters stick to a maximum of 60 yards on average. Hunters that prefer to have longer range shots typically go for the traditional shotgun.
However, one of the characteristics that creates an exciting experience with crossbow hunting is the ability to tap into the primal way of hunting. It allows the hunter to hone in on their ability to be more patient and vigilant. It takes hunters back to the skilled ability of their ancestors. These type of experiences cannot be obtained through traditional rifle hunting.
In this article, we will cover the actual practice and experience of hunting deer and a quick review of the best crossbows for the job. So let’s take a look at the different types of deer to hunt.
Types of Deer to Hunt
If we want to learn of the different types of deer to hunt, then we must first review the anatomy of a deer.
For those that a new to hunting, you may be wondering why this is even necessary. It’s important to understand the anatomy of deer because you have to know where the vital organs are located in order to have a successful kill shot. If you manage to send an arrow through the ear of a deer, you won’t have a kill. The deer will manage to run away, and you would’ve lost an arrow and the kill.
However, if you know where the heart of the deer is located and send a killer shot to it, you will have your kill. There are also other locations on the deer that will provide an instant kill.
Many hunters learn that a single shot to the heart or lungs is an almost guaranteed kill. However, there are times when that doesn’t quite do the job. The last thing that you need is for a wounded and injured deer running around and frightening the other deer.
When you’ve spent a certain amount of time locating the population of deer, it’s unfortunate to scatter them with a bad shot. So how do the sharpshooters kill in one major shot?
One single shot to the brain will do the trick. The best way to measure where the brain of the deer is located is to draw a line between the inner eyes or the tear ducts, and then go up about two inches to the center of the forehead. One shot in that region will bring near instant death for the deer. It will bring the least amount of suffering for the deer and bring the least amount of stress for you.
Another trait of deer that you need to know about is their speed. For instance, white-tail deer can sprint as fast as 35 miles per hour. They move quickly once stirred. Fortunately, they aren’t capable of maintaining that speed for long. They do have the ability to leap as far as 10 feet which also brings a challenge to the hunter.
With all of that being said, there are different species out there, and many people prefer to hunt one kind over another. Every hunter has their own preference and some even travel to different areas of the country to hunt for certain species of deer.
The white-tail deer
The white-tail deer is the most common type of deer in the United States. It’s known for its namesake- the white on their tails.
Mule deer
These deer are native to western North America. They have thick, large ears that resemble those of mules. Thus, they earned the name, “Mule Deer.” Folks that live in the Rocky Mountains from Idaho and Wyoming to the Great Plains and northward take great joy in hunting these beautiful deer.
Axis deer
These deer are usually seen in Texas. Unlike the other species of North American deer, they are not native to North America. Their original habitat is in India and Sri Lanka. They’re a stunning species with a reddish coat of fur and brilliant, white spots. They have long antlers which make them stand out from the other species of deer. It’s interesting to note that they are the most common of the exotic animal in Texas.
Many of the axis deer population is contained on ranches in Texas. However, there are about 6,000 free ranging axis deer in the state. And believe it or not, the Exotic Wildlife Association claims that axis deer have the best tasting venison out there!
2. How to Hunt Deer
First and foremost, when you shop for a crossbow, choose something with the most dependability and not rely solely on affordability. A crossbow that is truly dependable will be safer to use, more accurate to use, and provide longer use. Cheaper is not always better.
When you’re out in the field and settled in your hunting location, you’ll need to determine the distance to your target. What’s the furthest distance you can reach? 25 yards? 35 yards? 45 yards? This is important for determining your arrow trajectory.
The moment your cross hairs are on a target and you make that shot, your arrow will hit specifically whatever was lined up in that crosshair point. Keep in mind that once the arrow is shot, it travels in a downward arc toward the target. So it’s important to practice making shots on your crossbow to determine exactly where the arrow hits based on what you had lined up in your crosshair.
Another important detail to consider is the draw weight for killing a deer. Most states have minimum regulations on draw weight. The average range of draw weight in most states are 75 to 125 pounds. However, the best hunting crossbows typically fall into the 175 pound range. It’s easy to say that bigger is better and it usually is. However, it’s important to know that some states like Ohio has a maximum draw weight of 200 pounds.
Keep in mind that if you go too heavy on the draw weight, you may be going against the state’s rules, which we do not recommend. Always be aware of what the legalities are for the state in which you are hunting.
4. When to Hunt Deer
If you are new to bow hunting deer, it’s crucial that you know when you’re allowed to hunt.
Every year, deer season rolls around. You must know the dates of deer season and the regulations for your state and region before you pick up your crossbow and start hunting.
Without permits and hunting in the correct season, you may be looking at some hefty fines should you get caught deer hunting at the wrong place and the wrong time.
Usually, most states offer deer hunting season around the end of October to the middle of February. Each state and region also designates when you can hunt a particular sexe.
It’s absolutely necessary for you to find out the hunting season dates and certain specifications and criteria needed before you venture out into the field. Game and wildlife websites for the state, hunting stores, and town halls will have this information available for you.
So, what are the best deer hunting times? Many hunters will say that the early morning is always the best time. This is not always the case. Deer keep a certain schedule and routine depending on the time of year it is and how the weather is.
Although deer are mostly nocturnal, they do move around during the day. During the winter time, if it’s especially cold outside, deer will feed in the middle of the day to soak up the extra warmth. However, during warmer days in early fall, they usually leave their bedded areas and feed around dawn and early morning when it’s cooler or in the late afternoon, before dusk, when it’s cooler.
If it’s raining or snowing immensely, the deer will often hunker down in their bedded areas until the weather has let up.
The more that you can learn the routine of deer in your area, the better opportunity that you have of hunting them successfully.
5. Best Time to Hunt Deer by Moon Phase
Ideally, the best moon phase to hunt deer by is the full moon. When a full moon is rising on a late afternoon, it pulls deer out of their bedding locations to feed more than other moon phases.
It’s during these late afternoons that are the best times to hunt them. Then after the full moon has risen, the best time to hunt the deer is during the early morning hours. Many hunters like to plan their hunting trips around the full moon phases as it’s proven successful in the amount of deer that roam the fields to forage for food.
With that being said, the ideal days for hunting by a moon phase are the first, middle and last days of the rising and setting full moon.
Another positive contribution is the extra light provided by the full moon. It’s much harder to see at night when the moon is not out or covered by clouds.
If it’s a full moon but there’s no moonlight due to cloud cover, that will affect the deer feeding times. The weather has a huge impact on the movement and feeding times of deer, so always take that into consideration when planning your deer hunting times.
6. Where to Hunt Deer
Deer prefer areas such as forested regions, pastures, green fields, croplands and brush locations. Deer are popular in states like Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.
For Minnesota, the deer hunting season for 2019-2020 starts in August and ends in November. Be sure to check out all of the specific details on obtaining permits and licences for bow deer hunting and other forms of deer hunting, season dates and times and all of the legalities involving deer hunting for the state of Minnesota.
The common types of deer that roam in Minnesota are the white-tail deer and mule deer. Caribou and elk are also popular in this area.
For Ohio, the deer hunting season for 2019-2020 starts in September and ends in February.
In Ohio, the most common type of deer is the white-tail deer. In fact, it’s so common there that the state declared it the official state mammal.
In Texas, the most common types of deer are the white-tail deer, axis deer, red deer, and mule deer. Needless to say, Texas has it all!
In Wisconsin, the type of deer that are most common are the white-tail deer and their bigger relative, the elk. Be sure to check with your local authorities on for the specific regulations in your area.
7. Best Crossbow for Deer Hunting
Now that we have thoroughly covered the necessary equipment, skills, and basics of deer hunting, let’s talk about the best crossbows for the task. We will discuss several different kinds of crossbows so that you have a well-rounded idea of what’s out there and what may work best for your particular situation.
The first crossbow brand that we will introduce you to is Barnett. Barnett Crossbows provides an excellent beginner’s crossbow that allows for easy use and understanding for first time bow hunters.
The Barnett Jackal Package is our first choice for beginners in crossbow hunting because it comes with an amazing beginners package to get people started with bow hunting deer.
So what makes it so special?
The package comes with a quiver, red dotted sight, and bolts for easy assembly. There’s no need to dig through your toolbox for extra tools as everything you need is in the box. That said, you will want to have your screwdriver handy and broadheads are not included.
The assembly time varies from one person to another, but overall, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to piece together the Jackal.
Let’s take a look at the crossbow and what it offers once assembled and ready for action. It has a military style stock which means that the grip is separate. This allows the hunter to have a special grip on the crossbow like that of a pistol or handgun. This is ideal as it gives the hunter more freedom with his hand.
The Jackal is also lightweight but sturdy. This is great for younger beginners as they may struggle with a heavier crossbow.
Let’s not forget to mention that this crossbow looks amazing! If you’re someone who cares about the aesthetics of your crossbow, it’s definitely something to show off to your buddies.
Some other great details for the Barnett Jackal Crossbow are the dry fire prevention safety and the accuracy of the shot. Not only does it provide the hunter with a safety to prevent accidental shots, but when it does shoot, its accuracy is spot on.
Finally, the Jackal may not be the most affordable beginners crossbow out there, but it isn’t the highest priced either. Remember that in shopping for crossbows, quality is more important than purchasing the cheapest out there.
Barnett offers a range of great crossbows that can take you from beginner status to true marksman.
Now let’s take a look at another great deer hunting crossbow brand: Ravin Crossbows.
We will introduce you to the Ravin R-20 Sniper Crossbow. If you are looking for high speed and velocity with tremendous accuracy, then this is the crossbow for you. The R20 Sniper Crossbow shoots with an incredible velocity of up to 430 FPS. If you balance this type of speed with the correctly weighted bolts, you gain near immeasurable speed and power at your fingertips. In fact, you’ll want to ensure that you have a backstop to your initial target or you may never see the arrow again.
What makes the R20 Sniper Crossbow so special is the built-in Helocoil technology, the Trac-trigger fire system, and it’s impeccable flight system.
One tremendous benefit to Ravin’s technology in their crossbows is the steady elimination of hunter-related mistakes. Their safety systems are designed to prevent hunter’s from accidentally sending off an arrow. In fact, their designs are so trusted that the R20 Sniper Crossbow is an excellent choice for hunters with disabilities or impaired motor skills and abilities.
It’s super easy to cock which helps tremendously in preventing mistakes from the most skilled of hunters to the beginners. This is a crossbow for any and all deer hunters.
It also helps that their pricing won’t break the bank, they’re pretty to look at, and nearly anyone can comfortably use these crossbows in their quest for hunting deer.
Ten Point Crossbows are very popular among deer hunters. However, we are going to introduce you to their newest and latest addition that’s getting a ton of attention right now: Ten Point Crossbows Nitro XRT.
The Nitro XRT works best for those that are experts and veterans in the world of deer hunting with crossbows. The most incredible detail about the Nitro XRT is it’s need for speed. It shoots with a spectacular speed of 470 FPS! Even better? It’s not super heavy weighing in at only 7 pounds.
The Nitro XRT comes fully assembled and the package includes some great stuff. It comes with an amazing EVO-X Marksman Scope, ACUdraw cocking device, an easy-to-use 3-arrow quiver, a string stop system that works on dampening the shooting volume, a neoprene sling, and a Ten Point STAG hard case.
Folks have used this crossbow for hunting white-tail deer. Given how quickly a white-tail can get spooked and race away from a hunter’s target within seconds, this crossbow’s need for speed helps to eliminate that problem.
It’s a little pricier than the previous crossbows we have mentioned, but the quality is outstanding. This will likely be the best crossbow for 2019 and for the foreseeable future. If you would like to check out more of what Ten Point Crossbows has to offer, then visit the link below.
8. Best Deer Hunting Broadheads
As a deer hunter, it’s really important to have great quality bolts (arrows). The same is true for elk hunting. The elk are larger versions of deer, so to speak, and obtaining the best bolt for the job is crucial.
Planning out your hunting gear is an absolute necessity when hunting large bodied animals. You want to be sure that you don’t have wounded game roaming around. Choosing the wrong bolt can leave you in a mess. So, what are the best bolts and arrows for elk hunting? Let’s take a look.
First and foremost, when choosing the right type of bolts or arrows for killing an elk, ensure that you use the most razor sharp, sturdy, and solid broadhead that you can. In fact, mechanical heads are an excellent choice in broadheads for elk hunting. They have been particularly useful to the elk hunters in the West.
The next step to choosing the best bolts and arrows for elk hunting is simply ensuring that you have straight arrows. That’s right: straight arrows. The straighter the arrow, the more consistent they will shoot. This attribute also affects their speed and navigation as well. Always try to purchase the straightest bolts and arrows that you can find and replace your arrows if they become bent or damaged in any way.
Many elk hunters prefer to use heavier arrows and bolts. Why? The arrow needs to be able to penetrate the animal. Elk are thick animals. A light arrow simply won’t penetrate and will wound the animal if anything.
However, keep in mind that the perfect arrow weight for your situation will also depend on the draw weight and draw length. Your crossbow creates kinetic energy to the arrow which in turn determines the weight of the arrow as it travels.
These are things to practice and consider before you venture on your first elk hunt. Many elk hunters set their crossbows to around 65 pounds and with an arrow weight around 450 grains. This equation often provides a sweet balance between the weight, speed and trajectory path and success of your arrow.
Fletching is a huge ordeal when it comes to managing the aerodynamics of arrows and bolts. Fletching, or the wings on the back of the arrow, must be able to spin rapidly in order to control the front tip of the arrow, the broadhead. The fletching is what the arrow needs in order to be propelled and pushed through the air. The more wind resistance that is going against the fletching, the faster and smoother that arrow will move. You don’t want the most wind resistance on the front of the arrow because it won’t go anywhere. The fletching helps to stabilize the arrow and drives it to its destination.
Keep in mind that there’s a balancing act here. If you have too much weight in the broadhead but too little weight in the fletching, then the arrow will travel in a more downward angle and most likely not go where you intended it to go.
The reverse is also true. In other words, the fletching really helps to steer the arrow in the way that you design for it to go. It’s important to evenly balance out the broadhead in conjunction with the fletching. If you have ever created paper airplanes and flown them, you may understand better where we are coming from with this idea.
9. How to Dress for Deer Hunting
When it comes to deer hunting, what should you wear? What should you not wear? Should you wear camouflage and if so, what kind? Let’s take a moment to explore some of these questions and determine what would be the best outfit for bow hunting deer.
First and foremost, what location is your deer hunting site? The geography and terrain of your hunting area will determine how to dress. Kansas deer hunting will be different from Kentucky deer hunting based on the geographical differences of the regions alone.
Kansas has wide open fields with tall grasses, fewer trees, and streams whereas Kentucky has woodland areas with pastures and hills. Minnesota deer hunting will be different from Texas deer hunting for the same reasons- the regions have different geographical qualities from one another.
Texas has everything from plains, desert and pine trees to Minnesota has thick marshes, woodlands and brush. These types of details play a large role in how you choose your hunting attire.
It works to the hunter’s advantage to blend in with the environment. The last thing you want is for a deer to see the outline of your body. Camouflage helps in disguising the outline of your body. It isn’t absolutely necessary to wear camouflage for deer hunting, but it does work to your advantage in many and most cases.
With that being said, what type of camouflage would work best?
There are two main types of camouflage: Mimicry and Breakup, also known as Digital. The Mimicry camouflage design is the most natural look. It’s created to blend in with the environment. You can find various designs that blend in perfectly with woodlands and forests, marshes, brush, fields and pastures, you name it. Typically, Mossy Oak and RealTree brands offer the best camouflage outfits for hunting occasions.
The Breakup camouflage provides a more modern, block style design. It’s also nicknamed “Digital” since it resembles computer screen blocks of earthy colors. However, this particular design works great with deer hunting as well because it hides the outline of your body in the eyes of deer. Remember that it’s best to be unseen by the deer.
Keep in mind that the weather plays a major part in your hunting outfit as well. You don’t want to wear snow designed camouflage for early Fall when things are still green. If the environment is still green then you want to be green.
Speaking of the weather, if it’s a wet environment, a waterproof jacket and boot are necessary. For the warmer days, polyester clothing is best. Polyester is naturally cooler on the body and it dries much faster should it ever get wet. Many hunters avoid wearing cotton materials since it’s heavier and takes forever to dry when wet.
Never wear denim or blue jeans to deer hunt in. Yes, they are heavy and that is not wise. Moreover, deer can see the color blue just like they can see the sky and water. They will easily spot you in anything blue. Avoid wearing any colors on the blue spectrum.
We also advise that hunters wear bright orange vest or jacket. Since deer struggle to see any colors on the red spectrum, this color will also blend in. Remember that any colors on the blue spectrum are known to stand out to deer.
The reason it’s important to wear the orange is to minimize hunting accidents. You want other hunters to see you out there. While it’s really important to blend in for the deer, other hunters need to be able to see you. Orange is a safety color, so always wear it.
10. What Gear is Needed to Hunt Deer?
Another important topic that we should cover for bow hunting deer is the type of equipment and gear you should take with you. We have already discussed the type of crossbows, arrows, bolts, and clothing. What else should you have on you to successfully track down and score some deer? Hang on tight as we list things that most hunters prefer to take with them on their hunt.
Binoculars
It’s essential to have a small pair of binoculars with you to see what’s going on. This is really helpful in detecting deer that are a few hundred yards away from you. It’s even more helpful if you’re in a tree stand and have the added height as an advantage as well.
Hunting Knife
A hunting knife is helpful and useful in so many ways. For one, if you kill a deer and need to do any on-site cleaning. Hunting knives are also useful for cutting rope, clothing, small limbs, thick string, etc. You never know when you’re out in the wild and will need a hunting knife to survive.
Compass
A compass is an extremely important asset to have while deer hunting. If you are in the woods and feel that you know the area like the back of your hand, it’s still easy to get turned around and lost. It happens more often than most people think.
With a compass in your pocket, it will help you to keep track of where you are at all times. Never go deer hunting without a compass.
Arrows
In your backpack, always have extra arrows. You never want to go all out and show up empty-handed when you quickly lose the first arrow or two.
License and Permit
Never deer hunt without your license or permit in your pocket. Make sure that you have all the appropriate legal information and permits that you need by speaking with your local officials.
Flashlight
Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, you’ve got to be able to see your way around. Always carry a durable, hunting flashlight with extra batteries just in case.
Tote Rope
When you’re out in the wild, tote rope is a necessity. Don’t throw it in your backpack carelessly and tangled. Neatly fold and arrange it so that it’ll be easy to access when in the wild.
Whether you’re in a tree stand or on the ground, tote rope can be a very useful tool, especially if you have to drag a deer that you’ve successfully bagged.
Jaw Bow Release
As a crossbow hunter, don’t leave the house without this. This helps you to achieve an accurate shot with your crossbow. Just don’t forget it.
Safety Belt and Harness
If you do prefer to hunt with the crossbow in a tree stand, absolutely do not forget the safety belt and harness. In case the tree stand fails or you accidentally stumble while climbing down, this will help to protect you.
While we are discussing this, always keep a small pocket knife in your coat pocket. Should you ever fall upside down from the tree stand and are left hanging, this will help you to cut your way down. A smart hunter thinks three steps ahead.
Lighter and Matches
Maybe you feel like turning a day trip into a camp out, or maybe you got lost too deep in the woods (remember that compass?). You may need to camp out overnight.
In order to have fire for warmth, you’ll need a lighter or matches. This is a basic survival tool. Keep it with you just in case.
Jerky, Energy Bars, Water
It’s important to take care of yourself while on the hunt for deer. Always carry some snacks that are rich in proteins but light enough to carry with you. This will maintain your energy until you return home.
Also, keep a bottle of water with you so you don’t get dehydrated.
Grunt Tube, Scent Killer Spray
If you prefer to use any type of deer calls, remember to take them with you. Many hunters like to use grunt tubes. If you’re new to deer calls, practice with them before you embark on your hunt.
Most hunters also like to use some form of scent killer. This will hide your scent from the deer since they have a superb sense of smell. Some hunters like to use a deer urine based scent spray that attracts deer to them.
11. Deer Hunting Tips
We hope that you have gained a lot of knowledge on crossbow deer hunting. With everything listed in this article, you are guaranteed to have the best deer hunting time.
Be sure to learn about the deer season dates, what permits and licenses your state or region requires, and any other regulations that are required by law.
Each state and region has their own laws and specifications since there are different populations of deer, different types of deer and different types of geographical qualities. and environments.
Remember to always carry the necessary equipment and gear, wear the orange vest or jacket for safety precautions and always practice safe hunting skills.
Most importantly- have fun! We wish you the best in your deer hunting endeavors.