Know Where the Deer Are

• It sounds simple and silly, but it's important. The fact of the matter is, deer don't just wander into areas to get shot by hunters. Hunters have to go to where the deer normally are. This requires a fair amount of scouting and knowing what to look for. Deer scrapes, which are on the ground, and deer rubs, which are on trees, are great indicators of a buck being in the area. Try to scout in areas that you have seen deer before and, when possible, use a trail camera in advance of deer season. This will give you a journal of where the deer are and when, allowing you to better plan your hunting locations and times.
  
  

Know When to Look for Deer

• Deer usually bed down in the late morning until the early dusk hours of the day, though there are always exceptions to the rule. Most hunters attempt to get out to their hunting locations before daybreak and stay until noon, taking a small break while the deer are bed down and then returning in the early afternoon and staying until dark. This will maximize exposure to the deer during their normal moving hours and will reduce the risk of a hunter spooking them off while he's moving through the area.
  
  

Know How to Avoid Detection

• Smells, sounds and movement are the enemy of the deer hunter. Whitetail deer are known for their keen sense, and an unprepared hunter is likely to end up spooking off his trophy even before getting a shot lined up. The key is using the tools that are at your disposal, such as scent blockers, deer-luring scents and calls.
  
  Scent blockers hide the smell of the hunter and can be found in most outdoor supply stores. The same goes for deer scents, which are used to attract deer. These come in various types, such as doe estrus and buck urine smells.
  
  Calls are also important as they can be used to draw an unsuspecting deer into an open shooting location. Buck grunts, doe bleats and even rattling antlers--just to name a few--should be employed to draw the attention of the deer. Use them sparingly, though, as a deer will likely be able to locate you if you use a call too often.
  
  Movement can be negated by only moving slowly and quietly when the deer is not looking. Never try to raise your rifle while the deer is looking in your direction, even if you are in a tree stand. If a deer does not catch your movement, sit still, even if it blows at you or stomps at you. These are just tactics the deer uses to try to verify your position. Wait until the deer looks away and then lift your gun or draw your bow for the shot.