Most deer hunters know the challenges of getting close enough to deer for a clean shot. Even if you’re lucky enough to get within range there’s no guarantee the deer will cooperate and stay put long enough for you to take a shot. So what can you do to increase your chances of getting close enough to deer for a successful shot?
One strategy is to use attractants to lure deer in from a distance. By understanding how deer use their sense of smell you can take advantage of this and draw them closer to you.
When it comes to attractants there are two main types: food-based and reproductive-based. Food-based attractants are just what they sound like – they’re designed to lure deer in with the promise of a meal. These can be things like salt licks mineral blocks or even special deer feeders that dispense feed at set intervals.
Reproductive-based attractants on the other hand mimic the scents of deer in the mating season. These can be things like doe-in-heat urine tarsal gland scent or even artificially-produced scents that mimic these natural smells.
But why do these attractants work? Let’s take a closer look at how deer use their sense of smell and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
Deer have an amazing sense of smell. In fact their sense of smell is about 300 times more sensitive than ours. They use their sense of smell for a variety of purposes including finding food avoiding predators and locating mates during the breeding season.
When it comes to finding food deer have a keen sense of smell that allows them to locate the best sources of forage. This is why food-based attractants can be so effective in drawing deer in from a distance. The deer’s sense of smell is so sensitive that they can even smell the difference between fresh and stale food.
When it comes to avoiding predators deer use their sense of smell to identify the potential threat and determine whether or not to flee. However their sense of smell can also work against them in this case. Studies have shown that deer can smell the fear in predators which can trigger their fight-or-flight response and cause them to flee even when there’s no danger present.
Finally deer use their sense of smell to locate mates during the breeding season. bucks use their sense of smell to locate doe in estrus (i.e. in heat) while doe use their sense of smell to locate bucks with the most virile sperm. This is why reproductive-based attractants can be so effective in drawing deer in from a distance.
So how can you use this knowledge to your advantage? Here are a few tips:
1. If you’re using a food-based attractant make sure it’s fresh.
As we mentioned earlier deer have a keen sense of smell and can tell the difference between fresh and stale food. If you’re using a food-based attractant make sure it’s fresh and has a strong scent. Otherwise the deer will likely just ignore it.
2. If you’re using a reproductive-based attractant make sure it’s authentic.
When it comes to reproductive-based attractants authenticity is key. Deer can tell the difference between real and artificial scents so make sure you’re using a genuine doe-in-heat urine or tarsal gland scent. Otherwise the deer will likely just ignore it.
3. Pay attention to wind direction.
Deer use their sense of smell to locate food predators and mates. However they can only smell these things if the wind is blowing in the right direction. So when you’re using an attractant pay close attention to the wind direction and make sure the wind is blowing the scent towards the deer. Otherwise they’ll never be able to smell it.
4. Be patient.
Attractants can be a great way to draw deer in from a distance. However it’s important to be patient and give the deer time to smell the attractant and make their way to you. If you’re too impatient and try to move too quickly you’ll likely just scare them off.
5. Don’t overdo it.
When it comes to attractants less is more. If you use too much you’ll likely just end up scaring the deer off. So start with a small amount and increase it gradually until you find the perfect balance.
Attractants can be a great way to increase your chances of getting close enough to deer for a successful shot. By understanding how deer use their sense of smell you can take advantage of this and lure them in from a distance. Just remember to be patient start with a small amount and pay attention to wind direction.
What are some scents that deer are attracted to?
Some scents that deer are attracted to are peppermint vanilla and pumpkin.
What are some sounds that deer are attracted to?
Some sounds that deer are attracted to are the sounds of other deer particularly does.
What are some foods that deer are attracted to?
Some foods that deer are attracted to are acorns apples and corn.
What time of day are deer most active?
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
What time of year are deer most active?
Deer are most active in the fall.
Where do deer like to spend most of their time?
Deer like to spend most of their time in wooded areas.
How much water do deer need to drink each day?
Deer need to drink around 8-12 cups of water each day.
What do deer use their tails for?
Deer use their tails for balance and communication.
What is the primary purpose of a deer’s antlers?
The primary purpose of a deer’s antlers is to attract mates.
How fast can deer run?
Deer can run up to 30 miles per hour.
How far can deer jump?
Deer can jump up to 10 feet high and 30 feet long.
How long do deer live?
The average lifespan of a deer is 10-12 years.
How many times can a deer mate in one season?
A deer can mate up to 3 times in one season.
How many fawns can a deer have at one time?
A deer can have up to 3 fawns at one time.
How long does it take for a fawn to be born?
It takes around 200 days for a fawn to be born.
