Stalking is another technique that requires the hunter to be more patient, attentive and observant when it comes to disturbances and changes, especially those made by the deer. Although some States may prohibit stalking in large groups especially with numerous hounds, the thrill of the hunt is all about knowing where the target is.

It's hard to fool a deer's sense of smell and hearing which is number one and two of their sharpest respectively. At this point, the hunter must take advantage of the necessary foliage and surroundings, along with a nice camouflage outfit and binoculars, it's all about following a deer to its bedding.

Stalking is more of a selective hunting method, only for serious hunters that wish to hone their sense when it comes to tagging his prey. There are a few things needed to see and have when it comes to stalking.

Rubber boots offer a quieter trek through the forest. It won't leave any traces of human smell and are more comfortable. It can be ordinary rain boots, but there are specialized rubber boots for hunters with added insulation and padding to make stalking a more possible approach.

Watching for signs of rubbings is another example to see if a buck may be nearby. It can't be helped if the deer may spot the hunter first, thus scurrying off out of the hunter's firing range. But deer can be habitual creatures that requires them to return to their territory. By placing a small amount of buck urine, it will give the impression that another buck is invading.

There are certain tracks that bucks leave on soft ground, best if they are left untouched, but not unnoticed. It's not like following the trail, but it will give a general idea on where to find a buck as the hunter can position himself in a hiding place to wait it out.

Food plots can be used, but aren't always effective. Think of it as additional aids in order to lead the buck to a trap. They are best used near water.

And the next best thing is to use the weather. Rainfall provides a better distraction for hunters as it muffles the sound of footfalls, breathing and the loading of a round into the rifle bore.

So it may not always be a successful hunt when it comes to stalking. But it's all about enjoying the very idea of taking charge of the situation and to rush head on with a clear tactic in mind. In case the hunter might get lost, it's better to head back before getting in any deeper.

If hunters were like Elmer Fudd, then gun safety would be something to laugh about.

The reality of hunting with rifles is that, a rifle is a weapon that can kill any living being, especially people. Though our fascination with guns has been around since as long as the States have been discovered, not a lot of people know the safety rules and precautions when it comes to rifle handling. Best to leave it with the National Rifle Association to learn proper rifle handling and it will definitely save the hunter's life as well as others.

Keeping the rifle pointed in the safe direction is the most important part of handling a rifle. Better to shoulder the rifle while trekking through the forest until you find your intended trophy buck. Depending on the circumstances, the best direction is where there are no targets. Make sure that you don't load any ammunition since some hunting regulations don't allow loaded rifles while hunting and will be carried by the proper personnel.

Keep the finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Most accidents and deaths are the result of having a twitchy trigger finger even if the target is just dead ahead. It's better to be patient until the hunter is given the perfect opportunity to take aim and pull the trigger. That way it also exercises self-control.

Another tip is to know what your target is and what is beyond it. What makes this interesting is perhaps another hunter is at the opposite side of the firing area so it would be bad to be caught in the crossfire. No need to yell 'fore', but every hunter has a designated guide to make sure that only one or two hunters are within the perimeter.

And as for ammunition, always make sure that its designed for the rifle in use. Sure there are dozens of ammunition types for a specified rifle, which is basically stamped on the barrel. And as for operating the rifle, it is important that it's kept maintained without any defects or damages. A misfire might cause a lot of trouble.

These are some of the rules handed by the NRA when it comes to rifle handling. The hunter needs to know and practice them since hunting is almost the same as taking a life. Knowing these deer hunting gun safety rules will ensure a successful hunt in the future and something to brag about once that trophy is hanging on the wall.

For every beginning hunter, there are probably a hundred things that are needed when it comes to hunting for the first time. Though it may also include a cell phone or other non-essentials like a mp3 player, it would be good to have a few things needed before going with the hunting group.

A first aid kit is a must for small and accidental injuries. Of course it's unavoidable to scrape your arm on rough bark or falling off the tree stand, at least there's an available remedy in that box. Always make sure to dispose of the material properly.

Other equipment such as rifles or bows must be kept unloaded. Most States will commission a guide for hunters to carry the ammunition and probably help the hunter carry some of the necessary equipment. It's not like having a caddy carrying the bag, but he is there to ensure the safety of the hunter as well as the forest.

Never drink anything that may compromise or deteriorate your physical or mental faculties. Drinking alcohol has always been some of the problems that have caused a few injuries and even deaths with hunters who fail to exercise safety procedures. Frustrations under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to incidents such as frustrated shooting, which is a big risk factor when it comes to hunting.

Proper equipment for tree stands have to be in good condition, and most accidents occur because of faulty construction and replacing parts with things not designed for the structure. Before planning on the next deer hunt, it would be best to properly maintain any piece of equipment before actually using it. In fact, if the tree stand is showing signs of defects or damage, better to just buy a new one rather than pay for it with limb or life.

And practice self-control. There's nothing worse than for a hunter to go trigger-happy all because he's enjoying himself. Nothing wrong with that, but there are rules and ethical concerns when it come to hunting. Think of it as a way to be one with nature and deer being tagged is a way to thank nature for it. All the hunter can do is to respect it.

These are some of the top rules needed to prepare for that first hunt of the season. Given enough time, practice and the observance of safety rules and laws, the next big hunt will bound to be memorable.

When going deer hunting, it's best to be equipped with a weapon that suits your taste. Considering that the weapon is an extension of your arm, you have to make sure that the weapon you are carrying is the most comfortable for you. Choosing a weapon because someone told you to won't necessarily lead you down the road of success.

In deer hunting, there is no such thing as a perfect weapon. Each has its own specific strength and weaknesses, and the hunter who knows these will definitely bring down the first deer he comes across.

The Long-Range Rifle

The prominent weapon of choice for every deer hunter in the wild is the ever-famous rifle. Considering its range and firepower, this is by far the most effective weapon in bringing down the strongest of bucks. This is also an ideal weapon for beginners who are on their first try at deer hunting.

The most common distinguishing feature of the rifle is its long-barrel which is attributed to its range. But considering its firepower, it also has a lot of weaknesses that any novice hunter should know about.

One such weakness is its noise level. When using the rifle, it is customary to bring down the buck on the first try; if you miss, the buck will be alerted to the sound emitted by the rifle and you might not get a second chance at it this is the second weakness; reloading. The rifle only allows one bullet at a time, so after the first shot, its takes a lot of time to reload. With these two weaknesses to offset the power and range of the rifle, you have to make sure that the first shot counts.

<h2>The Shotgun</h2>

A 12-gauge shotgun has no qualms when it comes to reloading since it can hold a total of four rounds before reloading. Its has a lot of firepower but lacks the range to back it up, so you need to get close to your target to make sure that you don't miss. It is also in the same category as the rifle when it comes to the noise level, so you better make sure that the first shot counts, or else you are going to play a game of tag with the buck when you miss.

Do it the old fashion way by using the Bow

This compound bow is definitely not for beginners, and is considered the most difficult weapon to kill a deer. The range and power of the bow is limited and you might need to utilize your surroundings if this is your weapon of choice.

The power of the bow differs with the accuracy of the hunter. Aside from the fact that you have to be quite near to your prey to make sure that you have enough force to embed the arrow in, you have to make sure that you hit the buck at the most critical spot, like the neck, to bring it down.

The range is also limited and most professional hunters resort to climbing trees to get a better shot of the prey. Using a deer call or a rattle to lure out the buck from hiding is practically the best maneuver when using a bow. But you need not worry if you miss the first try since the bow hardly makes a sound when fired, so you are free to take another shot when the buck is rooted on the same spot.

A wise hunter was asked by a novice regarding his weapon of choice for a successful deer hunt. The hunter simply shrugged and said: son, there is no weapon that comes to mind that can hit a buck without a steady hand and a rightful aim from a skilled hunter.

The cousins White-Tailed Deer, or otherwise known as the Virginia Deer, and the Muley, or Mule Deer, are two of the well known species the lives in the American plains. Though somewhat similar in physical attributes for those who aren't acquainted with the species, there are some minute differences that allow you to separate the two.

During the hunting season, it is beneficial for the hunter to know the physical differences between the two cousins. Aside from separating the Muley and the White-Tail deer, they can also proceed to the location of each since both of them have different habitats.

The physical difference says it all

One notable difference between the White-tails and the muleys are the color of their tails and their antlers; the tail of the Mule Deer is black-tipped unlike its white-tipped cousin (hence the name White-Tail).

The antler of the White-Tailed deer has two probable formations: the first one is the typical antlers where the points group straight up from the main beam and are symmetrical on both sides. The non-typical antlers are asymmetrical and the points branch off in different directions off from the main beam. The Mule Deer's antlers tend to fork rather than branching off from a single beam. Both species shed their antlers during winter, between the months December and February.

One noticeable difference of the two cousins are their coats during the summer and spring seasons. The Muley's coat has a light orange-brown color unlike the White-Tails reddish brown. Upon the onset of fall and winter, the coat of the white-tail turns to a grayish-brown and the Muley's changes into a darker version of their white-tailed cousins.

The Muleys are considerably larger their cousin. Wherein the bucks of the Mule deer weighs roughly 150 to 300 pounds and its white-tailed cousins which weighs around 130 to 220 pounds. Considering their weight difference, size is also a major factor in determining the muley from the white-tailed.

Know where the deer lives

As with their physical description, so does their habitat differs. The White-Tailed deer are often found in the east of the American cordillera. It is known to settle and survive in aspen parklands and Bottomland Rivers in the Central and Northern Great Plains. The Mule Deer on the other hand settled in the land west of the Missouri river.

Considering their location, each species has their own specific diet which differs with the other species. The Muley's diet includes berries such as blackberry, sala, huckleberry and thimbleberry. They are also well known forages especially on conifers such as cedar, yews, Douglas fir, aspen, dogwood, willow, sage and juniper.

The diet of their white-tailed cousins focuses more on legumes and other plants which includes leaves, grasses and shoots. They are also commonly seen taking in acorns, a wide variety of corns, and apples. One special quality of the White-tailed deer is its special stomach which allows it to take in poisonous mushrooms that are considered lethal to humans.

Difference in behavior

When seeing a Muley in flight, you will notice that they often move slotting rather than alternate movements on all 4 legs. Slotting is a bounding leap with all four feet coming together at once. The white-tailed deer are often seen running on all fours.

The does of the White-tailed deer are more cautious compared to the muleys. When threatened, the white-tipped tails of the does are often seen raising during escape.

Knowing the difference between the White-Tailed deer and their cousins the Mule Deer is a must for hunters who consider these two wild game during the hunting season.

When choosing the proper attire, it's nothing like foxhunting in that fashion along with the coat tails and all that bright-colored junk. Today's deer hunter may go as far as looking almost invisible to the deer's eyes. Back in the day, hunters would rely on thick bushes or hide behind trees with a good clearing to tag the buck. It can be an arduous task to begin with as it involves having to survey the surroundings before finding the right spot, only to realize that the hunter has left his scent to drive the buck away.

Some companies have taken great lengths to developing the best hunting gear that allows hunters to blend in naturally with their surroundings. Nothing close to being invisible like James Bond's car, but at least it creates an optical illusion to deceive a buck's vision before being tagged. Though it may cost a pretty penny, it would be the best investment to have the best outer protection and camouflaging to date.

One of the best-known camouflage outfits is the one made by Gore-Tex. Its parka has been designed to naturally blend with the surroundings without the need to actually be behind shrubbery or trees. You can practically be in front of the tree as you take aim and fire. It's breathable, with small pockets to insulate the body heat while allowing moisture molecules to escape. It's been a favored outfit for hunters all over for a couple years.

One of the most important parts of camouflaging with just your usual hunting clothes is to make sure that they're comfortable enough. Practicality is good for hunters on a budget and it doesn't need to make some sort of fashion statement. It's hard to hunt in a rainy or snowy climate where the hunter would compromise his health before he actually finishes. So it's more than just wearing a camouflage shirt lying around the, but it's more the matter of functionality as the clothes would allow the hunter to blend in as naturally as possible.

And as always, any outfit will still smell of humans. It's good to carry a bottle of scent remover before entering into the woods.

Whether for those who can afford a good camouflage outfit or have to settle with the ones in the closet, it's important to know what sort of outfit is needed in order to keep the hunter safe, warm and nearly invisible to the buck's eye.

There are times when a hunter's need to stay ahead of the game and practicing rifling or bow skills on a wooden animal may not be enough. Here are some arcade games for next generation consoles to keep those skills sharp and have fun in the process.

And wearing a camouflage suit isn't required.

Big Buck Hunter is one of the arcade titles that can be found in the nearest arcade or mall and developed by Play Mechanix, Inc. The player can choose up to four zones in North America, which the sequel also includes Canada, and start hunting. Certain game objectives like shooting as many bucks as possible without including the doe. Bonuses are awarded for accuracy and certain double and triple kills for bucks. It may sound straightforward, but it's all about the fun factor and can be played for a couple minutes with a handful of quarters.

And if going to the mall is too much of a chore, then a gaming console is just as good nowadays with next generation consoles. Some titles for the PC and PlayStation 2 offers a better experience thanks to their unique control system and it's better than the days of Duck Hunt (remember that?).

Deer Hunt Challenge series has been around for nearly 10 years and created for the PC, and if you're lucky enough to get it off eBay, you'll enjoy the feel of being a hunter by using a mouse. Options like tournament mode and traditional hunting can be done with this game. And if the need to hold something that's similar to a gun, you may want to bring out the old PlayStation 2 and find Cabela's Deer Hunt 2005. It offers a smarter deer and hunting game and a wide variety of games. There are still 'light guns' on the market that will allow any hunter to connect to the PlayStation 2 or PC in a real hunting fashion.

So technology has given the hunter another chance to satisfy the need for the hunt, after all, it might be just as exciting as the real thing. Regardless, the developers, who are big deer hunters as well, really appreciate creating the games to the closest possible thing, and purchasing a permit isn't required.

With the Big Buck Hunter series, Deer Hunt Challenge and Cabela's Deer Hunt 2008, it's deer hunting season all year round.

Traditional deer hunting usually involves having to wait out the buck at ground level, well-hidden and making as little noise as possible. OF course there is a thing called elevated positions where hunters can sit atop a tree or on a hill. This provides a more vantage view of the whole area and a better chance of targeting that trophy buck. Today, tree stands have been a common tool for most deer hunters and provide a better edge when it comes to hunting.

Choosing a tree stand isn't that hard, but all that counts is the safety and the necessary equipment that goes with it. At first, setting up the tree stand prior to the hunt would be vital, at the same time a challenge since the hunter must choose a good place to set up where deer population may be dense. Though some State laws prohibit nailing or setting a permanent tree stand near or in a tree, it would be best to purchase the collapsible type. It's worth the investment rather than getting a used one since most of the safety features are either missing or no longer in top condition. Better to spend on something safe rather than spending it on hospital bills, or a funeral.

As for using tree stands, a hunter never climbs on one with his equipment. Better to use a haul line to lift the equipment once he's on top of the stand and nothing that exceeds the maximum weight capacity. Probably just binoculars, your rifle, ammunition and some water will do. Accept no substitutes. Really. When you think your safety harness for your tree stand falls short of a piece or a few inches, never replace it with something else. Instead it's better to call your dealer for a new replacement.

In case the tree stand model has some sort of upgrade, it's good to get it early before planning the next deer hunting trip. Sometimes even the current models need a little more safety parts and there's never too much of a good thing.

The rules of hunting haven't changed, just got more sophisticated as tree stands and the like have been part of a modern deer hunter's gear. It might cost a pretty penny to have one in the garage, but the importance of safety aside from gun handling is an important step to know that your life is safe and protected, for a thrilling hunt.

There are a few times that a hunter will have to choose when it's time to get himself in the chase. Well, the gaming commission will announce when deer season will be open, but it takes nature to bring about the stir of things.

Most hunters anticipate the coming deer hunting season, especially those living in the Northwest where it goes into December. At this time, beginning in late September in the Northern part, hunters anticipate the Rut, or the deer mating season. This is part of nature where the doe brings about being the tease, in a sense that the buck would anticipate in order to start mating. At this point, hunters will have a clear chance of scoring a kill once a doe is sighted, thus the buck will appear shortly. It only happens during the daylight so that the doe can give birth to their offspring in the spring.

Call it superstition, but this is natural science in the making where the deer tends to go wild and are a bit less cautious. If a driver has ever run over a deer during late September to early November, well, that's pretty much it. A buck's sense of awareness is blinded to its need to find a mate in order to start breeding. It sounds like shooting fish in a barrel by the sound of it, but in regular seasons, deer tend to be more cautious and have a clear head.

On the forest trail, one way to know if a deer is nearby is to watch out for rubbings. The buck will scrape its antlers and head, in which a gland would leave behind a scent in a way dogs mark their territory. I wouldn't know its smell, but you'd know if a buck is nearby. This usually happens during a rut where they tend to be aggressive, a necessity to chase the doe in order to breed. Deep gouges on a trunk would likely be a buck just a couple yards in the area so it's best to leave and wait it out until spotted.

It takes a degree of know-how and the knowledge learned from school to know if deer hunting season and the rut is nearby. Soon enough, a trophy will be just around the corner given to their high anticipation and the appearance of the rubbings.

Some hunters prefer hunting during the night, and there's nothing more thrilling than having the feel of being the hunter catching its prey on sight. Of course best advised not to watch the Blair Witch Project or they'll see those stick figures hanging around. So instead of scaring the hunters after mentioning that movie, there are a few night hunting lights on the market that are capable of showing the way to that unsuspecting deer.

The most common lighting for most hunters is to use red light, since animals have a certain amount of color blindness, thus making night illumination possible. However, it does lack a certain amount of detail since it's important to know and determine the target is indeed a deer, or some fool wearing a hat with antlers. Red lights are used for hunters who know and live in the terrain so it's all about lighting towards their targeted buck.

The Fenix LOP (1 AAA) is the most commonly used penlight that gives of a significant amount of light without alarming the animal of the hunter's presence. Mainly just to pinpoint the path and the target, the Fenix is a must have tool, although it does lack a belt clip. Another penlight is the ARC AAA, which is small enough to be held by the mouth.

Belt lights are sturdy and give off more lumens for a more detailed search like the Surefire 9P. Although there are powerful ones, a hunter wouldn't choose one type of belt light that gives off too much focus since it will attract attention. Make sure the area of coverage is dispersed evenly and gives of a good detail to find your path and the buck. The Surefire L-4 Luxeon V is the best example for a belt light with a decent amount of lumens (about 65) that doesn't compromise the hunter's position.

Though night hunting is more for the professional and hardened hunters, it's important to know and understand that flooding the forest with light would scare any animal away, especially the whitetail deer. It would be impractical to carry a large amount of gear dedicated for lights alone that you'll be long tired before the hunt even begins. For night hunting lights, the smaller, with decent amount of lumens, the better it is to carry rather than the pinpoint lights that offer too much brightness. Unless if the hunter has natural night vision, they are better off with at least one penlight.