Deer hunting is one sport or activity of pursuing deer. This classic outdoor sport that was introduced as early as 7,000 BC has been loved by outdoor enthusiasts all over the world. Deer hunting isn't just a simple sport. It entails a lot of patience and hard work to have a successful deer hunting activity.

Practice, practice, and more practice is required before you go out deer hunting during hunting season. It is important then that you know the basics of deer hunting.

The Basics of Deer Hunting

Although there are a lot of things that you should know and prepare for any deer hunting activities, there are only three major things that you should focus on: the rut, the deer rubs, and the deer scrapes.

The Rut

This is the mating season for white tail deer. This is normally the time when deer are more active but less cautious than usual, which makes them susceptible to motorists and deer hunters. It is also during this season when vehicle accidents that involve deer are relatively higher. The rut is the best time for deer hunters to move.

Bucks during this time are constantly on the move in search for a doe. Most of the time, does play hard-to-get, leading bucks into a wild goose chase before finally mating. Once you see a doe, expect to see a trailing buck behind. Always be alert and ready. Who knows, your mature back may be just around the corner.

Deer Rubs

These are created when bucks (male deer) rub their antlers and their foreheads against the base of a tree. This normally happens during late summer or early fall. During rut seasons, rubs are normally done by territory. The gland of the bucks forehead leaves a distinct scent so other deer will know who did the rub.

Rubs are very easy to find. During your deer hunting, look for fresh deer rubs as they are a indication that a deer is within the territory. But be careful not to touch the rub nor leave any human scent around the vicinity.

Deer Scrapes

These are scrapes found on the ground where deer normally paw the soil away using their hooves. Deer scrapes vary in sizes, ranging from one to eight feet. When you are out deer hunting, see that you check for deer scrapes in your area. That is a clear indication that a deer might be somewhere near you.

Deer Hunting Safety Tips

For any hunting expedition, your safety should be your top concern. There are a number of recorded injuries or even deaths every year involving deer hunting. Here are some few safety tips that might help you a lot.

Gun Safety

Remember to always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the number one rule of gun safety. A safe direction basically means that your gun is pointed in a certain direction so that even if the gun unexpectedly goes off, it won't cause any damage or injury.

The second thing to remember is to keep your fingers away from the trigger until you are ready to shoot. When you are holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger. Never touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire. The last thing to consider is to keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to use. Engage the safety pin if possible every time you pick up the gun.

Tree Stand Safety

A deer hunter can take advantage if he is on an elevated position. To achieve this, using a tree stand is a great help. However, if not properly used, tree stands can actually cause serious injuries or even deaths. To avoid this, start by getting familiar with your equipment. Read the recommended procedures that concern your tree stand.

Also, never forget to use your safety equipment such as the safety harness. When you are climbing, refrain from carrying any equipment. Instead, use a haul line in raising or lowering your gear.

To get prepared for your next deer hunting activity, make sure that you know the basics and the safety measures of this classic outdoor sport.

Just as choosing the right weapon, ammunition and hunting plot make a huge difference to your success in the field, picking the right hunting companions is also key. We're not saying you should only hunt with seasoned woodsmen, but considering the survival skills of the rest of your party is important.

Establish your camp with hunters who have similar interests - that way you've got something to talk about when you're resting or in the advent of weather forcing you to stay at camp rather than pursue game for a day. Similarly, don't hunt with friends that can't get along with one another - if your brother and your best workmate don't see eye to eye, consider leaving one of them behind or taking two separate trips or you might find yourself refereeing the week away.

Finally, hunt with people who can make a positive contribution to your camp. Choose your camp mates wisely - make sure there's more than one person who can start a fire, perform first aid and offer physical support to others in the group if required.

Because hunting was once part of our survival and has since become a passionate pursuit of many. And most experienced hunters agree that they never stop learning about their sport. Even more hunters will tell you that the most important lessons they learned came early in their hunting experience.

Getting young people involved in hunting is a serious responsibility - but one of the most rewarding aspects of the hunting life. First, be sure the kids are ready - they'll need a basic level of understanding when it comes to firearms handling and safety. Second, be sure you set them up to succeed. No one enjoys an activity that they feel like they've 'lost' - so go after plentiful, small game.

The biggest tip of all is this: don't hunt. Your job is to watch, guide and encourage the kids you're hunting with - not bag more squirrels or rabbits than they can. So keep your eyes on the kids, and be sure their eyes are on the prize. If they're sloppy with their weapon handling, take the gun away. If they're disappointed by missed shots, encourage them and find more action. And always be sure they know that real success of hunting isn't what's in the bag at the end of the day - it's the knowledge, the memories and the experience we gain being in the field.

One of the keys to success in hunting is placing an accurate shot - whether you hunt with a bow or a firearm, this sentiment rings true. So what is important when setting up your perfect shot, and perhaps more importantly, which shots should you let slip by? Though the window for placing your shot of a lifetime may be only seconds, it's important to exercise good judgement and aim to place your shot as effectively as possible.

Good shots are clear, no brush or other obstructions between you and your quarry. Don't take aim An ideal shot can be made when an animal is quartering away or presents itself broadside to you. Either of these gives you a clean shot at the vital organs allowing you to dispatch the animal quickly and ethically.

The golden rule, so to speak, is being sure you're aiming at the right target. This ensures safety for bystanders and other hunters. Bear in mind you should know what lies beyond your intended target, as a bullet or arrow can potentially carry on and cause serious harm to someone further a field.

You put a lot of thought into the weapon you choose to hunt with, and take care not to forget anything you might need at camp. An area many hunters overlook is the most important of all - their survival kit. Of course, a survival kit isn't the first thing most hunters think they need for their trek into the wilderness. But most of us don't set off for a hunt planning to get lost or injured along the way.

A survival kit should be compact - no larger than a fanny pack. The smaller it is, the more likely you are to keep it with you all the time. Your survival kit should include the following items:

- a space blanket, two if you can manage to fit them in
- at least one day's supply of food
- a pack of waterproof matches
- 20ft of nylon rope or parachute cord
- a suitable knife and sharpening stone
- two 8oz juice boxes
- a packet of water purification tablets
- a compact first aid kit including a gauze roll, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and aspirin

This is the bare minimum when considering your survival needs. With these items, odds are you can make it for a couple of days in the outdoors with little worry.