Well Equiped Deer Hunter

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Besides knowing how to outsmart the smartest buck, a good hunter also knows how to use his equipment properly. For example, no single weapon is the best one to use. A shotgun might only give you one shot at the kill, but it also has a very long range. On the other hand, a bow will let you quietly take down your prey, but its range is so short that you'll have to exercise extreme patience and be very stealthy. The various tools, such as the deer call and the rattle, will help attract deer to you quickly, but use them too much and the clever buck will be frightened away.

Here are some general tips for using the deer hunter's equipment to give you the best chance at bagging that prize buck.

Weapons

Every weapon has its strengths and weaknesses. In this section is a description of each weapon and how best to use it. For best results, it is recommended that you take time to go to the range and get a feel for each weapon, especially for the shotgun and compound bow, since their range can be a little tricky to judge.

Rifle - The rifle is by far the most fun weapon to use. It is also the most effective weapon because of its long range and is ideal for beginners because its range is nearly unlimited. The only drawbacks when using the rifle are reloading time and noise level, since the gunshot makes the bucks run away, and the rifle takes so long to reload that it's imperative you make your first shot count.

Shotgun - The 12-gauge shotgun is great since it holds four rounds, which allows you to take three more shots if you miss with the first. But like the rifle, it's best to make the first shot count. The only real drawback to using the shotgun is its limited range. You should try to lure bucks into range with a couple blows on the deer call.

Compound Bow - The compound bow is by far the most difficult weapon to kill a deer with, since its range is very limited. The most effective way to hunt with the bow is from a tree stand. Use the deer call and rattle technique to lure the big bucks within range. The bow is quiet enough so that if you miss with the first shot, there's a good chance the buck won't get spooked.

Tools of the Trade

The hunter's eyesight, hearing, and smell aren't as keen as his prey's. Therefore, the hunter must make up for this with his equipment. Below is a brief description of the hunter's tools and how best to use them.

Binoculars
The binoculars are one of the most useful tools for hunting a trophy kill, since all of the deer look the same from afar. Simply click on the left mouse button while looking at a deer through the binoculars, and the hunter will identify the size of the buck. Use the page up and page down keys to adjust the magnification.

Deer Call
A deer call mimics the sound of a deer. Use it in conjunction with the rattle to lure deer closer by fooling them into thinking that you are another deer. Only use it a couple times in a row, however - too many times and smart bucks will know you're a fake.

Rattle
The horns, when rattled together, will trick a buck into thinking that two bucks are fighting. Deer, being naturally curious animals, will be lured in. Use the rattle once after a couple of blows on the deer call.

Cover Scent
Deer have an amazing sense of smell. The cover scent masks your odor so that bucks have a harder time detecting you. However, you should still pay attention to the direction of the wind and try to stay downwind of them.

Attract Scent
The attract scent attracts big bucks, and when used in conjunction with the cover scent, it can be most effective. Using attract scent alone doesn't seem to do as much.

Tree Stand
The tree stand gives hunters a place to watch and wait for bucks high above the ground. It helps make detection by bucks less likely and is especially useful when hunting with the compound bow.