Advice on doe hunting with a bow?

Question

I am a sucessfull archery hunter but drew a doe tag this year and will likley take my son on his first hunt. I have seen many doe while hunting bucks but I am curious about stratigy. I think I should be able to spot and stalk fairly easy, but would like to take my 10yo son. Is spot and stock my best bet? Do does respond to calls? any advice?

Answer 1

My Father took me bowhunting the first time when I was just 8 years old. He sold Archery equipment for a living with a family based business for over 45 years till he passed away in 2004 I can tell you from first hand experience that instead of stalking you would be much better off building a pre-season tree stand out of 2x4's and 2x6's. big enough for the two of you to sit in. Build it on active trails, and if you can try to find a place where several trails intersect, and build your stand there. 8-10 feet off the ground will be high enough.
Does rarely respond to calls at any time. I've hunted the east coast ,central and Southwestern U.S., Canada and British Columbia, and this always has been the case for me, and I always saw the most deer bucks and does hunting from a tree stand. I can tell you that if you hunt this way,you will increase your son's chances at a shot under 20 yards significantly and the fact you will be with him will make him feel a whole lot more comfortable, not to mention give him confidence. Letting the deer come to you lessens the chance of spooking them by a mis-step on leaves or twigs. Your son will have time to take his time and make a better shot. MAKE sure you put some cover scent on you boot heels and your son's to , so the deer won't smell your tracks and spook.I was lucky enough to get a 110 lb Doe the next morning and to be totally honest, having my Dad right there made memories that still come to mind often, and it made an exciting time in this young boys life that I have since passed on to my own son. He will never forget his first and neither will I. I have hunted for years since (I'm in my 50's now) and when I look back I realize it all stated there. I wish you and your son great success, and from one Dad to another, thanks for passing on the heritage to the next generation.

Answer 2

The best possible advice for hunting doe is this.

When I was little hunting was a right of passage. That was one of the few ways the reservation got meat. My first doe was brought down the same way I have brought down deer elk or bear since the first hunt using a bow.

I hunted with my brother (we were 10 and 11 respectively).
We went out and scouted the game trails around the res and when we found an active one we looked for natural cover. If your hunting in trees there is no lack of cover. In scrub it's a little harder to find hiding spots but they can be found.

Here is the trick to hunting with a bow (on the ground). Get a big onion slice it in half and rub yourself down. Rub down your son too. That softens the human scent to nearly nothing and makes it harder for the does to smell you. It also peaks interest. The deer like the scent of onion. put yourself near water on the game trail and relax. Stay loose and alert. As the does go to water take time to pick your deer. As the deer drink the fawns will nurse. Don't shoot a nursing mother.

This has been the way my family has had winter meat for years. Scent is the first alert system of all wildlife then sound then sight. Onion takes care of scent, being silent or speaking softly in low whispers takes care of sound and being still cuts chances of being noticed. Keep brush between you and your doe.

I don't know if your son is a chatter box. my oldest son is. So practice first with being quiet.

Answer 3

i think your best bet would be to set up (stationary ) about 15 yards off a heavily used doe trail. maybe in a low stand with some thicker cover. I've never had a doe respond to any call, but they will stop and check out urine scent you put out .
I think spot and stalk, especially with a bow maybe the most difficult style of hunting there is. I would be very impressed if a 10 year old could accomplish this.

Answer 4

After scouting your hunting area and locating the best place to set up your tree stand which would be near an apple tree which is the best spot*. I would try using the fawn distress call just to see the Does reaction to it as a last resort*. Other experienced hunters have swore it works*.

Answer 5

Chances are that doe will still be with a fawn/yearling or two. Every year when our bow season starts in October, I can sit on the edge of the hayfield and watch dozens of deer (all does with their fawns) come out to feed. Your best bet will be to set up close to a food source and wait. (Acorns, hay field, corn field, etc.) Chances are, that doe (or does) will bring their fawns in to eat and eat themselves. Remember, the 'fawns' are older in the fall, and will sometimes be close in size to mom. The way to tell the difference if not by size is by a larger, longer muzzle.

I've rarely had does respond to calls. They will perk up their ears and look in your direction, but seldom 'come hither' to check things out.

I would suggest that you and your son go out scouting first to see what comes around. Watching them sometimes is worth more than taking one of them.

I would suggest a blind of some kind, because of your son. I took my 13 year old out for his first hunt last year, and I'm glad I had a blind, because he would fidget, whip his head around to look at birds, etc. Hiding his movement may be key.

Answer 6

If you're taking the kid with you, stalking is going to be a challenge. Stand hunting will be a better bet, and you can leave your grunt call at home.