Skip to content
Field Guide  /  Bear

6 Tips for Stalking Whitetail

Author Image for Spencer Blanchard

4 Minute Read

By Spencer Blanchard  on 10/6/2023

Harvesting whitetail is nothing short of easy.  Whitetail not only have some of the best sight but also hearing out of any species that we hunt.  It not only takes skill, but persistence and dedication to harvest that big buck on your trail cam, and that’s where we come in.

Harvesting whitetail is nothing short of easy. Whitetail not only have some of the best sight but also hearing out of any species that we hunt. It not only takes skill, but persistence and dedication to harvest that big buck on your trail cam, and that’s where we come in. Stalking whitetail is tricky business, however, can become a big advantage when sneaking up on an old, mature buck. Here are 6 stalking tips that we feel will not only improve your stalking techniques, but help you land that big buck.

 

Take Advantage Of All Types Of Weather

 

More times than not, as hunters we will hear that it is not worth it to hunt in the rain, snow, or gusty winds. However, when stalking, that statement is completely wrong.  Although it might not be the ideal conditions for you, it is dulling the senses of the deer and making it easier for you to stalk properly. Take advantage of these types of weather, it might just work out for your good.

 

Wear Proper Camo

 

As always, you will want to plan ahead and make sure you are picking out the proper camo to match your terrain as best as possible.  Although this should always be taken into consideration, it is especially important when you are stalking, as you are going to want to match the oaks, bushes, snow, etc. as best as you possibly can.

 

Learn How To Track A Deer With Your HuntWise Markers

 

This may seem self explanatory, but, when stalking it is crucial to understand the behavior of the deer. You are not always going to spot the deer that you are after, and it is very important to understand how to follow tracks, pinpoint scrapes/rubs, etc.  Utilize your HuntWise markers to take note of these key elements when you pinpoint them, and make a walking path so you do not lose the track that you are on.

 

Try “Glassing” If Accessible In Your Area

 

Glassing is not going to be accessible in every type of terrain.  However, if you have hilly or more mountainous land that has a vantage point, this can be a good place to start your stalking.  Try starting up high and just observing the land. You might witness a lake, river, other game, or even the big buck you’ve been hoping would be there.  Again, if this is accessible to you, this is a great place to start before you start the stalk.

 

Use The Wind

 

A headwind is stalkings greatest advantage. This will not only carry scent away from deer, but also, if it's blowing hard enough, help protect your movement with swaying branches and shrubs. Monitor the wind by checking your ScentDrift periodically in the HuntWise app.  Plug in your ideal wind direction, and access whether or not the wind is working to your advantage.

 

And finally…

 

Stay Calm And Patient

 

Remember, this is all a matter of protecting yourself from deer visibility and staying patient when you see your shot.  Once your spot your whitetail, do not immediately pursue the shot. Instead, stay calm, observe the animal, and go from there.  The whitetail could still be moving, feeding, etc. Whatever the case may be, do not let the sight of that big buck get you so excited that you spook it.  Stay calm, keep your composure, resume the stalk, and take the shot when necessary. As always, the key to stalking is to stay calm, stay confident, and practice often.  Still-hunting can be extremely challenging, as you have to focus even more than you would if you were hunting in a stand on your camo, your composure, the sounds around you, etc. They are many components to hunting that are 100 times more important when stalking, and that just means you have to be on top of your game.  However, you can do it. With these 6 tips, and your HuntWise app in hand, you are sure to be successful. Good luck hunters, and shoot straight.

Previous in Bear

Next in Bear

More Content Like This

A coyote howls, hunting coyote concept.
Bear

How to Hunt Coyotes on Public Land: 3 Tips to Improve Your Hunt

By Spencer Blanchard | 01/29/2024

More often than not, coyote hunters will steer clear of public land, believing it is overrun by other hunters or that any surviving coyotes have already left the land. Do not believe these stereotypes! Read More

Read More
A squirrel sits on a tree limb, best times to hunt squirrel concept.
Bear

The Best Time to Hunt Squirrels

By Melisa Geleott | 08/08/2023

With over 200 different species, squirrels are one of the most familiar rodents located all over the world. They're also among the most popular small game species to hunt, but when is the best time to hunt these animals? Read More

Read More
A turkey hunter scouts a field using binoculars from a vehicle.
Bear

Best Hunting Binoculars for 2024

By Teri Williams | 05/10/2024

Experienced hunters know that good hunting means good scouting. It's a straightforward principle: the more you scout, both before and during the season, the more fruitful your hunt is likely to be. Read More

Read More

1 of 3