Bowhunting in a PARK - Deer React to Hunting Pressure

This was one of the more interesting places I've hunted. A target rich environment with a huge deer population in need of management due to decades of no hunting. I was surprised how these seemingly tame deer responded to a handful of bowhunters.
∙ 20% OFF onX Hunt App - bit.ly/2JDKaYY
Discount Code: catman
∙ 20% OFF MOSSY OAK APPAREL
Discount Code: CATMAN20 - store.mossyoak.com/
CATMAN MERCH: www.catmanoutdoors.com/store
STUFF I USE:
∙ Tethrd Phantom Elite w/ Mossy Oak Bottomland - tethrdnation.com/product/phan...
∙ Tethrd Skeletor Sticks - tethrdnation.com/product/skel...
∙ Rifle: Marlin 336 (30-30WIN)
∙ Bullets: Federal Fusion 150gr
∙ Scope: Nikon Buckmasters
∙ Muzzleloader: CVA Wolf Stainless package
∙ Bullets: 240gr Hornady XTP
∙ Powder: Blackhorn 209
∙ Bow: Bear Paradox @ 62 lbs
∙ Arrows: Easton Axis 300 - amzn.to/3HEIEVM
∙ Lighted Nocks: amzn.to/3VYAVX0
∙ Broadheads: Swhacker 263 - amzn.to/3uT6427
∙ Broadheads: Swhacker 202 - amzn.to/3V37XUz
VIDEO EQUIPMENT:
∙ Camera: Sony FDR AX53 - amzn.to/3lzyrl1
∙ Microphone: Rode Videomic Pro+ - amzn.to/3LKkhIm
∙ Tripod: Manfrotto 190Go - amzn.to/3HHLY2y
∙ Fourth Arrow Carbon Arm 2
∙ Fourth Arrow Fluid Head
∙ GoPro Hero 11 Black - amzn.to/3Wkqhd4
∙ GoPro Accessories - amzn.to/3PtW1dr

[@secretjourney4815]

Catman- I’m an archer on a park. There are 4 of us. The reason the deer knew something was up was the way you were walking. You were walking like a predator. Civilians just stroll along the deer know the difference.

[@tasaman]

When you change your posture from upright and a smooth cadence walk to hunched and sneaky they know something is different.

[@benkingston2621]

I thank it’s a great look cause even ethical hunters like catman have bad days in the woods and being in the internet allows new hunters the reality of bow hunting

[@budmackes792]

LOL, I went to stick a big doe like that and she jumped clear over top of me and ran forty yards and died. All I could see were them hooves kicking near my head!

[@BIGGSIPP01]

Catman, forget all these ethical mumbo-jumbo nay-sayers. You're a hunter. I'm a hunter. A hunt is a hunt and meat down is meat down. As long as you're collecting on your hunts and harvests, that's all that matters. Love your videos. Keep' em coming!

[@ncsaddlehunter77]

There is a clear visual and audible difference in your movement from the scouting trip to the hunting trip. Obviously I have no way to prove it but I honestly believe that this is the primary reason for the change in their behavior. I was surprised to see that you didn't switch to a saddle with the cover I could see still available in the trees. Maybe it wasn't allowed.

[@arthurcarstens]

That's more deer than I have seen in the past 4 seasons put together. Enjoy the videos, keep it up!!

[@corydarby2273]

Can already tell its gonna be a good video. Hope everyone is having a good season so far.

[@usa-rb5fi]

I also drew a management hunt this year here in MO at a state park. Mine was a 2 day gun hunt, and yes the deer catch on quick, the first morning sounded like a war, but quickly died down by afternoon and day 2. It was a lot of fun to do, and I ended up with 1 young doe so didn’t get skunked at least.

[@shawnkane7152]

I would like to guess that you were not the only one that scouted prior to the 3 days. Just shows how smart these creatures are in their own home. Great hunt!🦌🙏

[@randalls380]

Profoundly enjoyed this video. I have made respect for you, for trying to finish off that injured doe with a knife. I'm just glad you came out of it alright. Thanks for sharing!!

[@PullStartStables]

Taking a stroll in the park… at full draw. Awesome!

[@shawnfollmer4491]

Great Vid Cat man. Great true and honest content as always. Keep the awesome vids comming our way.

[@TennesseeMtnMan]

Congratulations on your harvest !!!

[@scottelatte]

“These deer sure are making a fool out of me” 😂 very relatable

[@sethmatherne7012]

I absolutely love watching your show, but that first shot is the exact reason I don't shoot mechanicals. My first bow kill only happened because I was using a solid blade that successfully penetrated the shoulder.

[@AbelGuerra-xz3pc]

Obviously they know what’s going on never takes long for them to realize something is wrong and getting out of the area

[@gregorythetford924]

I believe the deer know something suspicious is going on when people enter the woods in the dark. If all the hunters had agreed to wait until the normal time when people would start walking and you had drawn while walking you would have had at least one easy shot. But I agree that your cadence was probably “predatory “ as well. At least you got one and helped out the other hunter. Love your vids man!

[@donvincent895]

I watch every one of the videos you post and you always do a very good job filming but this one was Fantastic the way you had the camera set when you shot the Doe was amazing

[@sethalexander8634]

Great video. Keep it up catman. You show the reality of hunting that every hunter can relate to. The harsh reality of it other want to hide. If youve never had a bad hunt or a bad shot or a miss in general well to state the obvious you just dont hunt enough. Keep it up man 👍

[@jonathanfeltman4362]

Great video hopefully you can get back in there again next season go back and watch your video on your scouting trip you where walking by the deer on your hunt you started walking at the deer keep making the great videos God bless and have a great season

[@NMGagne]

I love this guy.

[@PowerlineOutdoorsTV]

Bow hunting can be very difficult especially when deer move and duck

[@ForgetU]

Blaze orange, gotta love it.

[@adventuresofafirestarter3718]

Wow…awesome…we watch all your videos Catman!

[@wolverineracing8896]

That's a turkey shoot, good work Catman !

[@scotthowell1356]

Hilarious! I would not have done anything different. Good video

[@JimRyser]

Thanks for showing the realities of hunting. I tend to beat myself up (I know u do too) when I miss or have a less than perfect shot. I saw the one I made a poor archery shot on (the high shot I told u about) walking with her offspring today.

[@brucewilliams9273]

If you had learned the property, gone in early on the first day with a climber and sat all day you propably could have gotten your three does per day. It looked like people were doing a pretty good job of pushing deer around, you justed needed to sit and wait.

[@mikeparrish8897]

Great video! That looks like a good time!

[@perrybutler5970]

Great video, very interesting. Merry Christmas. PB

[@dannykinder8419]

Enjoy your hunt. After watching it i think you would have found where deer were and set up and let the deer come to you. Just a thought.

[@jessebates2767]

I enjoy your hunts brother.

[@mikeeastabrooks6204]

Wish they would do a hunt like that at Radnor Lake

[@thanos9846]

Listen to those snorts and wheezes!!!

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Great hunt brother 😊 I'm betting that in between your scouting and opening day that many other guys were in there scouting as well And made the dear more nervous I don't think you did anything different but the deer were definitely more alert At least you got one 😊

[@CatmanOutdoors]

That is very possible, especially if hunters were scouting off the hiking trail

[@Eugene_outdoors]

compared to your other videos this ones straight emberassing

[@nicklesfamilyadventure]

Looks fun

[@thadhenley6559]

I think had you went in found good spots and climbed you would have had way more success helping the park do what they need done for the herd management

[@democratsuck]

Just goes to show that the deer will go where they know they're safe. They know they can't be hunted in that park....usually. That's why they're there. Also, could you not hunt elevated? That place seems perfect for a saddle hunt! Seems like a good place for a shotgun hunt, too.

[@gtchalie5038]

I've watched every video you put out in the last 3 or 4 years. Enjoyed all of them. Your style. But this was extra exciting. I love the premise of shooting fish in a barrel type deer hunting. I have opportunities around me to enter these park hunts. Haven't yet, but will now that I have this knowledge. Thanks for sharing!

[@billmcconnell1737]

Great video as always. Seemed like you was speed hunting instead of your normal stlye spot an stalk or sit in some cover an wait. I have draw some hunts here in Ohio on places similar, an its crazy how fast deer go from mot skittish to high alert so quickly. They diffently pick up on pressure fast

[@deangray3727]

Catman needs to walk like a cat

[@montemaguire4596]

Hopefully you will get that big main frame 8 next year

[@ericramsey597]

When you put Camo on and start walking into the woods animals know it’s game on..!!!

[@williamwilliams7706]

They are standing around waiting for that apple or granola bar that people bring for them.

[@brianrobinson1975]

2/3 hunters working together might be the trick in a spot like that

[@Eightball2516]

I wish my state would let us hunt the parks like that

[@danielwalston9666]

Good video!

[@robertgreer5229]

Cool video!

[@grisseldog]

Enjoyed the video That place was packed with Deer Congratulations on you kill. Hammer Down Catman

[@jerryparkey4199]

I've got a nephew who is a park ranger there on that same park.

[@Diffidentone]

It was the big block of blaze orange the deer were reacting to. If you would have wore blaze orange on your initial walkthrough you would have gotten the same reaction. Would you have been within the rules to wear camo blaze orange, that would have helped a lot by breaking up that huge block of orange.

[@billywatson118]

Holy Crap!

[@kmcdonald3766]

Cool hunt

[@demeterad9643]

Looks like you need to do the old "I'm just passing through" sort of walking like when hunting rabbits in a fence row. Just walk through without changing your posture or speed, when you spot one you need to do keep up the act and do exactly what you did for the doe you shot. Works great for animals that are used to seeing people but will run off if you try approaching them.

[@jakemitchell1671]

Great video. Entertaining.But also makes me jealous. I hunt public bottom lands in NW MS. I can walk for 5 miles and not see a single deer. MS has no management strategy. We shoot rifles at them from Nov 5 to Jan 31. I've been hunting deer for 50 years, and each year seems to get worse. Congrats to Catman for finding them in his areas and being so generous with his harvests!

[@camwinston5248]

Bs.

[@executeHunt]

Dude you think that's bad? Try being in SC where they shoot rifles from Oct 1 to Jan 1, even longer on private land, and they allow baiting on private land. So thousands of people with 0 hunting skill can kill every deer they see coming to a 200# corn pile. Losers.

[@jakemitchell1671]

@@camwinston5248 Not crazy about being called a liar, but such is life on KZbin comments. Exactly what are you questioning, if I may ask?

[@TheMike11169]

I’ve tried but never drawn there. My question is why didn’t you take your saddle?

[@devin197601]

She blows she goes 😂

[@donnabonning5587]

way cool!

[@Rickkari7]

Nice video. I don’t see enough to ask if it’s a shooter. I respect your attitude. The Lord bless you.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Id thought youd killed a truckload lol , they got smart quick

[@michaelellison8169]

Hey catman outdoors I’m thinking bout traveling couple hours away from Knoxville tn. There’s not any good public close to me. Can you or anyone give me some insight on what to look for on public land map to drop pin. I just don’t know if your hunting wma public in tn or just tva undeveloped public land. I’ve looked toward middle tn at some public I would like to know if you do more tva or wma and what are you looking for on map that makes you drop pin. What’s the best site or app to find public land in Tn or Kentucky I’ve thought bout going just cross the line

[@Macdaddy22713]

I wonder if wearing casual cloths instead of camo would help. In my experience it seems like they can tell that when your in camo you are hunting.

[@johnm3091]

Damn Orange is the give away they better run.

[@mikebremer3456]

I've hunted "easy targets" before, they know when something isn't normal.

[@benrinehartjr2345]

Least your having fun and getting some exercise. Lol.

[@courttruelock3638]

Interesting 🤔

[@stewedmammal3515]

I would suggest that if you do this hunt again, wear orange when you do your scouting, and wear your regular hiking attire while hunting that you wore while scouting as well ( blue jeans most notably). Most people wont wear camo when going for a hike. Deer can catch onto that as well.

[@joeb8162]

Reread what you wrote and edit it to make sense please. Have you considered that he has to wear Orange when hunting in the park? But what you wrote is not clear.

[@stewedmammal3515]

@@joeb8162 Yes, what I mean is wear orange while scouting so that when he's wearing orange while hunting, it doesn't look any different.

[@allenjohnson6736]

Is this Red Top Mountain in Ga?

[@mohunter68]

I think that they can smell your intentions. A tree hugger with a granola bar seems harmless enough to a deer, but a hunter with a bow in Predator Mode sends them running for cover. Just a theory.

[@jamesvatter5729]

I had a guy describe that "sixth sense" years' ago as some sort of pheromone thing. They definitely seem to recognize a hunter's intentions.

[@davidrussell631]

Not just a theory. Act sneaky like a predator in pursuit instead of walking the trails like the humans they’re accustomed to and they’ll wise up QUICK. I’ve never hunted park deer but this video confirms what I already knew from two sources, a clinic at a deer expo many years ago and from what a TN park ranger friend of mine told me about draw hunts like this where they were amazed at how few deer were successfully harvested. The guy at the clinic said this is why your pace while hunting and scouting should have a different cadence to avoid spooking and pressuring your deer.

[@patkennedy7781]

How many deer did you harvest this year.

[@randalls380]

I have MAD respect for...*

[@DuckTracker1]

I wish that park would do a turkey hunt.

[@wyattcraig739]

Is this a dozen nosy nannies now Catman?

[@hondas2ooo]

How come you didnt climb up a tree? Not allowed to?

[@notafinga9290]

I think after spooking the first couple of deer I would have reverted to hunting in a saddle or treestand.

[@specag31]

Catman, could you go back in acweek or so and see if ther came back. Rangers need to make better ROE, maybe have a drive. Always enjoy seeing you.

[@djammons2778]

Did the park not allow you to climb a tree???

[@frankgulla8782]

If I could give you 2 thumbs up I would, Johnny. As for the other negative comments this is why it's called hunting and not killing. Don't really care what the woke left or anti's think. They will always find something negative about hunting. Stay real Johnny and thank you!

[@BudBanksOutdoors]

Animals realize a human walking and a human walking with something. I walk by my chickens everyday and nothing but as soon as I walk by with a shovel or something they fall to pieces!....lol

[@BudBanksOutdoors]

Forgot to ask.... why not get up in a tree?

[@jimsciacca530]

Were you allowed to keep the deer that were shot on this hunt or does the ranger take them.

[@mcl186]

A crossbow would have been deadly on this mission

[@WHOTEEWHO]

🦌🦌🦌

[@Jwayne1020]

Goes to show you that deer can see blaze orange

[@michaellane1661]

🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@muskyfinder]

Citified groundpounder.

[@davidcross5688]

They odviously dont care that you are walking threw there, they just stayed there and watched....wish they were all like that...(That would be like Heavan)

[@timmytim6427]

Place is loaded

[@crawwwfishh3284]

I hear it was leaked that there was a killer cat in the park. They new.

[@steemerxaxon1643]

Dang!!!!! don't shoot the pets!!! Lol..

[@goober698]

That like fish in a barrel

[@shaneshonda]

Statewide isnt 3 does a day.just units B and L

[@jaybeliever1479]

No blaze orange on your scouting trip. Lots of blaze orange when you were hunting. I'm guessing that those who normally walk that park don't glow like a Christmas tree. Interesting hunt. I'm also guessing that you had to stay on the ground. I kind of expected to see you in your saddle at first light on Day 1. Thanks for the video.

[@brucewilliams9273]

Blaze orange looks brown to deer, but they do see blue very well.

[@donprater2754]

On this hunt You looked like. You were in a covey of deer 70% of the time…lol .lol

[@stevenherron8892]

Was you wearing orange when you walked right up on them? If not I’d say the orange has smtg to do with it! I would go with the orange breakup try that

[@secretjourney4815]

Deer don’t mind orange. They don’t see color. It’s movement that they pick up on. Walk like a hiker and the deer don’t mind. Walk like a predator, and the deer know it.

[@coreyzukowski5514]

You wore camo! You have to go in normal clothes i urban bow hunt and the deer respond different when you’re in camo compared to regular clothes

[@joechomko9522]

Stay on the walking trails the deer are comfortable with that. Take one step off the trail and enter their living space and they act like any other whitetail.

[@richardriesser6332]

Montgomery Bell ??

[@trackingwatertrails4914]

It’s like going to the zoo to hunt