How to Still Hunt Whitetail Deer - Updated

[@LDBoone]

Still hunting is exciting and a true test of woodsmanship. I see more deer than stand hunting. Being in tune with my surroundings is a challenge.

[@FrankZinck]

Its my favourite way to hunt but certainly not the most productive from my experience. Its just nice to go into stealth mode and know when you come upon a deer that you made it happen rather then apples. Taking into consideration like wind and planning and strategy.

[@isaacmackenzie6139]

Exactly how I feel

[@sethjones9480]

My tip I always tell is, 'If you think you're moving slow enough or stopping long enough double it.' Couldn't tell you how many times I've stopped and waited for 20 min just spook a deer soon as I start again. Binoculars help see through the woods too.

[@FrankZinck]

Ya great advise. I was training my wife on still hunting and I was constantly telling her to slow down and pause longer. Lol she was like “I’m already in slow motion mode”. Lol. I’d say “even slower”.

[@cesarreyes7249]

I got a deer last year after watching your video very informative. I just watched again to refresh my mind thank you keep them coming

[@FrankZinck]

That is awesome! Thanks for the encouragement. It makes me want to do more.

[@tvaekargard5140]

Thanks so much for this information! I hadn't even heard of this kind of hunting, yet. I've only started hunting this autumn, and shot my first roe deer here in Sweden last week by ambushing one where I knew deer often come. Still hunting, yes... it seems to make a lot of sense. And it is interesting to see how similar the landscape is in your video to the area that I'm hunting in. I hope to try it at least once this coming week!

[@FrankZinck]

Good luck. It’s an amazing way to hunt but mentally challenging.

[@elijah4606]

Around here, still hunting is best done only with certain weather conditions. We often have dry Autumns, so it can make for some exceptionally crunchy leaves, so loud you couldn't talk to the person next to you if they were there. So it's got to be the day of or after a good rain. A bit of wind helps as well, to muffle the noise. I've been still hunting several times and almost every time I've seen a deer. I've spooked it or not had a shot, but I've found them. Still yet to take one like that. But it sure beats sitting in a stand watching nothing all day! I'd say the stand choice is bad, but the private ground I stand hunt on doesn't belong to me so there's no moving it anyway.

[@FrankZinck]

You are right. I’m in the north. When it’s a frosty morning we stay in the stand until the sun softens up the crunchy ground. If things are too crunchy we just don’t go.

[@dennistoufexis5790]

Certainly one of the best, most down to earth hunting videos I've ever seen, and I've seen a LOT of videos.

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks Dennis. I really appreciate that.

[@jasonsmith3726]

I would love to be able to get good enough to be able to still hunt and actually be successful at it. I suck though lol. I have always loved hunting. I had family that used to take me when I was a kid but as life goes those days came to an end so I haven’t hunted since I was about 12. I just got back into it this year. I did my hunter safety course, bought my license and permits, all the basic gear I needed and a cheap pop up spring steel blind. I set out some bait and a trail camera and got a lot of deer on camera. 1 really nice 12 point buck. I set up my blind and brushed it in and sprayed scent killer and a few sprays of fox piss and let the blind sit out for a week or so before I even started hunting it. So far I have hunted 4 full days sitting in that blind from 5 am until 5pm. Nothing. I will keep trying even though I don’t have much faith but maybe one day I will figure it out. For now I’m learning everything I can through KZbin videos

[@FrankZinck]

At least you’re doing it. That’s half the battle. I wish you all the best. Keep at it and keep hunting… it’ll come.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Your video was great,30 some years ago I was a Rambo in the woods, slower now,age related. Our blinds easier out of the weather with a short walk about. Have a great Thursday from Pictou county.

[@FrankZinck]

Ya my tree climbing days are coming to an end. I have shot lots of deer from ground blinds. Plus I love to walk… while I still can.

[@Thaddeus.J.DeWyse]

Thank you very much for making this video!! This confirms that what I thought was what I should be doing is correct. My grandfather told me to do just this exact thing. Words of wisdom. Goodluck!! And thanks again!

[@FrankZinck]

Glad it confirmed what your grandfather taught you!

[@johnnash5118]

“Did the deer hear, see or smell you?” Yes. I hunt Blacktails and Roosevelt elk in NW Oregon’s Santiam and Trask units respectively. Your terrain and flora are similar and I enjoyed watching you show your methods. I read that deer eyesight isn’t the best, but their movement detection is; that’s why it’s important to break up your human rhythm and sound more like a browsing doe; I do this by taking one- three carefully planned steps at a time. In NW Oregon, you have to rely on your hearing as much or more than sight and I can’t hear effectively until I stop, so I do watch the ground to place each step carefully between or over branches, sticks or loud salal brush. The more noise I make while moving, the longer I wait between steps to balance it out with silent listening and scanning with binoculars, it typically takes me 30-40 minutes to traverse 200 meters of Oregon woods. Winding around fallen limbs, windfalls, vine maples and salal patches all day will require 8 kms within a space of 2 kms. I carry a trigger stick tripod in my off hand, it helps me to quiet my steps as a third leg for leverage, in addition to steadying my aim, it cannot be beat and is worth the left hand-full. I harvested my Blacktail this year using my trigger stick as a monopod, it helped me place the 85m shot exactly where I aimed for a quick kill through both lungs. Do that with a three-point sling supported stance and still have some movement throw the shot off some. I only have a few areas I’ve hunted over many years, since I’ve hunted it longer than the average buck’s lifespan, I know it better than he does; that’s an advantage over new areas and I can’t get lost.

[@FrankZinck]

Good tips.

[@Nomadic12347]

You are the first person Ive seen who explained the wind thank you for that

[@FrankZinck]

We get a lot of swirling wind on the east coast, on days like that I stay in my tree stand. Hope the video helped.

[@bushinkandojo735]

Some great advice here Frank. I watch a lot of hunting videos, mostly Americans, and they just don't have the same landscape we do. It takes a completely different skill set to hunt in Nova Scotia. Its great to see someone documenting that and providing advice to others.

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks Todd, I really enjoyed putting the video together. I'm so glad people enjoyed it. I got a lot of feed back from other NS hunters. Some tips I never thought of, Some I do but never thought much about it and some stuff I wouldn't pass onto my worst enemy LOL. This year I'm going to some scouting tips and such and some videos before the season opens.

[@SalamiCellar]

Hell of a job w this video, going hunting for the first time this year and this had a lot of helpful information

[@FrankZinck]

So glad it helped. All the best in the upcoming coming season.

[@dalepetrush4121]

Harvested may this method. No at 71 have filled my tags. From a blind. Loved still hunting.

[@FrankZinck]

Awesome!

[@jamesburkhart1658]

Great video- What is your favorite 30/30 round?

[@Mainehunter2]

Bonjour voisin! I am from Maine. Besides the bait (it is illegal to hunt deer over bait in Maine) when you still hunt, you hunt just like my pépé taught me how to hunt. I still hunt this way to this day (I’m 33 now. Started when I was 10). I stalked up onto a small buck on the last day in 2019 with very crunchy snow and high winds. That deer didn’t know I was there until it was too late. I’ve been successful many times hunting just like you do.

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Dad taught me. Something’s are just universal I think. Best of luck!

[@bibletrumpetingtrucker1725]

I enjoyed your video, reminded me of sells, stop, look, listen, smell.

[@FrankZinck]

Absolutely.

[@s.amacintyre1440]

This was an incredibly informative video thank you. I just passed my non restricted firearms test. I'm really looking forward to my first time hunting. I've got a long time before the paperwork is done but I was glad to find this video especially considering its from my province. Looking forward to taking in as much hunting education I can and hopefully will be able to get myself a buck and pass down what I learned to my son someday

[@FrankZinck]

Thank you so much for your comment. It encourages me to do more for sure. I wish you all the best and hope that big buck becomes a reality for you.

[@shawnhulke7385]

One of my rules is to always use available cover. Stand by a tree or a brush pile or something to help break up your outline.

[@SirMillz]

My brother is a talented woodsman. He always tells me still hunting, what he calls "scrubbing," is better during gun season. He only uses a stand or a climber during archery season. As a new hunter myself, I started with a bow and a climber. Took my first deer this season. So, as soon as I tried scrubbing, it seemed strange. I didn't have the range of visibility and always think I'm going to spook the deer. I had to retrain my thinking to realize that it's like being in a stand that moves. As long as I'm very slow and quiet, I have much more range of visibility than being in one tree in a climber. I've yet to take a deer scrubbing, but I know it's going to happen. My brother always says, "right time, right place, that's all it takes. By still hunting, I'm increasing the odds by expanding the places I'm at.

[@FrankZinck]

I think your brother is right! Successful still hunting is stealth on steroids. Super slow. Thanks for sharing.

[@roydykens7376]

Thank you for this, I'll try more still hunting alongside my blind next year.

[@FrankZinck]

Awesome I’m glad you enjoyed this. Let me know if you have luck with it next year.

[@michaelramel9055]

1. keep a roll of surveying ribbon to mark where you shoot from and direction, or to mark your path. 2. Glass every time you stop, don't glass toward the sun, the deer may see the sun's reflection. I have been surprised to see a deer 4-5 feet away while glassing. 3. If you find deer tracks across your path, use your nose to smell the air, if it is fresh it will smell like a wet dog. Still hunt down his path. I used these tips and yours when hunting Columbian Blacktails in Northern California on the Oregon border .

[@FrankZinck]

Great advise.

[@tahaeroberts1106]

Wow great information. I needed great advice. Thankyou

[@FrankZinck]

You’re welcome. Good luck.

[@armaximus]

A brand new (bow) hunter here... I didn't know deer would circle back to try and whiff you like that. Awesome stuff, I'll keep that in mind

[@FrankZinck]

Ya I have lost many deer learning that lesson, but also tagged a few that way too. lol.

[@maxcole3930]

I was listening to a guy who was a hunting guides hand, his teacher was a native american & he covered his scent with smoke. He built a small fire, wafted the smoke all in his close, hair, gear. He said thats what his people have done for generations. Because smoke is a natural smell & that smell doesn't scare deer away. Idk how true this is? Dude could have been making it up, I have done any research into it. But it is interesting

[@animalspirit77]

loved the video

[@FrankZinck]

Thank you so much

[@supertug2005]

Well done sir! Good luck this season!

[@cotto1hunded]

Great advice...I've been making a bunch of mistakes

[@FrankZinck]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hishmeh97]

wow great video thank you for uploading!

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks for your enthusiasm.

[@marcus1282]

Very good video... straightforward and easy to understand for a novice such of myself...even though hunting is in my family's blood!

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@johnmartin9090]

Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@teresadoyle1396]

This all sounds like very sound advice. Regardless to how long one hunts, there is always lots more to be learned. Stay well!

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks so much. I agree, there is always something to learn no matter what the hunting experience. I’m learning all the time even after 40 years.

[@SlowEarl1]

Great advice!

[@valleytrails3035]

Well done and informative.

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@Saundersstrong]

Thank you sir , I am trying this technique with my bow this year . Friday season opens !

[@FrankZinck]

Best of luck! I have shot a ton of deer this way. It also gets me out of the stand when its cold and walking and warming up. Its a fu way to hunt.

[@calebbrown6060]

I have been still hunting out west for many years. You nailed everything about it. It's good to see there are other people that hunt this way. It's not very popular it seams, but it's a great way to see plenty of animals that have no idea you are there, as long as you do everything you mentioned. Great video!

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck this year.

[@B_r_u_c_e]

Thank you.

[@FrankZinck]

You're welcome!

[@korrinaaniansnowball3012]

I also use windy app it’s very helpful

[@FrankZinck]

Ya I love it.

[@BenOgorek]

Cool video! I just got my first deer in my crosshairs doing something similar (I was “scouting” and the opportunity just arose, and then I choked on the shot). This video appeared on my feed as I was reflecting. My one question: are you trying to hide behind stuff when possible (natural ground blind), or just trying to be still regularly?

[@FrankZinck]

No not generally. Deer notice motion more than anything. I feel stealth is the key to still hunting. Go as slow as you can. However I will still hunt, sit walk,sit, walk, all day. At least you got a bead in him. Next time will be different. Best of luck.

[@GWMJRSmith]

Great video, thank you.

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks, I hope it’s helpful!

[@wcb22516]

Thanks. How do you get one out of the woods like him,

[@richardcharitat]

Good video. This topography looks like Maine or New Hampshire. Where was this video made?

[@FrankZinck]

Nova Scotia Canada. So our woods are very similar to Maine. Thick.

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Solid advice!

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks.

[@solidrockofjesuschristmini2423]

When i was a kid about 8 yrs old on up, we all played in the woods and i had several deer run by me at 10ft etc, as i got older i stayed on the move hunting and never just really sit in one spot bc i feel like im missing alot, but ive naturally hunted this way from the beginning 😂 i didnt know it was actually a thing till some years later, i hunted alone bc of it but it to me has paid off more than sitting in one spot

[@FrankZinck]

Ya me too. It’s weird though as kid the deer weren’t easily spooked like now. In Nova Scotia we never had too many coyotes when I was a kid. Now they are everywhere harassing the deer making them skittish. Or at least that’s my take.

[@dougclarke4540]

I have really enjoyed this video! Excellent points, tips, and advice. I’ve looked for the video you spoke about describing your knapsack but have been unable to find it Any help there would be great

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks for the inspiring words. Yes I shot a video of my knapsack and never finished editing it. I need to find it. Thanks for asking about that. If I don’t find it I’ll shoot one this fall.

[@gmurchio]

Moving from Wyoming (spot and stalk heaven) to eastern Tennessee. I just don't think I can sit for hours in a blind. This is a great alternative. Will be fun with a crossbow.

[@FrankZinck]

I usually sit for a few hours in the morning and evening and walk and glass where I can during the day.

[@5teve..]

Thanks for the info, been watching your videos for a while. Very informative, good stuff man.👍 I'll keep watching!

[@FrankZinck]

I appreciate the feed back and glad you enjoyed it.

[@tylerzinck1963]

Love the videos what caliber do you use? 35 Remington or 30-30 winchester?

[@FrankZinck]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. Here I am using an old Winchester 30/30.

[@mclaughf]

What in your opinion is the best type of habitat to still hunt deer in? Softwoods, hardwood, mixed wood stands? Fields or woods roads? Curious

[@FrankZinck]

I have still hunted everything except fields. No fields where I live and hunt. Woods roads I take a step or two and look between trees. Your not looking for deer necessarily, your looking for out of place movement. Deer are doing the same thing. Movement will draw your attention to it. But all types of terrain. Slow and methodical is the key.

[@davidgrant8994]

I still hunt most times. I like to sit early mornings and later afternoons and I try to sit around 1030-noon or later because a lot of hunters are leaving the woods for lunch and they are unaware that they may have just jumped a Deer. I'm not sure where you are but here in Maine where I live, we still use tracking and still hunting. I walk all of maybe 5-10 or 15 feet then stop but I'm constantly looking around while walking. I've learned that if a Deer sees you walking and doesn't think you have seen it, that Deer may try to stand still and blend in hoping that you won't notice it I have also learned to parallel game trails especially ones where there are a lot of Deer sign if possible. If I find a game trail and it's a lot of Coyote or predator sign they also parallel prey so look around there and you will likely find the Deer or Moose trail.. This isn't always possible but I find that Deer will use the same trail over and over again if they feel safe but if they find weird scent or signs of predators, they will use a different trail. I have a store bought cover scent and I am generous with that everytime i get into the woods but natural scents from your hunting area help too. I've taken Pine Boughs and rubbed them all over me before going into my hunting area. If the Deer smell something natural, they're more likely to relax a little. The other thing I have noticed and this is mostly with Moose but Deer likely do it too is even if they are head down and feeding, they are looking around for sudden movements.

[@FrankZinck]

Yes I agree with everything you have said. Spot on. I usually put my hunting cloths in a garbage bag with pine boughs material to give it the natural scent of the area. Great advice above, love it. Thanks for the comment

[@davidgrant8994]

@@FrankZinck I don't put my clothes in a bag but I do wash then separate from all the other laundry and then I hang them outside or in a spot where nobody will be around them. I am usually pretty generous with the scent cover spray but you can never totally fool a Deers nose in my opinion.

[@davidgrant8994]

@@FrankZinck if you can get the birds and squirrels comfortable with you to the point where they aren't constantly making noise, you'll be alright. I've noticed a lot of wildlife look to them. If they're on alert, all the other wildlife is too. If they're calm and relaxed, other wildlife will be more likely to not view you as a threat.

[@rapiddog1491]

Good music and video!

[@FrankZinck]

That’s I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

[@jasonexplains]

Deer are more on edge over feed so it's not much different. I hunt both over feed and also areas where I can't like Illinois. Either is as difficult as the other

[@FrankZinck]

You’re right, both ways are tough!

[@backcountrypipe]

Just as good the second time. LOL Best of luck, season is drawing to a close. Regards Mark

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks so much Mark

[@mervjb809]

It's easy to still hunt on a lane or well established trail.

[@FrankZinck]

Best place to start out.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Your rifle,Winchester or a Marlin

[@FrankZinck]

An old Winchester 30/30. Only has the half cock safety. Does the trick

[@gregadams6105]

Keep up with your videos the information you give its realy helps 👍

[@FrankZinck]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the positive feed back. It modivates me to do more.

[@stevemyo8137]

You walk fast compared to my still hunting. I walk slow enough that I can’t hear leaves crunch under me feet and I can feel every twig. If I feel a twig I move my foot to another spot. Also, you move to quick. When I am walking in before sunrise I softly cluck with a Turkey diaphragm call. If turkeys are calm, a deer is calm.

[@FrankZinck]

No turkeys where I live. Every situation is different.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Still hunting used to be an extremely common practice in the big woods of Pennsylvania prior to the availability of commercially available treestands. A skill now largely lost..

[@FrankZinck]

You have hit the nail on the head.

[@AdvancedLawn]

Still hunting is the only way in heavy pressured woods

[@airplanemechanic5561]

man, stay focused, tell me about it. I hunted some public land, and did everything you said, kept wind in face, step or two and stop and listen, and after an hour and only going 300 yards, I "stopped to pee" and as I turned I accidentally stepped on a twig, and heard it snap, around the forest behind me exploded and all I saw was a white tail 10 feet up in the air and it was only 10 yards away.

[@FrankZinck]

Lol this sounds so typical. I have had the exact same thing happen to me. Makes your heart skip a beat doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing your story. Best of luck.

[@chadbarham2916]

great video, learned alot. i wish i knew an ol timer who'd take me, hell id even carry the buck

[@FrankZinck]

lol, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@joshuagates7231]

Very good way to hunt when there isn’t any tracking snow. So when there 2-3 inches of snow it’s time to go after them. The snow is a very good advantage to the hunter and not for the buck. When there is snow it’s time to hunt for a big buck track . Use his tracks to tell what he is doing and what he is up too. When he slows down you slow down read the tracks and you will eventually catch up to him and shoot him walking up a ridge or shoot him in his bed. Again still hunting is the next best thing and is very affective when there is no snow.

[@FrankZinck]

Great advice, I love tracking in the snow. It's such a fun way to hunt. Unfortunately every year we get less and less snow during the season. I go out after the season to check bedding and feeding areas and see where they go. Its a fun hike for sure.

[@S.Ham1929]

This is how I hunt. Can't sit still for the life of me... It's such a rush!

[@FrankZinck]

That’s me for sure.

[@user-rf3cn2ou3x]

Pretty easy when you bait them ! True test of a woodsman alright, let alone a sportsman

[@FrankZinck]

Agreed.

[@yardpimps8327]

I think im gonna start the campfire smell native americans and our elders smelled like it but also lightning strikes and burns happen so its almost a natural scent

[@predatorinc9924]

Join me in an exercise of patience, come still hunt blacktail in the Cascades.

[@FrankZinck]

I would love that so much!

[@jcmoye1]

Tracking deer is like walking into your bed room without waking you up amplified 1,000 times for deer. They hear, smell and see you miles away

[@FrankZinck]

Unless it’s a horny buck at the height of the rut….. sometimes they can be so focussed on a doe they are dumb as a bag of hammers lol. They only have one thing on their mind.

[@adamthomas7250]

“Predicting whitetail behavior is difficult”…proceeds to bait deer so it is predictable

[@FrankZinck]

No guarantees with bait.

[@Everythingoutdoors902]

Deer arent scared by cigarettes or campfire smell their scared of human odour use vanilla extract and water not only does it cover your scent, it makes them curious and mimics achorns.

[@FrankZinck]

Here they aren’t scared of ATV’s either…. Until you turn them off. I’ll have to try the vanilla.

[@jimmyghersi]

I now see that I walk too fast and long

[@FrankZinck]

Once you think you are walking slow enough…. Walk slower. lol.

[@electronpusher604]

Thank you for this video. I saw a buck while walking back to the truck, and I would have likely shot him if I had watched this video.

[@FrankZinck]

That’s a drag. But now you’ll be prepared. Best of luck.

[@JacquelineJaroffaith]

I know if you scare a deer. Stop go hid. Deer are very curious they'll come.

[@FrankZinck]

Yes often if you jump them in front of you they will circle behind you.

[@walterquick8649]

My Toyotas killed most my DEER, no still or silent needed Good luck DRIVE SAFE!!

[@FrankZinck]

LOL, hopefully head hits.

[@jackyhallmark3094]

Still hunting for 4 or 5 hours is worse than working. The concentration required to be successful is tiresome.

[@FrankZinck]

Yes it’s a lot of work and focus. It’s moving meditation. Lol

[@bc5cd]

What a weird comment. You must struggle to read quality books.

[@JA-fy1bn]

Baiting is killing! It is not hunting.

[@Joe-ut4nz]

No need for still hunting when u have bait piles ! Mite as well just go to wal mart and buy a steak

[@FrankZinck]

I disagree. Walmart can never supply the experience.