Slowly but surely the Aroostook whitetail population has come back from the devastating decline caused by two severe winters several years ago. At first it was the urban edge farmlands with plenty of feed around small woodlots, and fewer coyotes then the big woods, where deer numbers increased.
Sightings and plentiful deer sign throughout 2013 substantiated by wardens, campers, anglers, and woodsmen throughout the summer and recently by partridge and moose hunters all point to more deer everywhere. Further proof lies in the issuing of a few doe permits this fall, an incentive lacking for the last few autumns. The final candle on this celebratory hunting cake to buoy the spirits of Crown of Maine whitetail enthusiasts occurred on the Oct. 25 Youth Day.
A notably greater number of young sportsmen and their mentors not only spotted, but successfully bagged deer compared to the last two years. Bridgewater’s tagging station, On The Run gas and convenience store, registered nine deer — five bucks and four does. Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle accounted for 11 compared to one a year ago. On Nov. 2, Maine residents enjoy their first day of firearm season and from Nov. 4-30, everyone can match wits with the wily whitetail. The big question is are you fully prepared?
In most cases, deer hunters might get one good opportunity to take a shot at a bragging-size buck during the short season, better make it count. Have you been scouting? Some outdoorsmen begin scouting during the summer while they are fishing, camping, or canoeing. Even a family drive on a summer evening can offer a sighting or two as whitetails feed at dusk in rural farm fields. The most productive deer sightings are the recent ones during grouse and waterfowl hunts. There are still a couple of mornings and evenings left to drive farm and woodlot roads to pinpoint an urban edge buck.
Chances are that your favorite deer rifle is still dead on target from last fall, as long as it hasn’t been dropped or jarred around during the off-season. If you use a scope and it has been bumped, the accuracy can be well off center. It’s best to make a quick trip to the range and use a bench rest to fire a three-shot series to assure a dependable shot group. Before the first shot is fired, use a topnotch set of screwdrivers to check the tightness of all screws holding scopes, mounts, and sights, being extra careful not to mar or burr the screw heads.
Then fire a couple of offhand shots at 50 and 100 yards, and even at 200 yards if you’re a field hunter. Practice improves shooting comfort, and sighting and firing mechanics. After target practice, each hunter will be more at ease with their rifle, the gun and shells will be cased and ready to go, and everything will be in dependable working order, as is the shooter.
There are some terrific new ammunition choices on the market over the last three years, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. I’ve experimented on the range and in the field with over half a dozen brands, bullet weights, and styles, and three stand out. Federal Premium Vital Shok with trophy bonded tip proved exceptional on my recent moose hunt, Barnes Vor-Tx ammo also shoots flat, accurate, and maintains excellent knock down power downrange. Hornady has developed a cartridge just perfect for our needs called American Whitetail. Available in nine popular calibers, including my favorite 130 grain .270 Winchester, it’s a great deer load and their motto for this shell says it all, “Make it a knock-down, drag-out hunt.”
Regardless of which Aroostook big game animal I’m stalking for the last few years I carry a “shooting stick.” Always in my truck or ground blind is a monopod, bipod or tripod style rifle rest. I even have a collapsible model that hangs from a belt. There’s not always a tree limb, stump, or fence post at hand to offer a steady rest for those long shots. Field hunters or those watching clear-cuts will find a portable, steady rest invaluable for 200 yard-plus shots.
Take time to find your hunting clothes, even the duds you won’t need right now. Put the long johns, wool socks, heavy jacket and warm gloves where they will be ready when the temperature drops and the snow level rises. Check your hunting boots and replace insteps and laces if necessary and give them a coat of water proofing if required. Make sure the fluorescent orange coat or vest and hat are at hand.
Locate and stockpile any and all essential gear that might be needed during the next month of deer hunting. I’ve gotten into the habit of placing my indispensable equipment in a small knapsack that goes into the truck with me each time I head for the woods. Much of it will never be used this fall, but if I do need it, it won’t be home in the closet or basement.
Items most deer hunters should pack in their small packbasket or fanny pack include a flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, matches, compass, GPS, extra ammo and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a well sharpened knife and perhaps a hatchet. As well as a whetstone and file to resharpen either edged tool. A compact gun cleaning kit, space blanket, high energy bars, chocolate bars, and at least one day’s supply of necessary medications should be on hand as well. A pair of small binoculars, range finder, a short rope to haul a deer and a disposable camera are all useful items.
It’s wise to have your hunting vehicle well stocked too. A handyman jack, winch or come along, a good length of strong rope, a cell phone or two-way radio, an ax or chain saw and a heavy duty hauling chain, strap or cable should be on hand. At least one spare tire in good repair, some trash bags and a small tool kit are essential for deep woods hunting trips. Each outdoorsman will have a few personal items they feel the need to include and they should be — just in case.
Before you leave home, jot a note or tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you will be returning home. A planned hunt is a safe hunt, so don’t wait until the last minute to tear around the house searching for clothes and gear. Almost certainly some important item will be overlooked.
Dress for comfort and safety on each deer hunt and always be sure of your target before ever flipping the safety off and putting a finger on the trigger. Enjoy this year’s whitetail season and here’s hoping your deer makes the Big Buck Club.
