Ohio
Bowhunting
and the White-tailed Deer
Bow season gives a hunter many weeks in the woods.
Bowhunting is also the most challenging of deer
hunting methods, requiring a hunter to get close
to game to ensure a clean, humane kill.
To be successful, a bowhunter must learn woodsmanship
and practice many hours to become a good shot. A
bowhunter must also scout in the preseason to locate
deer trails, deer feeding and bedding locations,
and deer scrapes and rubs (Read more: Scouting the
Terrain & Knowing your Game). Particular attention
must be paid to locate a place for your ground blind
or treestand.
Construct your blind or place your treestand before
the hunting season begins so that deer become accustomed
to its presence. Shooting lanes should be trimmed
through trees and bushes and distances measured
to determine effective range. If hunting from a
treestand, make sure it is secured firmly to the
tree at the proper height; usually 8 to 15 feet
from the ground (Read more: Treestand Safety).
The next step is equipment preparation. Considerations
should always include a good safety harness to attach
you to the tree if hunting from a treestand. Never
use a rope or belt, and always use a complete harness.
A haul rope is also needed for raising and lowering
your bow and other equipment to the treestand. Scent
or lure needs to be selected and placed to attract
deer and cover your odor. Wearing proper clothing
for the weather conditions allows you to spend the
maximum amount of time in a treestand or ground
blind (Read more: Knowing your Equipment).
Once the preparation is complete, all you need is
patience. When a deer approaches, move slowly, deliberately
and only take a shot within your effective range
in a clear shooting lane. After shooting a deer,
never leave your stand or blind to pursue it immediately.
Wait a half-hour or so to allow the animal to bed
down and bleed out. A good hit in the heart/lung
area will usually cause the deer to die swiftly
and allow recovery within a few hundred yards of
your stand. Follow the blood trail to your deer,
and once you’re sure the animal’s dead,
immediately attach your temporary tag.
(click
here for Ohio DNR web site) |
