Deer hunting seasons range from late March until mid January and are divided into several week periods that limit what kind of weapon one may use. The most popular weapons of choice are rifles and shotguns, but gaining in popularity are the compound bow and crossbow. Modern muzzleloaders are also used by the truly nostalgic hunter. Each weapon is used in a different situation, so states usually define a specific season for bow hunting, and set it aside from gun hunting season.
The deer mate and relax, often going into rut for a final time to insure maximum population increases. During the rut, the reclusive buck goes in search for a doe that is ready to mate. Deer are creatures of habit. They roam from their bedding areas to their feeding grounds and then back to bed. By setting up near a trail that runs between the two hot spots, a hunter's chance for success greatly increases. Trails are marked by scrapes -- trees rubbed clean of bark by a buck’s antlers -- and hoof prints in a trail of cleared soil through the woods. In order to hunt deer in the North American region, a hunter must obtain a license for a nominal fee. Along with a license, most states require purchasing tags. Tags are specific as to which gender can be shot. They also limit the number of deer that can be taken in a given season.
Dictating when a season is, what weapon a hunter may use, and how many deer a hunter can take ensures the conservation of the species. By learning a deer’s behavior in a region, a hunter can become a flawless predator.
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