Fooling that Target Buck in Ohio on a Guided Hunt

Deer hunting is a time-honored tradition in Ohio, and for many hunters, using bait is a popular and effective strategy. Here at Rut Chasers, LLC, we take pride in offering you the best guided deer hunt possible in Ohio. We put countless hours into scouting, reviewing tons of active trail cameras, and, of course, providing quality bait sites for your guided hunt. Now, it’s up to the hunter to do everything they can to make their hunt successful. When it comes to hunting mature deer at a bait in Ohio, hunters must employ a combination of stealth, patience, and strategic planning. This comprehensive guide will explore the key elements of a successful hunt, from pre-season preparations to post-hunt etiquette, ensuring you have the best chance of bagging that trophy Ohio buck you've been dreaming about.

The Importance of Stealth:  Approaching and Leaving Your Stand

One of the most critical aspects of hunting deer at a bait site is maintaining stealth throughout the entire process. Being undetected is key. Deer have incredibly keen senses, and even the slightest disturbance can alert them to your presence, potentially ruining your chances of a successful hunt.

As a hunter, you know the feeling. You’re headed out to your stand or blind, hoping not to hear a deer blow. Anxiety builds, and the sweat beads on your forehead as you draw closer and closer to the blind. Although we can’t control some things, as hunters, we must keep a few things in mind. Stealth isn’t just about being quiet; it’s also about fooling deer’s sense of sight and smell as well. Make sure you are a bit underdressed walking to the stand. Never wear all the layers you plan to sit with on your walk to the stand! Pack them in your backpack or tie them on.  You are less likely to start sweating this way. Also, allowing extra time will also give you a greater chance of not being heard, seen, or smelled because you won’t smell like you just got out of the gym by the time you get to your stand.

When approaching and leaving your stand, silence is golden. This is true regardless of the time of day or season. Whether you're hunting in Ohio during the early, pre-rut, rut, or late season, the importance of a quiet approach cannot be overstated. That extra 15 minutes of nap or morning alarm snooze isn’t worth blowing your chances at the buck you're after. You can sleep after you get the big buck!

For morning hunts, allowing extra time to reach your stand is crucial. This enables you to move extremely slowly, minimizing the risk of alerting nearby deer. Remember, the bait site is a destination for these animals, and your goal is to remain as undetected as possible. A slow, methodical approach may be the difference between going home empty-handed and bagging that trophy buck you've been after.

Leaving your stand is equally important. Many hunters make the mistake of rushing out of the blind as soon as legal shooting hours end, potentially spooking deer that are still in the area. Instead, wait for the deer to clear out naturally before exiting. This patience can pay dividends in the long run, as it helps prevent educating the herd about your presence.

I’m not saying your hunt is over if you bust a deer doing your best to sneak out to the blind in the morning. What I am saying is that blatant disregard for stealth can cost you, such as waking up late and rushing out to the blind all noisy and sweaty in the morning because you woke up late OR getting out of the blind and busting out six does every night 5 minutes after shooting light because you don’t want to wait is an entirely different thing. Give it 20 or 30 minutes, and hopefully, they leave.  Sometimes, it comes down to how badly you want it.

The "It’s Only a Doe" Fallacy

One common mistake many hunters make is dismissing the importance of not spooking does or fawns. Someone might say, "I only spooked some does," as if it's not a big deal. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Every deer you spook, regardless of its sex or age, can potentially alert other deer in the area to your presence and a potential threat to them.

This is especially critical during (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) the rut when bucks actively seek out does. We realize you can't sit there all night, but at least try to wait for deer to clear the area before leaving your stand. Pushing deer off your bait at last light can potentially ruin the rest of your hunt. Remember, does are the key to attracting bucks, especially during the main part of the season. Even if it isn’t the rut, you are educating a mature doe that might come in tomorrow downwind of your stand on purpose to bust you and alert other deer!  This can reduce your chances of seeing your target buck during the remainder of your Ohio deer hunt. A spooked trophy buck may not return for days or a week or more.

So treat all deer with the same caution and respect you would a mature buck. Bucks use the does as a meter of safeness before approaching the bait even when it's not the rut. If they are uneasy because you bust them every night, it won't be easy to get the herd to cooperate early enough or at all to get the mature buck to feel at ease to come in.

Maximizing Your Time in the Stand

Limiting Movement

Once you're settled in your stand or blind, it's crucial to limit your movement as much as possible. Deer have excellent vision, particularly when it comes to detecting motion. Even small movements can catch their attention and make them wary. When you do need to move, do so slowly. This applies to everything from raising your weapon for a shot to reaching for a snack or drink.

Staying Focused

Hunting from a stand or blind can involve long periods of inactivity, making it easy to lose focus. However, maintaining concentration throughout your hunt is crucial. A momentary lapse in attention could mean missing the split-second opportunity you've been waiting for all season.

To help stay focused, try these techniques:

1. Regularly scan your surroundings, paying attention to different areas of your field of view. In a blind, keep most of the windows shut during a baited hunt, but don’t be afraid to peek out the closed windows frequently.  Listen intently for any sounds that might indicate deer movement, and be ready at all times.
2. Set small goals for yourself, such as staying completely still for 30-minute intervals.
3. Bring along a rangefinder and practice ranging various objects in your field of view. Then, you’ll have one less step if the deer stands in front of the big oak tree. You already know how far it is.

All-Day Hunts

While it can be tempting to leave your stand for lunch and return later, limiting the number of times you approach and leave your hunting spot can significantly increase your chances of success. All-day hunts, while challenging, can be incredibly productive. Remember, you are typically only here for 5 days on your Ohio deer hunt. Ultimately, it’s important to do everything you can during those 5 days to give yourself the best chance possible at that trophy Ohio whitetail!

Many guys say well, the deer activity shuts down, and there is almost no chance of killing a deer mid-day.  While we realize it can be frustrating to hunt at a time when deer activity slows, there is still a chance for it to happen. For me personally, I hunt all day not because I anticipate killing a giant at mid-day, although it can happen. It's really more about not disturbing the area going in and out.  

If you attempt an all-day hunt, ensure you're well-prepared with enough food, water, and other necessities to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Scent Control: The Key to Success

Scent control is one of the most critical factors in successful deer hunting, especially when hunting over bait. Deer have an incredibly keen sense of smell, and even the slightest human odor can alert them to your presence and send them running.

Scent-Free Preparations

Start your scent control regimen well before you head out to hunt. This includes:

1. Using scent-free soap, shampoo, and deodorant in the days leading up to your hunt.
2. Washing your hunting clothes in scent-free detergent and store them in airtight containers with scent-absorbing wafers.
3. Avoid strong-smelling foods, like garlic or onions, before or during your hunt.
4. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash

In the Field

Once you're in the field, continue your scent control efforts:

1. Use scent-eliminating spray on your clothes and gear before heading to your stand.
2. Wear rubber boots to minimize the scent left on the ground as you walk.
3. Use polygiene or other odor-control garments, from underwear to base layers, to further reduce your odor signature.
4. Run an Ozonics device and make sure you know how to set it up so that it works the best.

Remember, being as scent-free as possible is not just about increasing your chances of a successful hunt. It's also about respecting the game you're pursuing and giving yourself the best opportunity to make a clean, ethical shot.

Understanding Deer Behavior

To be truly successful when hunting deer over bait in Ohio, it's crucial to understand deer behavior throughout the different phases of the season.

Early Season

During the early season, typically September and early October, deer are often in a predictable pattern of feeding and bedding. Bucks are still in bachelor groups, and the does are always close to their fawns. This can be an excellent time to pattern deer and identify potential target bucks.

Pre-Rut

As October progresses, the pre-rut phase begins. Bucks start to separate from their bachelor groups and begin establishing dominance. You may see more rubs and scrapes during this time. Bucks will begin to expand their range, potentially bringing new deer into your hunting area.

Rut

The rut, typically occurring in November in Ohio, is when bucks are most active in seeking out does. This can be an excellent time to see mature bucks, as they may throw caution to the wind in their pursuit of does. However, deer movement can be unpredictable during this time, making all-day sits crucial.

Late Season

After the rut, as winter sets in, deer focus primarily on finding high-energy food sources to help them survive the cold months. Your bait site can become increasingly attractive during this time, as natural food sources become scarce.

Conclusion

Hunting deer at a bait site in Ohio can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done correctly. By focusing on stealth, scent control, and understanding deer behavior, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, every action you take today can impact the rest of your hunt.

By following these guidelines and continually refining your approach based on your experiences, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of hunting deer at a bait in Ohio. Who knows? Your next hunt might just be the one where you bring home that trophy buck you've been dreaming about. Good luck, and happy hunting!