The tip about them dipping their heads down and you think you're good just for them to raise it up again and catch you moving is spot on. That's gotten me in the past.
Yup and this was a fairly “short” example of that. Many times they will take a few steps and then throw it back. Those are the ones that really get you!
I’ve been bow hunting for 48 years and this is spot on, very solid advice and demonstration video. Yes eye contact especially with a deer that’s already suspicious of your position is to be avoided at all costs. I’m extra cautious and always wear a face mask of some sort, my experience is they spot you significantly less if you have a mask, they seem to have a face recognition instinct. I use a mesh face mask in warm weather early season and then a balaclava in mid to late season, keeps you warm while absolutely shutting off the cold air getting to your head and neck, give it a try. Practice shooting with whatever mask you go with. Happy Hunting!
Love that comment! One of the reasons I many times won’t wear mask and gloves is because I always shoot with whatever I am wearing and am WAY more consistent when I can keep my feels on my anchor points, however if you have a mask and gloves you are comfortable with and can shoot confidently with, I totally agree.
I have always used camo paint or a mask and gloves. Of course if you’re 25’ up in a tree might not matter lol. The idea is to be as inconspicuous as possible.
As a female, the eye contact thing occurred to me a little differently. I will slowly close my eyes until I’m looking through my lashes (basically a squint). I can still see, and I don’t feel the need to blink. I agree completely that it’s a little creepy to look some thing in the eye when you’re close enough to kill it with a bow, ha.
I like that... squint and obscure the eyes. Most predators, when locked on target, have giant eyes, pulling in all light, preparing to strike. Not seeing big eyes will not trigger the "ohhh, I'm being targetted" response.
This is also why I don't like hunting directly over food plots but rather catch the movement towards the food .. and they don't associate that plot with danger as much
totally agree - not our favorite option either! but during the rut the bucks come from many different trails and all funnel to check this plot and grab a snack so we take our chances for a few weeks@@ginogranata6548
"It's a fine line between taking risks, and being too passive." You nailed that one, just like that doe. Extremely useful clip here. I remember before I shot my fist deer, I was way too passive, waiting for the perfect opportunity, and shaking like crazy. I also believe that when you start the process of drawing your bow, your nerves calm down a bit too. Well done!!!
I too spent way too much time being passive and agree. I sometime have to force myself into “shoot mode” and once I do, then things settle down. Thanks for the comment!
As far as deer's sight, I've always felt eye contact and the human form were the worst triggers for them. Two eyes on the front of our head indicates a predator. Same with the standing human shape. I've been able to crawl on hands and knees straight toward them in the open, keeping my head down, to within about 10 feet as it's a different shape they don't find as threatening.
@@Hans-yb5jc This is spot on. Outdoor Life had an article years ago about walking bent over with your arms tucked into your sides if a deer spots you when walking to your hunting spot. I tried it and was able to walk within shooting range without the buck spooking.
Terrific video editing. That picture-in-picture effect was awesome. It can be very informative to just be around deer even in the off-season to see how they do these things
Yes, avoiding eye contact is critical. I have gone so far as to almost close my eyes entirely when they get close; sometimes with just a squint of day light coming through. I can't tell you how many times doing so has helped me disappear from their sight. Great video, showing patience and deer knowledge. Which you have certainly learned over many, many trial and errors. True skill here. Thanks for sharing.
I hunt from the ground. Sometimes in a blind and sometimes just by a tree or creek bed. I do the same things with my eyes. I close my eyes slowly and barely keeping one eye open. Deer can see us blink, and most of the time the deer comes within 20-30 yards without noticing I'm there.
Absolutely no eye contact. I agree 100%. You handled this exactly the way I would've handled it. Another tip I'd share: if the deer is walking you can smoothly move at a speed that matches the deer's speed. If they are slowly walking, you can slowly move and if the deer is moving more quickly, you can move more quickly too. The reason for this, is because the trees are obviously stationary, but since they are varying distances from the deer, their depth perception of each individual tree is unique and that mimics movement as they walk -- closer trees seem to be moving faster than trees in distance. You're just trying to blend in with that natural artificial movement of the trees. However, the moment the deer stops, you must stop on a dime.
When deer are close and looking my way, I squint my eyes nearly closed, but still can see. For a fact it makes a difference. Never lock eyes with them. 58 years of deer hunting with bow and still trying at 81.
My first deer was a spike this year, instinctually stayed perfectly still and looked slightly away from him. Stood in my stand for 40 minutes and he occasionally jumped and ran away but would come back after not seeing anything. Super spooky deer but I never confirmed his fear and ended up with a heart shot at 15 yards
My son got his first buck with almost the same technique. It took probably 5 min. to get all setup for the shot, but we just did it all while we stared at the buck. We moved when he looked away and froze when he looked at us. I agree that leaning towards the aggressive side seems to work more often.
As a new hunter, 5 years, i try to learn as much as I possibly can before going out each hunt. Glad i saw this video because i never knew that they would duck their heads and go back up as quickly to paint the picture.
Yup, if a deer sees two eyes, it gets nervous. You can close one eye and that helps, if they're still nervous, close both eyes, count to 10 or 20, then squint through 1 eye.
Predators have their eyes located on the front of their head prey have their eyes more to the side, some can actually see behind themselves w/o turning their heads.
I always wear sunglasses. This way they can't see the white in my eyes. Most animals you can't see the white in their eyes, they look all black or dark brown. That's my reason to wear shades and cover my face and neck. I also remember my grandfather telling me the deer can see the white of your eyes, he always wore shades and was very successful hunter.
@WildElroy13 he probably also told you to not pee out of or near your stand/blind... typical bro science that obviously isn't true. Deer cannot see the whites of your eyes or anything of that sort. Their vision is absolutely terrible. 😂
Agreed on eye contact. I've been in that situation where a doe came up close to investigate and she stared at me for minutes. I couldn't get the shot because she was facing me and there was a herd of them some 20 yards behind her in the cover with a nice buck. Never got a shot, but I didn't give myself away.
Thank you for this video. Great explanations and descriptions. Eye contact: never gaze eyeball to eyeball with a prey species or predator. Look to their left or right or at their feet but not their eyes. Think about it folks, when someone is staring at you, can’t you feel it?
Im SO glad you mentioned the eye contact thing… ive noticed avoiding eye contact makes all the difference in settling down a suspecting doe/buck. They try to pic up the movement in your eyes . Ever since i made it a Habit of not making eye contact ive been busted far far less.
@@WeekendWoodsmen def not the only one, my old man is 75 and im 40 and we both agree . Been hunting the uber-skiddish and aware deer out in western part of NY state all our lives- it holds true.
thanks for the comments! I know the deer that I hunt that are more use to humans being around (closer to town deer) this isn't as important or they are a little more tolerant but most commonly deer that catch you look right at you and boogie faster when you stare back!@@manofthehour1983
The thing about the head bobbing is that it’s not just to catch you moving, deer can also see about 270 around their head so they are also trying to spot your silhouette against the backround. 👍
Great advice and great video. NO EYE CONTACT is correct. Especially if someone has had cataract surgery, your eyes are like a mirror or light if the light catches them at the right angle. Good advice.
Absolutely a perfect tutorial on what to do in that kind of situation. It is essential to FREEZE completely and wait the deer out until it has decided you are not an immediate threat. That can take 2 - 3 minutes or more. Older deer tend to take longer before they go off high alert. As for eye contact during the entire episode I like to squint my eyelids to an almost closed position and keep them that way. I can still see the deer well enough through the tiny slit of my eyes which remain open but the deer no longer can see the whites of my eyeballs or any movement of my eyes. It also eliminates me having to turn my head to not look at the deer. When its time for the shot, I can simply open my eyes again while the deer is not focused on me. Congrats on a great shot!
Love this video! For my eyes i do what i call "dead eyes". Just the same way i freeze i try to keep my eyes still and just be part of the scenery. I feel like if you can have relaxed and unphased eyes the deer feels less preyed upon, rather than just training in on them or something else
Great tip! I actually used this technique this morning while in a chair blind with a crossbow. The doe was a regular at this feeder and saw the chair blind as an unusual thing. She stomped, huffed once and moved her head every which way. I enjoy observing animal behavior, it amuses me, but I digress. I froze and kept my head low and was eventually able to get the shot.
I squint my eyes almost close if one looks at me. I think they can pick your eyes out before focusing on anything else while your still and not moving. I have blinked one time while looking at a doe from maybe 25 to 30 yards and spooked it. I think she saw me blink no doubt. Because in my opinion she was trying to make eye contact. Just almost closing your eyes makes you face look not so much like a face.
I do the same. Squint technique. Freeze and wait. They will eventually calm down. Works every time. I get great photos, etc after they calm down. Slow and smooth baby. I sit in the stand, hand on bow, d-loop connected so all I need to do is raise and draw instead of picking the bow off the hanger.
It is the white of the eyes they see so well. I have experimented with different colors of flagging around a garden. White is the only color they avoid.
This just happened to me recently, she had to 2 big bucks behind her, but what you did was perfect, that’s how you need to do it I’ve already got does so I could not take the one in front of me, unfortunately the night set in and I had no shot but I just stayed in my stand til I could hear them walk away , I didn’t want to bust them getting down. Also appreciate the video of taking a doe and not saying “I need to wait for that mature 10 pointer”. There’s a difference between Trophy hunter = bragging Meat hunter = putting venison in the freezer.
Really appreciate the comment. I love putting meat in the freezer, and I also like trophy 10 pointers, but you have to manage the herd and take what is given to you!
Totally agree on the eye contact point. Just had this happen Saturday night in WI. All the leaves are gone now so we're way more exposed but those stands can still work if the wind is right. I always drop my eyes when they lock on like that and it always works if you don't move. Good tip about the dropping their head and faking you out, too!
You may consider rigging something where at the push of a button a noise (or a motion) is made in the woods at the opposite side of the clearing. Noticeable enough to attract attention but not frighten the deer. This will make the deer look the opposite way and allow you to aim and pull the bow.
I’ve had so many stand offs - this is a great video. As far as eye contact - it doesn’t seem to affect my situation much. I killed two great buck with eye contact being off and on. I want to see what they’re doing and watch body movement and eye movement. Great video.
Great video. Took a nice six point a few days ago ding exactly that. Totally agree on the eye contact. Also, deer cant recognize movement if its coming straight at them as long as it slow and quiet. During off season I came upon 2 doe at 40ish yards. Slowly walked directly at them while they were staring at me. At 15 yards I took one sideways step and they bolted.
I been there so many times, great advice. As far as eye contact I will close my eyes down to a small crack like squinting. I do believe that if they see the white of your eyes that'll be the end.
I was wondering about eye contact and then you mentioned it. I do everything you did in that video when it comes to movement. As for eye contact I'm w/ you. Once I've been busted and I can't look away, I will slowly squint my eyes to avoid eye contact until I can find my window to slightly look away. I think to myself if I was looking a dog right in the eyes what would happen. He or she would either run or attack. I don't think the deer will attack (LOL) but I'm afraid they will run. Great video...thanks for sharing and thanks for confirming that I am doing the right thing in the woods.
I got busted by a buck last month in a tree stand during the regular season. I had forgotten my gloves that day. I blame myself for forgetting my gloves and not being still enough for that deer to relax and keep walking. Being still is the best thing a hunter can do. Thank you for the video.
Brother that was an excellent video. Super well done overall. Good explaining, good visual examples, and in general the points you made were spot on to a lot of my own experiences that I just didn't know how to put into words. I learned something today so thank you!
Can confirm that not moving, but making eye contact will run deer off. As a novice hunter It's happened to me every time I was spotted in a tree. Now I know not to make eye contact. Thanks for the video!
I’m with you 100% on the eye contact deal. There’s an energy transfer when making eye contact and they pick up on that very well. People say that’s bs, but think of how you can sense when something is staring at you, you just know…
@@drucifuh Can't see a "face" when all that's visible is the eyes. I've even seen them spook when the hunter is completely hidden inside a box stand. Also doesn't explain the "feeling" that someone is watching you.
I agree with your eye contact theory. At first opportunity I turn my head so I just have peripheral vision of deer. I wear eyeglasses and sometimes wonder if they see some glare that I’m not aware of. But being a statue is absolutely critical. Great video.
If they're looking at you squint. They can absolutely see your eyes moving or just in general. As long as you're squinting you can make eye contact, but you'll probably make the seconds feel like hours and your adrenaline spike so you'll shake. I only look away if I need to take a moment to compose myself but I prefer to stay looking at the deer the entire time. Also I totally agree with getting your release clipped on your bow and using alternating hands to take the weight off so you don't fatigue too quickly. If you're trying to be a statue for too long your feet will start to hurt and your bow feels like it weighs a ton and if you're not used to being starred at by a deer intently you might just start shaking uncontrollably. For me the best position to be in is leaned against the tree holding my bow by the grip and with my release and it also resting on the front of my hip. If I see deer approaching I try to get in that position as soon as I can and can go a very long time completely still because everything is supported, while also being ready to lean forward and draw a moments notice.
agree 100% with your approach! it's a real grind in those moments but that is also what we sit for countless hours for! can't wait to get in the woods as I read this description! lol
I have been saying this for years, squinting your eyes is key. I have never had a deer bolt using this technique. I told my wife about it and she thinks I am some kind of weirdo, but it works.
I often work outside in areas with lots of deer. I find these hunter stories funny, they can't find them, scare them away, need camo. While I just go about my work while they walk up, watch me work, and feed on leaves etc. I mostly ignore them unless they get too close then I shoo them away.
Everyone is correct on eye contact. But let's not forget other factors! While I agree that flannel will break up your outline and dark colors will help you blend into the shadows, MOST importantly is that one has to make sure that the clothing you choose doesn't have UV brighteners dyed into the threads before the clothing is sewn together at the factory. Deer (amongst other animals) are highly sensitive to UV light. This helps their night vision as well. Here's an example and my case in point...My trail cams have infrared flashes for night pictures. The deer don't see the IR flash so it doesn't spook them. While walking to my stand in the dark I'd passed into the camera shot. After reviewing the pics I was shocked to see my 'high-end camo' clothing had spots that looked like a frikken neon sign in the dark!!! Specifically, the full length zippers that ran down each leg of my bibs. That camo clothing company had most likely ordered the zippers separately (from China, no doubt) to assemble the clothing. Although the zippers were brown fabric, the company that made them undoubtedly had UV dye brighteners in the brown threading. I had then performed a test with other camo I'd had. MOST of them shine like a beacon!! Imagine sitting in your tree and looking like a lit up, nuclear Walgreens scrolling billboard at dawn or dusk. The one set of clothing that I'd found that didn't shine AT ALL was my dark green Carhartt jacket & bibs!!! Also, most laundry detergents have UV brighteners in them. There are 'UV killer' soaps out there, but I use Dawn dish soap. No need to 'brighten' your dishes, right? Another thing to consider is extensive studies done on the anatomy of deers' eyes. They see in tones of black, gray & white and not true colors. The studies have shown that...PINK (😂), of all colors, is the least visible to deer. Some states have even approved pink as a 'safety' color. Have fun out there, ladies...🤣
That part about putting their head down then snapping it back at you is SO TRUE! they all do this! I learned it as a kid. I had a doe keep popping her head around a bush at me over and over and I was like "she is trying to trick me! wow!" I learned right then! I squint my eyes when they look at me!
A buddy of mine, who got me into hunting, used to hang an old shirt, or a plastic bag tied to a branch in his stand. The deer would get used to the movement there and were less likely to be spooked by him moving around. It must have worked because he always had a freezer full of venison. Eye contact is bad, I've always felt that they could see our eyes as if they were lit up, even at further distances. screen or camo glasses seem to help. I think blocking or breaking up your silhouette and face is as or more important than scent but i also think they can see, hear or sense our exhaling breath sometimes. More than once I've been spotted or had a deer stop and carefully gaze my way and all I'd do is freeze and close my eyes or look away and almost always they will go back to what they were doing oblivious to my presence.
Agreed on the no eye contact. Like someone on here had said, if they focus on the eyes, I'll squint so they look closed until I can look away and watch from my perifrial.
I had a stare down with a doe for 20 minutes. She did every move this video demonstrates. She even left but not really gone because I could hear her foot stomps. She walked under my stand, back out 20 yards. Stared for minutes at a time. She did not smell me and I was frozen still the whole time 16’ up in a tree. I made face to face contact with her the whole time. I don’t think she can see your eyes well enough to determine fear. It makes you nervous as you watch her eye’s because you know she’s trying to figure you out. Aggressive behavior like bears will take eye contact as a challenge if they are close enough to see them. A defensive deer is using smell and vision to identify you. Eye to eye contact is superstition. That’s my opinion.
Yup. I've been in the same scenario multiple times, and you're right, but I've never known eye contact to be an issue. On the other hand I've usually been wearing dark glasses, so there's that to consider. A related scenario is spooking up a deer while on foot. Do NOT despair. The ruminating quadrupeds, when spooked, will usually run a short distance, then stop to turn and look back. That's your shot. I've gotten several bucks that way, with primitive firearms. Maybe a bit out of range for most bow hunters though. On two occasions I've spooked the same buck several times in the same hour and still nailed him. Deer are fast, and have some amazing senses even if still shape recognition isn't one of them, but they are not terribly smart. The key is to take the time to get to know the "deer culture" in your area.
Curious what you mean by primitive firearms hunting, just got back into shooting flintlock again and am looking fwd to hunting w one next year once I'm more dialed. If that's anything like what your into definitely give them a look nothing like it bro
@@avgastas1515 In this case I was referring to a traditional cap lock, muzzle-loading rifle and a replica of an 1847 Colt Walker revolver. Both were modified with more visible sights. I understand what you're saying, although I never got around to trying a flintlock.
BRO, so glad you mentioned the eye contact! Last year, was the first year I was able to not spook them, after being seen. What I did was NOT MOVE, and lower my gaze, to avoid eye contact. Which I thought was silly, but I did this more than 3 times last year! There was one where I goofed the movement bit, and she jumped off blowing like a frigin banchee.
Something I believe about their vision is they have a problem seeing in 3-d. It doesn’t take much to hide behind, not moving naturally, to fool their vision. I have dozens of times watched deer approaching and get my bow in my hand and have it in an up right position getting ready for a possible shot. The bow is basically in front of my face. Some deer have looked up to see that strange object in the tree but don’t leave or get spooky. Many have stayed around and eventually got shot. That’s when it’s a true game of patience. And that’s why I believe they don’t have the ability to see in 3-d??
That is my understanding as well but I wasn’t 100% sure so I didn’t want to say that specifically in the video (we get yell at for enough stuff 😂). Appreciate the comment!
I've heard this as well. They don't have the greatest depth perception. Then, when I see them on a dead run clear a 3 foot high, 6 foot wide obstacle I question that 😂. But apparently it is true to an extent.
In order to see 3D, both eyes need to see the object at the same time. So while they have a very wide field of vision, only a small amount of that vision is 3D.
@@stevesawatsky seems very logical because of the way the eyes are in the skull. Thinking predators probably see in 3-d very well like humans? Just yesterday evening I had a couple does looking straight at me but I had my bow in front of my face. Probably 15 yards. They went back to eating like nothing was going on.
Brother, this is the exact technique I use. I agree 100 on the eye contact thing too. Putting yourself in slo-mo mode is key. Slow smooth movement. Sometimes can be hard with a compound and a bit easier with a crossbow but exciting as hell. What a rush. That's why we call opening day of bow season here in Michigan "Big Boy Christmas"... thanks for the content!
Definitely believe in keeping deer within range of vision, but don't directly stare, because deer as with many people seem to be able notice when they are being watched. Thanks
squinting is what we try to do...what I also do is wear stealth shades when I can - they are a great tool/eyewear for. you to comfortably see but still have your eyes covered!
Love the encouragement. I'll take the eye contact recommendation; I had not thought of that. What you did in this video is NOT easy! I'm frankly impressed.
Good advice, my first deer, at 27m, busted me in dense bush new Zealand, was easy 4-5 minute wait before he moved on and gave me a clean unaware shot.. ran 40m.
Excellent. I always tell folks don't look directly at the deer. Look from low under your hat or from the corner of your eye. Prey animals focus on eyes looking right st them.
I agree with everything you say here, kinda common sense and definitely be aware of the “bait” (meaning when they set their head down to get you to move) But I think she saw you so easy because you have no cover around you. Remember backdrop and tree cover is of most importance when setting up a tree
The no eye contact was a game changer for me as a teen learning to hunt. But to support the eyelash tip, no large eye movement.(close prox.) I would be wild with excitement staring at the chest or legs and not busted as quickly. But when I could relax eyes (and breathing, lol) number of connecting shots way up.
Excellent advice! Thank you. I was in the stand last week and I try not to even look or move my head at least as I hear them approaching. I heard one coming my way and it must have taken 10 minutes for him to reach me from 20 yards max away. That's how tentative he was. I didn't get him in my view until he was almost right under me, as he was coming from my 3:00 position. The wind was all over the place that day and he probably smelled me. Just after he arrived just under me so I could just start to see him (again, I didn't move AT ALL, except my eyeballs), he suddenly looked right up at me (12 feet above) and stared at me for maybe 10-20 seconds. He then slowly made his way over to the corn pile and started eating. He was a spike and we have an unwritten understanding in our area that we only take 8 point bucks, so I let him go after watching him eat for 10 minutes or so, only to have my hunting buddy 70 yards away take him as he passed his stand. It was a 38 yard shot for him and he couldn't see the spikes, so we had venison that week. Meanwhile I had heard another deer approaching as he headed over to the other stand. Needless to say, I never saw what was approaching, as his crossbow release pretty much froze everything. But yeah, "still as a statue" works.
I old guy hunt. I just sitting still with a red flannel in the open. You just move slow pulling the bow back. Just that simple. I usually have 5-6 deer watching me. A traditional bow does make it slightly easier.
I agree with no direct eye contact. Was walking down a road towards a stand when I came upon a doe in a food plot. Stayed still (practically In the middle of the road) and she went through the head lowering & raising, the head bobbing and even tried circling me before stomping. I stayed as still as possible and kept my eyes away using only peripherals to see. She eventually just walked off. Took about 5 mins (felt like forever) and she never bolted and never blew. I do believe they try to look at the eyes….and I am sure they can tell the eyes of a living being making direct eye contact with them Great video!!
Nice vid and excellent advice. The part about them trying to fake with the head bob - oh, I've been busted by that! But I've followed along with this exact pattern of things many times and been successful more times than not. I've never been a believer of the eye-contact idea, however. Never noticed that it's mattered.
That 6th sense .. be aware - excellent video and explanation .. Ive had them right under me, never looked at it directly and there was no way that it knew i was there (or it would,nt be there). I stared at it when it was eating and he flipped his head straight up at me like he could feel me looking at him ... kind of eerie
Very solid information. As alot of the comments below stated....there is a cosmic energy when eyes connect with the animals. I use face paint or fleece and look out of the corners of the eyes.
Just this Saturday (11-04-2023) I stood still for two hours with 5 does around me and never spooked one of them!! It was one of the most exciting and frustrating times I've had hunting!!!!
IME, eye contact doesn't matter. I actually prefer to lock eyes to gauge the animal's comfort level with why ever they are in the area. Great video thanks!
great video we have all been in this predicament !! Im with you!! i try to never make eye contact.. i just shot a 6 point last week i thought he had me busted but i got away with it !! 22 yd heart shot..he didnt make 60 yards!!
No eye contact is hugely important. I used to just look down with my eyes and never move... then either slowly when out in the open or quickly move when they walk behind a tree. Good video.
100% agree AVOID eye contact! Also only recently learned never shoot when the have their head down ( with a bow ) they can throw their head up at sound and that is what make the giant drop / ducking. With head up they can’t drop as fast or as much.
One thing I heard a few years back was to close your eyes almost completely in a situation like that, and every time I’ve had this happen and I shut my eyes it helped big time!
AT CLOSE RANGE, I SQUINT MY EYES TO AVOID EYE CONTACT. ONCE THEY ESTABLISH EYE CONTACT, THEY BOLT. GREAT VIDEO FOOTAGE, AND NARRATIVE. NEW SUB FROM THE 641... ALWAYS THUMBS UP! ALL CAPS AS I'M AN OLD HUNTER.
