How to Hunt Deer With a Bow & Arrow

Preparation is as important as the hunt itself when it comes to successfully hunting and killing a deer with a bow and arrow. While some lucky hunters simply go into the woods, climb into a tree and arrow an animal that walks by, most take several steps to increase their odds of success. And when everything works out right, all they have to worry about is how they will prepare their venison, or how they will present their trophy deer on the wall.

Things You'll Need

  • Tree stand or ground blind
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scout thoroughly the area you plan to hunt. Look for signs, including droppings and footprints that look like hearts. Find trails that deer use as they travel between their bedding and feeding areas. Beds often are on high ground and are shaped like ovals. Deer feed in agricultural fields, on the edges of lakes or ponds and in areas that have acorn-dropping trees.

    • 2

      Spend time in your hunting area before the actual hunt so you know when deer in the area typically move. Often, deer follow the same routines unless they are disturbed. Select a hunting spot that will allow you a clean shot.

    • 3

      Practice shooting with your archery equipment. Replicate the hunting situation as much as possible. If you are hunting from a tree stand, for example, practice shooting from one.

    • 4

      Hang your camouflage hunting clothes outside for 24 to 48 hours before the hunt. Unfamiliar scents put deer on high alert, so your clothes should smell as natural as possible. Put on your camouflage gear just before you head afield.

    • 5

      Walk to the hunting spot you selected at least a couple of hours before deer typically move through. Climb into your stand or ground blind and then sit still. Try to move your body as little as possible. Move your head slowly, and listen carefully.

    • 6

      Control your breathing when a deer walks into shooting range. One of the best ways to focus on breathing is to count backwards from 100. Rather than focusing on the deer -- and potentially getting nervous -- counting backwards forces your mind to focus on the numbers. Continue counting backwards until you are ready to shoot the deer.

    • 7

      Raise your bow and arrow into the shooting position when you have a chance. The best time to do so is when there is brush between you and the deer, when the deer looks in another direction or when it has its head down.

    • 8

      Aim at the animal and release the arrow when you are confident it will kill the deer. The best spot to aim is just behind the shoulder blade, which should lead to a heart or lung shot and kill the deer quickly.