How to Hunt Whitetail Deer at Thunder Mountain Lodge in Pennsylvania

Thunder Mountain Lodge is a private hunting area situated in north-central Pennsylvania. The lodge sustains a population of whitetail deer by maintaining feeding plots and operating a winter feeding program. Hunters are greeted with a rustic lodge, pre-arranged hunting equipment and other services. The land is surrounded by mountainous areas and grassy lands. Improve your hunting skills and take home a trophy buck by stalking the deer with appropriate tactics.

Things You'll Need

  • Thunder Mountain Lodge reservation
  • Shears
  • Food and drink
  • Hunting gear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a reservation at the Thunder Mountain Lodge. The lodge offers limited reservations for white tail deer hunts that last two to three days every hunting season. You must book a reservation to stay and hunt at the lodge's private land.

    • 2

      Stalk deer in trails leading to their feeding areas. Thunder Mountain Lodge maintains wooded food plots for the deer. Find these spots near the mountain areas of the property, along the edge. Feeding plots are seeded with different plant types that attract deer throughout the year. For larger deer, search in paths 30 to 80 yards off to the side of these trails. Check for terrain clues such as a few hoof prints or saplings with rubbed-off barks.

    • 3

      Search in grassy areas with old and overgrown brush and weeds. These locations offer deer plenty of cover, shelter and some food. Bring a pair of shears to clip away any branches and saplings for your deer and stand as well as for clearing away paths.

    • 4

      Bring your own deer stand or use one of the lodge's stand. Stands located at the intersection of two trails can be productive. The lodge provides many stand locations including tree stands. Self climbers are also available and you can request for stands to be moved depending on weather and condition patterns or to intercept deer.

    • 5

      Use the deer stand especially during the early and late hours of the day, when deer are most active.

    • 6

      Prepare to remain quietly in the stand for a long period of time. Stay comfortable, keep warm and bring sufficient food and drinks. Watch and listen for the approaching deer and move as slowly as possible once you spot one. Take careful aim and shoot only if the range is safe and clear.