How to Hunt in Pine Thickets

Many deer hunters shy away from hunting in pine thickets, preferring to hunt in clear or open areas where it is easier to walk and easier to shoot. At first glance, pine thickets can be intimidating to hunt. But hunters who know what to look for in pine thickets can increase their chances of harvesting a deer. That is because deer often feel safe and secure in pine thickets, even during the day, so they tend to move around more than deer that spend their time in more open areas.

Things You'll Need

  • Tree stand or ground blind
  • Weapon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear the proper clothing. If you are hunting during the archery season, wear camouflage. If you are hunting during the firearms season, wear blaze orange. In either case, wear clothing that covers the majority of your skin. If you do not, your skin may be cut while you walk through thick pines.

    • 2

      Walk into the pine thicket days or months before you plan to hunt it. Look for areas where deer activity is evident -- such as those with droppings or well-worn trails. Also look for areas of high ground, as these offer the best hunting opportunities. Try to locate edge areas where extremely thick pines butt up against areas with relatively light growth. Deer often travel in these areas.

    • 3

      Locate an area with higher elevation than the surrounding area, and that looks over an edge or area with deer activity, and set up a ground blind. If you cannot find a higher area, locate a tree in the vicinity on which you can hang a portable tree stand. Set the stand 10 to 15 feet in the air -- if possible -- and make sure you have a clear shooting lane.

    • 4

      Arrive at your ground blind or tree stand before the sun rises, if possible. Deer often bed down in pine thickets, so they may hear you coming and be spooked. But if you sit quietly, they likely will return. Remain in the stand or blind as long as possible, because deer may be active in pine thickets at any time during the day.

    • 5

      Hold your gun or bow and arrow at the ready. In dense pine thickets, you may not see a deer until it walks in front of you. If you are not ready to shoot, the motion created by raising your weapon may scare the deer off and prevent you from even having an opportunity to shoot.