Preparation Pays Dividends

We all know one of the biggest secrets in the deer hunting world is open public land. That is, if you know how to hunt it. Alabama host thousands of public acres. The Talladega National Forest alone spreads somewhere in the neighborhood of 140,000 acres. Limited access to the remotest portions tend to crowd unprepared hunters close to the roads. If you fall among these comrades, your hunt may be over before it begins. Why do hunters hunt near the truck? One reason is simply they do not want to get lost. Secondly, they know if they kill a deer deep in the forest, they have to lug that sucker out. That is work, hard work. It is scary for some out there at dark. Shoot a deer that runs away and you are trailing him into the unknown, pitch black darkness, your best friend being your mag lite. If you want to be one of the elite, public land hunters, if you want to get the best out of a piece of property, take a few preliminary steps and go kill your deer. One of the first things you are going to need is direction in the way of north, south, east and west. A 3 dollar compass from Wal-Mart will work but if you want to do it right, get you a gps. Mine cost $99. It is the lowest form of gps on the market but spot on when it comes to getting me out after dark. With it I can follow a twisted deer trail through the thickets and have 100% confidence I know the shortest route to the truck. I know where my gear was left, and I know where my stand is. I can also "mark" interesting spots to scout later, say I find a big scrape after dark. Next you need a deer carrier with wheels on it. As you are walking to your remote location, take it with you. Don't leave it at the truck. You will only have to return to get it should you kill a deer. Take it to the woods and lock it to a tree in the visinity of your stand. It is useful not only carrying a deer out, but carrying your gear in. You need a light, a big one. The mag lite on your belt is good, carry it. But also bring a light source that will illuminate to woods. It needs to be one you can set on the ground and work around as you field dress your deer, load your hauler, or track a wounded animal. Finally, a cell phone is your safety net. I have found service in the most difficult places and don't leave home without it. These extra steps may seem inconvenient. You weigh it out for yourself. I have found I would rather prepare. I want to do those things that get me into untouched areas and hunt deer, many of which have never seen a human. I want to do whatever it takes to be successful and avoid the poor souls in site of the road.