Spot and Stalk Deer Hunting

Spot and Stalk Deer Hunting Also known as “still hunting” which would seem to indicate not moving. Instead still hunting is about spotting the deer before they see you. Once you have your eyes on the deer the tricky part starts.

I have a close friend who showed me what still hunting is, though it was more by accident than intentional. When you’re hunting in this manner there are a few different methods to use. I've heard one hunter call it TATTW, ten minutes at a tree then walk. Not a bad idea. The big advantage of this particular method is allowing yourself to STOP an LISTEN to the woods and wildlife around you. My friend practices spot and stalk hunting a little differently than the TATTW method. He instead practices what I know as a military saying; “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”. He moves in a methodical fashion planning his steps before he takes them, looking to the ground to be certain no twigs will snap and trying to take steps during wind gusts or plane fly byes.

A couple of hunting seasons ago in Wisconsin along the Mississippi River he was able to get two deer with this method. So, aside from finding and producing success with this method it is sometimes used to help curb boredom from sitting for extended periods of time and can really add some adventure to your otherwise boring hunt if you were sitting and waiting from a tree stand. The issue I have with this method comes from the fact that I hunt public land. Hunting public land increases my odds of seeing other hunters and moving around too much can be disrespectful to other hunters.

In one of the latest Where to Hunt podcast episodes, we played a clip from an earlier interview from the best ground stalkers, Whitetail Adrenaline who advised it’s best to not get stuck to one spot and that moving during the hunt (if done correctly) can increase your odds of seeing and shooting more deer.