Today, I want to chat with you about something that’s near and dear to my heart – deer hunting to help fill the freezer. Hunting isn’t just about the thrill of the chase; it’s an age-old way for homesteaders to supply food. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like knowing you’ve harvested your own meat for your family. I’ve been hunting since I was 13, and while it’s challenging, it’s also one of the most rewarding activities I do each year.
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Why Deer Hunting is Important for the Homestead
If you think homesteading is just about gardening and raising livestock, you’re missing a big part of the picture! Hunting deer, especially white-tailed deer, is an awesome way to get high-quality, lean meat without having to rely on the grocery store. Venison is delicious and healthy, plus it’s free-range, organic, and sustainable.
Deer hunting has been a homestead tradition for generations, and it’s something I look forward to every season. Whether you’re trying to be more self-sufficient or just enjoy the outdoors, hunting is a perfect fit for the homesteading lifestyle.
The Costs of Deer Hunting – Frugal or Fancy?
Is hunting an affordable way to stock up on meat? Well, it depends. If you keep things simple, deer hunting can be a very budget-friendly way to fill your freezer. Many homesteaders already own a firearm or bow, so you don’t have to break the bank on fancy gear. In fact, some of my favorite hunting equipment was bought secondhand or at rummage sales!
However, it’s easy to go overboard on all the latest gear. Some hunters spend big on bows, tree stands, and camouflage, which can make hunting more expensive than just buying a steak at the store. The key is to balance fun and practicality. If hunting is a hobby for you, go ahead and splurge a little. But if you’re mainly after meat, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a successful hunt.
Essential Deer Hunting Gear
For archery season (which happens to be my favorite!), you’ll need some basic equipment. You can hunt with a longbow, recurve, compound bow, or crossbow. I use a compound bow, which I’ve been shooting since I was 13. There are pros and cons to each type, so pick what suits you best.
You’ll also need camouflage gear, though staying super still is even more important than what you’re wearing. Deer are experts at spotting movement, so practice patience!
Other helpful gear includes:
- A tree stand or blind: This gives you a better vantage point and keeps you hidden. You can build your own blind or buy a popup one. If you have kids with you, a blind is great for hiding their inevitable wiggling.
- Calls: A grunt call or rattling antlers can help bring in a buck, though they’re not essential.
- Scent blocker: This can be helpful, but if you’re hunting from up high in a tree stand, you might not need it.
Basic Deer Hunting Equipment
- Archery – Longbow, Recurve, Compound, Crossbow
- Guns – Shotguns, Rifles, Handguns, Muzzleloader
- Camouflage Apparel – Weather Appropriate
- Blinds
- Treestands – Hanging Fixed Position Stands, Ladder Stands, Climbing Stands
- Calls – Bleat, Grunt
- Rattlers – Antlers, Artificial Antlers, Rattlebag
- Cover Scents and Scent Blocker
- SPECIFICATIONS: Axle-to-Axle: 30.25″ ; Draw weight: 0~70 LBS, Draw length:…
- PACKING LIST: 1*PANDARUS L1 Hunting Compound BOW，1*A -3pin sight，1*Brush…
- ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION：100% CNC machined cams and modules with the 6061 T6…
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Practice Makes Perfect
Before heading out, practice, practice, and practice some more! Whether you’re using a bow or a gun, you want to make sure your aim is true. Nothing feels worse than wounding an animal and not being able to find it. I’ve been in that situation a couple of times, and it’s not something you want to experience.
Archery requires a lot of close-range accuracy, so spend time getting comfortable with your equipment. Guns are a bit more forgiving, but you still need to be sharp with your shots.
Finding a Place to Hunt
One challenge some new hunters face is finding a good place to hunt. If you’re lucky enough to own land, that’s fantastic! But if not, public hunting grounds are a great option. Many states offer vast areas of land open for hunting. Just be sure to scout the area ahead of time, look for deer trails, and set up your blind or tree stand in a strategic spot.
Preparing for the Big Day
On hunting day, you’ll want to get into position without scaring the deer. Try to avoid walking through their feeding or bedding areas, and be mindful of the wind direction. Deer are experts at catching your scent, so approach quietly and carefully.
Patience is key. You might spend hours, or even days, before you see a deer. But when you do, it’s all worth it!
After the Shot
Once you’ve successfully made your shot, stay calm and pay attention to where the deer runs. You’ll need to follow the blood trail, which can be tricky if the shot wasn’t perfect. Sometimes tracking a deer takes time, but it’s part of the adventure.
After finding your deer, field dressing it (gutting it) is the next step. This can seem daunting at first, but with practice (or a few good YouTube videos), you’ll get the hang of it. It’s important to get the guts out to make the deer easier to transport and to avoid spoiling the meat.
Processing Your Deer
Back home, you’ll need to skin and butcher your deer. A good set of knives and a meat grinder will make the job easier. Some folks like to use butcher paper, but I prefer a vacuum sealer to keep the meat fresh. Plus, don’t forget to make space in the freezer!
Equipment
- Knives – Outdoor Edge 12-Piece Portable Butcher Kit with Hard Side Carry Case
- Meat Grinder – Manual or Electric
- Vacuum Sealer
- Freezer
Conclusion: Why Deer Hunting is So Much More Than Just Meat
At the end of the day, hunting is about more than just putting meat on the table. It’s about connecting with nature, learning patience, and appreciating the cycle of life. And when you bring home that first deer, it’s a feeling you’ll never forget.
So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, I encourage you to give deer hunting a try this season. It’s a rewarding experience that goes hand in hand with the homesteading lifestyle. Happy hunting, and good luck filling your freezer!
