Matt Chandler - Deer Hunting for Kids

elk

Major Types of Deer

The types of deer most commonly hunted in North America are whitetail, elk, and muledeer. Whitetail live all across the United States, except for the Southwest, Hawaii,and Alaska. Whitetail can weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms). They can run 30miles (48 kilometers) per hour. Their name comes from the white underside of thetail they lift when alarmed.

Elk live in the mountainous western United States. They are the largest deer in NorthAmerica. Elk can weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg) and stand 5 feet (1.5 meters)tall.

Hunting mule deer is common in the desert areas of the western United States. Muledeer can stand up to 3.5 feet (1 m) tall. They can weigh between 130 and 280 pounds(59 and 127 kg). They get their name from their large, mulelike ears.

Without the proper equipment, its almost impossible to bag a deer. Having a gunor bow you can handle is important. Deer stands will also help you succeed. Goodhunters go into the woods with everything they need to take down a deer.

Guns and Scopes

Most people hunt deer with either a shotgun or a rifle. The most popular types ofshotguns for deer hunting are the 20-gauge and the 12-gauge. For a young hunter,a 20-gauge is a good first gun. The kick, or recoil , when fired is less powerfulthan with a 12-gauge.

Depending on your states laws, shotguns can be loaded with either buckshot shellsor slug shells. Buckshot shells are packed with large pellets that spread out asthey fly through the air. Slug shells fire one large bullet. Check your states huntinglaws to find out what type of shotgun ammunition is legal for hunting deer in yourarea.

recoil the kickback of a gun when firing

A rifle allows a hunter to have a longer range. It fires a single bullet that canhit a target several hundred yards away. Because rifles are so powerful, some stateslimit their use for deer hunting.

No matter what gun you choose, adding a scope can help you take your best shot. Themost common scope is a 3 x 9 scope. This means the scope magnifies the deer threetimes at its lowest reading and nine times at its highest.

Bows and Arrows

Most bowhunters use compound bows. These bows use cables and wires that allow youto easily pull back the bowstring. When choosing your bow, consider its draw weight .Be sure to choose a draw weight you can pull. If you cant draw your bow, you wontbe ready to shoot when a deer is in sight.

magnify to make something look larger than it really is

draw weight a measurement of how much strength it takes to pull a bowstring back

Most bowhunters use broadhead arrows for deer hunting. These arrows can have carbonor aluminum shafts. Arrows with carbon shafts are light and fast. Arrows with aluminumshafts are heavier and can sink into the deer more deeply.

deer stand

FACT

Deer urine farms bottle and sell different types of deer urine. The best urine forattracting a buck is from a doe that is ready to mate.

Deer Stands

Many hunters use deer stands to avoid being spotted by deer. These stands get you10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) above the ground. Some stands are simple platforms withseats that attach directly to tree trunks. Others include ladders and platforms thatlean against and mount to trees. Some hunters even build their own free-standingdeer stands.

If you buy a deer stand, consider its weight and size. Aluminum stands are lightweightand easy to set up. Choose a stand with a wide platform. A small stand doesnt giveyou room to move around. In cold weather your body becomes stiff and you can loseyour balance. A large stand can prevent you from falling.