This article is not about whether you are “still hunting”, but is about a method of hunting. Still Hunting is about stalking and stealthfully hunting and getting close to wild game.
Years ago, Still Hunting was an excellent way to deer hunt in eastern states. Most hunters sat still or made deer drives. Solo hunters would often Still Hunt on their own. It was these true hunters that could read sign, observe details, move unseen and silently, and score on big bucks.
There was a ton of competition in Pennsylvania and Maryland for deer hunting. On an opening day, it would sound like a combat zone and hunters orange or Woolrich plaid was seen on every ridge.
My deer hunting mentor, Doug Goings, was a master Still Hunter. He wore the Woolrich plaid from head to toe. His rifle was a 350 caliber lever action carbine with a 4 power scope. We hunted from his camp near Hyner Mountain in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. This was prime deer hunting territory. There were hundreds of camps and hunters that knew the area as well.
Doug took me under his wind and showed me the ropes. Here were some of the Still Hunting lessons I learned and still use today.
- Start hunting downhill and stalk up.
- Take 3 steps and stop.
- Try to stop by a tree or rock for cover.
- Look for horizontal lines. These are often the top of a deer’s back or belly.
- Don’t wear an orange hat. A vest is better. The hat will move as you turn your head and show the deer where you are.
- When you find a promising spot, sit and wait for a while.
- Stay in the woods and hunt all day, especially when other hunters are heading back to camp.
- Take one shot. Make it count. Use a rest if one is available. Aim center shoulder. Broadside is best.
- After the shot, watch where the deer goes. Mark the last spot where you see the deer and go there first.
- Never scan other hunters with your rifle scope. Use binoculars.
- Amber shooting glasses give you better detail vision and protect your eyes.
- Always hunt into the wind.
- Rub your clothes and shoes with natural scents like leaves and dirt. Store your gear and clothes in a tub with natural scents. Keep outside of camp away from cooking, smoke, and other human smells.
- Every hunt is fun and successful. Never judge a hunt on just the kill.
- Share the kill with the camp.
Doug hunted a lifetime using his Still Hunting methods and philosophy. All hunters have something to learn from his wisdom and skills. In Montana, Still Hunting is a great way to fill your tags.
Always hunt honestly and ethically!
Montana Grant
