Hunting Preparation for your Upcoming Camp Kay Indiana Hunt
As I have now hunted with this service for about 5 years now, and have experienced the hunt in various conditions and circumstances, I wanted to share some things for your trip to maximize your chance for success. Listen, don’t listen, but this is what has worked for me and may help you.
Before the Hunt
License, Indiana Adult (or Youth) Deer Hunting License. I always get “The Bundle” vs just a Buck Tag, as I like the flexibility of having 3 tags any season. You can buy this here…
http://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/dnr-license/
Print a few copies, and print a copy to PDF and save on your computer.
Indiana Laws – Here is a good Q&A FAQ Site on Indiana Laws, if you have specific questions. http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7389.htm
Deer Transport Tags: After you shoot a deer, you need to tag it with a Transportation Tag, that includes your name, address and Indiana License Number. I keep these pre-made with my license and fill them out when the deer is down. Here is the form I use.
Indiana Deer Check-In Conformation Number: On your Transport Tag is a space for your Indiana Confirmation Number. You get this from either
-Tagging your deer at a Tagging Station
-Tagging your deer on the Indiana Web Site @ http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7365.htm
Your guide will help you tag deer and ensure you do it right. I keep transport tags, a pen, and tie-wraps in my backpack, along with a copy of my license.
Equipment
Clothing: Ok, this is important, as for your hunt, you will be staying in a blind or tree stand, for an entire day. We don’t come down for lunch, we go up early and we stay up until dark. With this in mind, your clothing is critical for you to accomplish this.
My basic rules:
-Pack in Heavy Clothing and Dress Warm in Layers. What works for you is critical but here is what I do
-Heavyweight Long Underwear
-Insulated hunting pants
-Bib Overalls
-Heavy Hunting Parka with Hood
-Sweatshirt
-Hunting Boots & Socks (Insulated but not heavy duty)
-Hunting Boot Blanket I pack in, https://www.amazon.com/IceBreaker-Blanket-Large-Mossy-Breakup/dp/B0002EET0Q
-Hand Cozy - https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Muff-Warmer/dp/B001F0GMJW/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WYEQJ47X22AR18K5TD1Q
Gloves I can shoot with
An Orange Hunting Cap, Hat or whole head facemask that is 144 square inches or 12×12 inch equivalent that is clearly visible and must be worn at all times in the field, visible from 360 degrees, so a Hat works. BUT make sure it is Solid Orange and some guides warn about Black Lettering or Logos on the Hat causing issues with DNR. Camouflage-patterned fluorescent orange garments do not satisfy the requirement.
Raingear = A tough one, I don’t wear it. If we are on the Rain/Snow Temp Break and it rains, I prefer my regular gear under a Tree Umbrella in the stand. But that is me. I walk in with a small umbrella and set this up in the stand. https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Instant-Roof-Treestand-Umbrella/dp/B000KORVHG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907851&sr=1-1&keywords=tree+umbrella
Backpack Gear
It is important you know what equipment you need to bring with you to maximize your success. I will tell you the basics, but again, this works for me. Remember you need to last all day.
Strongly Suggested Equipment
-A Backpack, with a carabiner on top to snap to your stand
-LOT’s of Megawarmers. These things are awesome, I stuff them where I get cold and they last for 12 hours. From hands, to boot blankets to jacket, you can’t go wrong. Bring them in bulk… https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Mega-Body-Warmers-Box/dp/B002SHYXAQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907222&sr=1-2&keywords=mega+warmers
-Food = Protein Bars, Drink = a Gatorade,
-Urine Bottle, a good time here in cold weather on an elevated stand.
-Deer Call – A tricky one, as most people can’t use a Grunt Tube – Bucks will turn on a grunt tube in Indiana during the Rut, also flee from a badly used one. Mark recommends if you need a call, the doe can bleat call is recommended as it is foolproof. However, most guides will say, when they are in full rut, you don’t need a call.
-Flashlight with a Red LED Option. I use the Red Led Ones, to get in and out of my stand. Deer cannot see the color red, so safety plus stealth. https://www.amazon.com/LingsFire-Zoomable-Scalable-Flashlight-Supported/dp/B00N0ML37O/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907707&sr=1-4&keywords=red+led+hunting+light
-Hunting Knife
-Compass,
-Phone & Small Portable Charge Pack ((You are out all day)). Your phone is critical, you need to be able to call the Guides, Text Them, etc..
-Fall Protection – You will be in a Ladder Stand or a Hanging Stand, you need your own Fall Protection. Please know how to use them, set them up and how to get out of them. I like this one, https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Bowhunter-Harness/dp/B00IYWZP3I/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474908081&sr=1-1&keywords=safety+harness+for+tree+stand
-You will need the harness, and a way to connect it to the tree. https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Quick-Connect-Strap/dp/B0116TIODS/ref=pd_sim_200_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=8QBEZJ7ECF1DW8Z3H477
-Seat Cushion – The Ladder Stands and Hangers have NO SEAT CUSHIONS, you need to pack your own in. Get a nice one, you are there all day. Something like this, makes it a nice day for you. https://www.amazon.com/Big-Game-Treestands-Standard-Cushion/dp/B0058PI0M2/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474908262&sr=1-3&keywords=ladder+stand+seat+cushion
Other Equipment I carry:
-Rangefinder – I mark trees at 50 yards, 100 and 150 before the excitement starts,
-Whistle, Fire Starter, Thermal Blanket, Candle
-Small GPS
-Red Trail Marking Tape
-Blood Trailing Flashlight(s)
-25’ of Rope
-Tree Screw in Holders for Guns and Gear
-Bright-Eyes for marking tree-stands and paths for night locating. https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-ORIGINAL-BRIGHT-EYES-BLISTER/dp/B0000AVWE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474912470&sr=8-1&keywords=bright+eyes+reflective+tacks
The Hunt
Now that you have all your gear, including weapons and ammo of choice, I did not include those above. The hunt flows like this, so pay attention.
After the Hunt SafetyTalk, your guide will lead you off and show you where you will PARK, and where your stand is for the hunt to start. They may/will move you around when we see what is moving, but to begin, you will be shown a parking area and a hunting stand. Your job, is to find it the next morning by yourself, to park there and walk to the stand. The BEST way I have seen to do this, is keep it simple. I use Google Maps on my iphone and I set PINS where I park and where the stand is. I save the Pins and label them. Google Maps works extremely well for this use. Also, if you are somewhat savvy, you can send and receive pins from Guides and our group on where to go, meet, hunt, etc… Please learn and know how to do this prior to showing up. A Handheld GPS works ok as well to find your stand, but the Google Maps is awesome for getting your car to the parking area.
Your stand, “normally” will not be hard to get to, you will not be hiking miles in rough country. You are walking in fields, tree lines, to find deer pinch points. The trick in the AM is getting in there when it is dark, quietly and without getting drenched in sweat.
Our group maybe hunting in the same “area” but that may be many many miles apart. Radios don’t work well here, Phones do.
When you park your Vehicle, make sure the WHITE PAPER PERMISSION SLIP IS ON YOUR DASHBOARD and Visible if a Warden Checks your car. If they don’t see it, they may come in on you and see who you are. Keep it visible, and filled out, and you will be fine.
The guides are awesome and will tell you the basics, but the main points they demand are:
-Know what you shoot at, and shoot a deer you are happy with. IF you would shoot it on the last day, shoot it on the first one. They will tell you, they try and get 60% of their hunters a kill shot on good bucks. This is true from what I have seen.
-Know your capabilities. The bucks are fast moving and in Rut. They will stop, but not for long. My shots have ALL been around 100-150 Yards with a Gun and only 1 at 30 Yards with a Bow.
-If you shoot, DO NOT get out of your stand and look for the deer. Call your Guide, they will tell you what to do next. Mostly they come to you and help you. They don’t want hunters wandering around the woods.
-You are hunting on leased private land, normally you won’t see other hunters. IF you do, or something is wrong, call your guide.
-When you get up in your stand, or set up in your Box Blind in the AM, text your guide and let them know you are in and ready to go. They probably won’t reply, but they are happy to know you are there.
-When you get out of your stand and back to your car, Text your Guide and let them know what you saw (if anything) and that you are out and safe. IF you forget, they will assume the worse and call you, text you, and try to find you. So please remember.
-Be prepared to move… These guys get paid if you take a buck, so they work to get it done. IF they call you, text you, and want you to move, you are moving. Means they have deer working and they need shooters.
-Respect landowners and leave nothing behind. Pack in and Out, no trash, no issues. If you have any concerns, call your guide.
The Deer
During the Rut, they are chasing does and not thinking about much else. So “yes” the best times are morning and evening, but I have shot 2 now at lunch time. They move all day, so stay in your stand. My brother Rich killed his at 11:30 AM, in the middle of an open cornfield as it was chasing does.
They MOVE, these deer are not holding to any one area or tree parcel. They move miles and chase does all over. Again, stay focused and don’t think they lay down during the day, the rut is intense.
My personal belief, is a Buck won’t scent you as he is all focused on Does… BUT the does will bust you if you are not careful. I use the Spray Cover I leave in my truck. https://www.amazon.com/Scent-Control-Spray-Remington-Elimination/dp/B013J8GRWY/ref=sr_1_25?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474909632&sr=1-25-spons&keywords=scent+cover+spray&psc=1
Doe in heat attractors I have not used, some do, some don’t, up to you.
Bucks will come for a Grunt Tube, if you site one and he is looking about. BUT, if you don’t know how to Grunt, learn. Otherwise you just warn them off. Start here if you want, but there are some good videos out there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tctwusOvDE
How big to shoot? – This is a tough one, but you have seconds to decide, that’s it. My rule is, I look for mass on the antlers that are outside the ears, with tall tines. Then I shoot. I don’t count the points, look for drop tines, estimate point class etc... I look for big antlers, mass on the main beam, good tines and I shoot…
Deer come back. If you don’t have a good shot, don’t take it. Deer out there are running about and chances are, he will come back around in a few hours. My last buck I passed at 8 AM and shot him at 10:30 AM, so stay alert.
Doe Tags, I have a Bundle License, but I will ALWAYS ask my guide on shooting does in the stand they put me in. Sometimes I am in a BUCK ONLY stand, and sometimes they will tell me, if I shoot a buck, and see a doe, take her. But I always check with the guides. If I have already killed a buck and want to take a doe, I ask my guide on what I can do, and they have always put me in a good doe zone. Do not just shoot a doe in your stand without knowing what your guide wants you to do beforehand.
Guides
These guys are seasoned deer hunters and know the local area extremely well. They make from Mark enough to cover their gas, basic expenses and that is about it when they start. If you kill a buck, they make additional money from Mark and from your tips.
Tipping is expected and is around 10-15% of the Hunt Cost, depending on your delivery of service, your hunt, etc…
Side Note, Mark pays one of them a good amount for the yearly “Big Buck Bonus”, so they are incented to put you on deer.
Wounding a Deer
Adult hunters who wound must renew their hunt for the following year in order to continue. This promotes ethical hunting for everyone involves and is a fair policy considering that most Outfitters end the hunt if you draw blood. Know your target, practice a lot before the season opens and make the first one count. If you are not sure, not confident, don’t shoot.
As I have now hunted with this service for about 5 years now, and have experienced the hunt in various conditions and circumstances, I wanted to share some things for your trip to maximize your chance for success. Listen, don’t listen, but this is what has worked for me and may help you.
Before the Hunt
License, Indiana Adult (or Youth) Deer Hunting License. I always get “The Bundle” vs just a Buck Tag, as I like the flexibility of having 3 tags any season. You can buy this here…
http://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/dnr-license/
Print a few copies, and print a copy to PDF and save on your computer.
Indiana Laws – Here is a good Q&A FAQ Site on Indiana Laws, if you have specific questions. http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7389.htm
Deer Transport Tags: After you shoot a deer, you need to tag it with a Transportation Tag, that includes your name, address and Indiana License Number. I keep these pre-made with my license and fill them out when the deer is down. Here is the form I use.
Indiana Deer Check-In Conformation Number: On your Transport Tag is a space for your Indiana Confirmation Number. You get this from either
-Tagging your deer at a Tagging Station
-Tagging your deer on the Indiana Web Site @ http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7365.htm
Your guide will help you tag deer and ensure you do it right. I keep transport tags, a pen, and tie-wraps in my backpack, along with a copy of my license.
Equipment
Clothing: Ok, this is important, as for your hunt, you will be staying in a blind or tree stand, for an entire day. We don’t come down for lunch, we go up early and we stay up until dark. With this in mind, your clothing is critical for you to accomplish this.
My basic rules:
-Pack in Heavy Clothing and Dress Warm in Layers. What works for you is critical but here is what I do
-Heavyweight Long Underwear
-Insulated hunting pants
-Bib Overalls
-Heavy Hunting Parka with Hood
-Sweatshirt
-Hunting Boots & Socks (Insulated but not heavy duty)
-Hunting Boot Blanket I pack in, https://www.amazon.com/IceBreaker-Blanket-Large-Mossy-Breakup/dp/B0002EET0Q
-Hand Cozy - https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Muff-Warmer/dp/B001F0GMJW/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WYEQJ47X22AR18K5TD1Q
Gloves I can shoot with
An Orange Hunting Cap, Hat or whole head facemask that is 144 square inches or 12×12 inch equivalent that is clearly visible and must be worn at all times in the field, visible from 360 degrees, so a Hat works. BUT make sure it is Solid Orange and some guides warn about Black Lettering or Logos on the Hat causing issues with DNR. Camouflage-patterned fluorescent orange garments do not satisfy the requirement.
Raingear = A tough one, I don’t wear it. If we are on the Rain/Snow Temp Break and it rains, I prefer my regular gear under a Tree Umbrella in the stand. But that is me. I walk in with a small umbrella and set this up in the stand. https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Instant-Roof-Treestand-Umbrella/dp/B000KORVHG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907851&sr=1-1&keywords=tree+umbrella
Backpack Gear
It is important you know what equipment you need to bring with you to maximize your success. I will tell you the basics, but again, this works for me. Remember you need to last all day.
Strongly Suggested Equipment
-A Backpack, with a carabiner on top to snap to your stand
-LOT’s of Megawarmers. These things are awesome, I stuff them where I get cold and they last for 12 hours. From hands, to boot blankets to jacket, you can’t go wrong. Bring them in bulk… https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Mega-Body-Warmers-Box/dp/B002SHYXAQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907222&sr=1-2&keywords=mega+warmers
-Food = Protein Bars, Drink = a Gatorade,
-Urine Bottle, a good time here in cold weather on an elevated stand.
-Deer Call – A tricky one, as most people can’t use a Grunt Tube – Bucks will turn on a grunt tube in Indiana during the Rut, also flee from a badly used one. Mark recommends if you need a call, the doe can bleat call is recommended as it is foolproof. However, most guides will say, when they are in full rut, you don’t need a call.
-Flashlight with a Red LED Option. I use the Red Led Ones, to get in and out of my stand. Deer cannot see the color red, so safety plus stealth. https://www.amazon.com/LingsFire-Zoomable-Scalable-Flashlight-Supported/dp/B00N0ML37O/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474907707&sr=1-4&keywords=red+led+hunting+light
-Hunting Knife
-Compass,
-Phone & Small Portable Charge Pack ((You are out all day)). Your phone is critical, you need to be able to call the Guides, Text Them, etc..
-Fall Protection – You will be in a Ladder Stand or a Hanging Stand, you need your own Fall Protection. Please know how to use them, set them up and how to get out of them. I like this one, https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Bowhunter-Harness/dp/B00IYWZP3I/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474908081&sr=1-1&keywords=safety+harness+for+tree+stand
-You will need the harness, and a way to connect it to the tree. https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Safety-System-Quick-Connect-Strap/dp/B0116TIODS/ref=pd_sim_200_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=8QBEZJ7ECF1DW8Z3H477
-Seat Cushion – The Ladder Stands and Hangers have NO SEAT CUSHIONS, you need to pack your own in. Get a nice one, you are there all day. Something like this, makes it a nice day for you. https://www.amazon.com/Big-Game-Treestands-Standard-Cushion/dp/B0058PI0M2/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474908262&sr=1-3&keywords=ladder+stand+seat+cushion
Other Equipment I carry:
-Rangefinder – I mark trees at 50 yards, 100 and 150 before the excitement starts,
-Whistle, Fire Starter, Thermal Blanket, Candle
-Small GPS
-Red Trail Marking Tape
-Blood Trailing Flashlight(s)
-25’ of Rope
-Tree Screw in Holders for Guns and Gear
-Bright-Eyes for marking tree-stands and paths for night locating. https://www.amazon.com/LEWIS-ORIGINAL-BRIGHT-EYES-BLISTER/dp/B0000AVWE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474912470&sr=8-1&keywords=bright+eyes+reflective+tacks
The Hunt
Now that you have all your gear, including weapons and ammo of choice, I did not include those above. The hunt flows like this, so pay attention.
After the Hunt SafetyTalk, your guide will lead you off and show you where you will PARK, and where your stand is for the hunt to start. They may/will move you around when we see what is moving, but to begin, you will be shown a parking area and a hunting stand. Your job, is to find it the next morning by yourself, to park there and walk to the stand. The BEST way I have seen to do this, is keep it simple. I use Google Maps on my iphone and I set PINS where I park and where the stand is. I save the Pins and label them. Google Maps works extremely well for this use. Also, if you are somewhat savvy, you can send and receive pins from Guides and our group on where to go, meet, hunt, etc… Please learn and know how to do this prior to showing up. A Handheld GPS works ok as well to find your stand, but the Google Maps is awesome for getting your car to the parking area.
Your stand, “normally” will not be hard to get to, you will not be hiking miles in rough country. You are walking in fields, tree lines, to find deer pinch points. The trick in the AM is getting in there when it is dark, quietly and without getting drenched in sweat.
Our group maybe hunting in the same “area” but that may be many many miles apart. Radios don’t work well here, Phones do.
When you park your Vehicle, make sure the WHITE PAPER PERMISSION SLIP IS ON YOUR DASHBOARD and Visible if a Warden Checks your car. If they don’t see it, they may come in on you and see who you are. Keep it visible, and filled out, and you will be fine.
The guides are awesome and will tell you the basics, but the main points they demand are:
-Know what you shoot at, and shoot a deer you are happy with. IF you would shoot it on the last day, shoot it on the first one. They will tell you, they try and get 60% of their hunters a kill shot on good bucks. This is true from what I have seen.
-Know your capabilities. The bucks are fast moving and in Rut. They will stop, but not for long. My shots have ALL been around 100-150 Yards with a Gun and only 1 at 30 Yards with a Bow.
-If you shoot, DO NOT get out of your stand and look for the deer. Call your Guide, they will tell you what to do next. Mostly they come to you and help you. They don’t want hunters wandering around the woods.
-You are hunting on leased private land, normally you won’t see other hunters. IF you do, or something is wrong, call your guide.
-When you get up in your stand, or set up in your Box Blind in the AM, text your guide and let them know you are in and ready to go. They probably won’t reply, but they are happy to know you are there.
-When you get out of your stand and back to your car, Text your Guide and let them know what you saw (if anything) and that you are out and safe. IF you forget, they will assume the worse and call you, text you, and try to find you. So please remember.
-Be prepared to move… These guys get paid if you take a buck, so they work to get it done. IF they call you, text you, and want you to move, you are moving. Means they have deer working and they need shooters.
-Respect landowners and leave nothing behind. Pack in and Out, no trash, no issues. If you have any concerns, call your guide.
The Deer
During the Rut, they are chasing does and not thinking about much else. So “yes” the best times are morning and evening, but I have shot 2 now at lunch time. They move all day, so stay in your stand. My brother Rich killed his at 11:30 AM, in the middle of an open cornfield as it was chasing does.
They MOVE, these deer are not holding to any one area or tree parcel. They move miles and chase does all over. Again, stay focused and don’t think they lay down during the day, the rut is intense.
My personal belief, is a Buck won’t scent you as he is all focused on Does… BUT the does will bust you if you are not careful. I use the Spray Cover I leave in my truck. https://www.amazon.com/Scent-Control-Spray-Remington-Elimination/dp/B013J8GRWY/ref=sr_1_25?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1474909632&sr=1-25-spons&keywords=scent+cover+spray&psc=1
Doe in heat attractors I have not used, some do, some don’t, up to you.
Bucks will come for a Grunt Tube, if you site one and he is looking about. BUT, if you don’t know how to Grunt, learn. Otherwise you just warn them off. Start here if you want, but there are some good videos out there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tctwusOvDE
How big to shoot? – This is a tough one, but you have seconds to decide, that’s it. My rule is, I look for mass on the antlers that are outside the ears, with tall tines. Then I shoot. I don’t count the points, look for drop tines, estimate point class etc... I look for big antlers, mass on the main beam, good tines and I shoot…
Deer come back. If you don’t have a good shot, don’t take it. Deer out there are running about and chances are, he will come back around in a few hours. My last buck I passed at 8 AM and shot him at 10:30 AM, so stay alert.
Doe Tags, I have a Bundle License, but I will ALWAYS ask my guide on shooting does in the stand they put me in. Sometimes I am in a BUCK ONLY stand, and sometimes they will tell me, if I shoot a buck, and see a doe, take her. But I always check with the guides. If I have already killed a buck and want to take a doe, I ask my guide on what I can do, and they have always put me in a good doe zone. Do not just shoot a doe in your stand without knowing what your guide wants you to do beforehand.
Guides
These guys are seasoned deer hunters and know the local area extremely well. They make from Mark enough to cover their gas, basic expenses and that is about it when they start. If you kill a buck, they make additional money from Mark and from your tips.
Tipping is expected and is around 10-15% of the Hunt Cost, depending on your delivery of service, your hunt, etc…
Side Note, Mark pays one of them a good amount for the yearly “Big Buck Bonus”, so they are incented to put you on deer.
Wounding a Deer
Adult hunters who wound must renew their hunt for the following year in order to continue. This promotes ethical hunting for everyone involves and is a fair policy considering that most Outfitters end the hunt if you draw blood. Know your target, practice a lot before the season opens and make the first one count. If you are not sure, not confident, don’t shoot.