Probably the most common deer-hunting strategies utilized by Ontario’s greater than 160,000 deer hunters is sitting, watching, and ready. Many sit and watch from an elevated place, whereas others achieve this from the bottom. Momentary pop-up blinds, small capturing shacks on the bottom, and mounted in timber or on stilts are typical.
But, there’s another choice.
Discover an outdated, deserted farmhouse, or different constructing, someplace out in deer nation. With at the least some preparation, you’ve possible obtained your self a protected and cozy spot to sit down and watch and wait and be just about invisible. Better of all, deserted buildings in deer nation are greater than possible a deer-hunting hotspot.
Previous buildings as blinds
Deserted buildings are sometimes related to farming, so there’s likelihood they’re situated in prime deer habitat overlooking a pasture, or outdated area. These are locations deer are prone to frequent. If the buildings are the stays of an outdated homestead, there may be remnants of apple orchards, hawthorns, and different mast-bearing timber and shrubs that present the meals and canopy deer search.
One other big plus with deserted buildings is that deer are acclimated to the spot and unafraid of the buildings.
Whereas farm nation is one of the best place to search out these gems, they will also be present in forested habitats. Through the years, plenty of farmland, just like the buildings themselves, has been deserted, and timber shortly encroach; on Crown lands, the place forestry, mining or different actions happen, trailers and shacks are recurrently deserted, regardless of Public Lands Act legal guidelines that forbid such practices. These outdated buildings will also be nice locations to hunt from, particularly in the event that they overlook a cutover or different forest opening.
The best technique to discover an deserted constructing deer-hunting hotspot is at all times maintain an eye fixed out everytime you’re driving, strolling, or using roads and trails. When you have rural or farmer associates, inform them what you’re in search of and have them ask round.
Should you do discover a constructing that appears prefer it is likely to be place to sit down, watch, and wait, there are a variety of issues you might want to do earlier than glomming on to it. The primary order of enterprise is to find out whether or not the constructing is on personal, or leased land. Whether it is, you’ll want permission to at the least have a first-hand look to see if it meets your wants.
This deserted home on our property had not been lived in for 20+ years. I take advantage of it as my deer hunt shack now. I minimize a gap within the display to shoot by way of. The deer mounts have been “rescued” from the native museum that was going to toss them.
An deserted trailer on Crown land from logging operations. As you possibly can see, the within is a large number.
Prepping your spot
When you’ve obtained the OK from the proprietor, private security is high precedence. Concentrate on unmarked wells and different holes and pits, and be careful for outdated equipment and different junk. The constructing, too, could be a hazard. Be looking out for rotting partitions, ceilings, floorboards, shards of glass, and rusty nails. Ensure you are sporting applicable clothes and footwear.
Relying on the situation, you’ll most likely have to do some upkeep. Flooring and home windows may want attending to. So long as the place supplies vantage, is snug and protected, it’s as much as you — with proprietor permission — to resolve how a lot time, effort, and cash you wish to spend on fixups.
Earlier than repairs, a clean-up can also be possible so as. Chances are high mice, squirrels, or bigger animals, similar to skunks and raccoons, have used or proceed to name the constructing dwelling. You wish to breathe clear air and never sit in animal feces to attenuate the potential of contracting illnesses or parasites similar to hantavirus and raccoon roundworms.
At a minimal, sweep and wipe the place you’ll be sitting, watching, and ready, in addition to the place you’ll be consuming, stretching, and pacing. Put on a correct masks while you do.
Additionally, pay attention to the path you’ll be capturing (not in the direction of a highway), have an applicable backstop, and make sure the solar is not going to be in your eyes at nightfall or daybreak.
A ultimate various
Should you can’t discover an deserted constructing, there’s one different possibility to contemplate: an ice fishing hut.
Fish shacks which are constructed to final for years are saved someplace throughout the off season. Considered one of these buildings may simply be your ticket to a deer-hunting shack.
Consider the probabilities. Deer will turn into effectively acclimated to its presence if it sits for months at a time. Plus, it must be clear, protected, and cozy, with minimal effort in your half.
Initially printed within the Fall 2021 problem of Ontario OUT of DOORS Journal
Bruce Ranta is a retired wildlife biologist, outside author, and photographer based mostly in Kenora. Attain Bruce at: mail@oodmag.com
