What are Best Field Techniques For Axis Deer Hunting?

Question

Accepted Answer

Terrain and Scouting Axis deer hunting in Texas often requires navigating rugged terrain. Familiarize yourself with the area by studying topographic maps and scouting potential hunting spots. Look for areas with abundant food sources, such as waterholes and agricultural fields, as well as cover and escape routes. Use a GPS device to track your movements and note key features. In Texas, axis deer tend to congregate in areas with dense thickets and brush, making use of a rangefinder essential for precise shots. Scout for 2-3 hours before dawn and again 2-3 hours after dusk for optimal visibility.
Calling Techniques Axis deer are highly responsive to calls, particularly those mimicking a doe in distress or a fawn crying for its mother. Use a high-quality electronic caller or a diaphragm call to produce realistic sounds. Start with soft, gentle calls and gradually increase the volume and urgency to simulate a doe in distress. Use a combination of 3-5 different calls to simulate a doe and her fawn, then stop calling for 10-15 minutes to give the deer time to respond. When using a caller, position yourself near a water source or food source to increase the chances of attracting deer.
Precision Rifle Shooting When hunting axis deer, accuracy and precision are crucial due to the animals’ small size and fast movements. Use a high-quality, long-range rifle with a scope designed for precision shooting. Practice shooting at 100-200 yards with a consistent rifle and scope setup to develop your skills. When engaging a target at longer ranges, use a ballistic calculator or a rangefinder to determine the correct holdover and aim for the animal’s vitals. For a clean shot, aim for the deer’s heart-lung area, which is located just behind the front legs, about 1/3 of the way down from the base of the neck.