The 10 Best Deer Calls

Deer hunting is an activity that dates back tens of thousands of years. For as long as human beings have made and used weapons and traps, we have been hunting deer for their meat, their skins, and -- primarily in the modern era -- for our own amusement as a pastime. In the United States, there are deer extant in all fifty states (with Hawaii's deer introduced in the 1950s and today considered to be an invasive species), with the white tailed deer being the most prodigious species in terms of population. West of the Rocky Mountains, mule deer and blacktail deer are more common than white tailed deer, but all North American species are relatively similar in size and habit.

Hunting deer is enjoyed by people of all ages, and is often an activity shared among many generations of the same family. In order to have a great deer hunt, the first thing a hunter must do -- regardless of his or her age, experience, and skill level -- is to ensure their hunt will be a safe one. That starts with a careful inspection and cleaning of the weapons that will be used during the hunt, whether your chosen armament is a shotgun loaded with buckshot, a 30.06 rifle, or a bow and arrow.

A good hunt also includes planning for the elements you will potentially face, bringing along proper clothing for layering too mitigate the effects of the heat or cold, and to stay dry in the event of rainfall. If you use a hunting blind, it's important to know how to set it up and, when possible, to deploy your blind many days before you intend to hunt deer so that the animals in the area can become familiar with the new structure in their midst.

Make sure you have sufficient food, water, and first aid gear when you head out for a hunt, and also be sure to share your planned location and the time of your outing with others, especially if you will be hunting alone. That way someone will know to look for you in the event of any emergency that complicates your return from the field. And as deer cannot differentiate between many colors, it's wise to wear clothing featuring bright orange blaze that a human can easily spot. You don't want to unwittingly find yourself in the line of fire of a fellow hunter who couldn't see you thanks to your excellent camouflage clothing and shelter.

It's important to obey the laws and regulations governing deer hunting, so take the time to get all proper licenses needed and read up on the geographical and chronological rules placed on hunting in your area. Some states have deer hunting seasons that last all year, with certain specific restrictions, while others have much shorter deer hunting seasons that tend to change from year to year based largely on deer population size and health.

And of course you can't have a successful deer hunt if you never see any deer, so help yourself by drawing your prey near using a deer call. With a bit of practice, any of the varied types of deer calls on the market can help you land that ten point buck or mature doe.