Using and developing a deer hunting journal can be a valuable asset in planning your future deer hunting activities.
I like building and using a hunting map of my area with my deer hunting journal. I record the locations of all my deer hunting stand sites, hunting blinds and the direction they face. I also record deer harvests, the dates and locations of the kill, and which type of firearm was used. In mapping my hunting land, I record all deer trails and direction of use. I enter bedding areas, scrape lines, rubs, and fawning locations. I draw in my deer feeders, deer food plots and what is planted where and when. I keep records of soil analyses for future comparisons. I draw in forested areas, clearings, swamps, and water locations.
I use colored markers and pencils to match vegetation, water and other hunting land features.
Somewhere on the front, side, or back of your hunting journal/map; you need to have a legend. A legend will remind you of what all your hunting maps markings and diagrams mean. I like to color ATV/hiking trails in brown. Water is blue, swamps are yellow, conifer/pine trees are green, deer trails are dotted lines, kill sites have a small red-x with a notation of sex, weapon, date, and time. You can use your imagination on this and do what fits your style. The important thing is to put it on paper and continually update your hunting map. I like to use a large presentation flip paper tablet. These can be found at almost any office supply store. This map is about 30 inches by 42 inches. Make it big. In a few short deer hunting seasons; you will want, and need, the extra space to record your hunting areas historical record. This map- journal will be invaluable in the future. Remember; this hunting map is part of your hunting journal. You won't take this hunting with you. You and your hunting camps hunters will study this map and reminisce about past deer hunting experiences. Be prepared; the stories will grow, and a few might even be embellished a bit.
One of the ways this hunters map will aid your deer hunting camp is when you plan a days hunt. Like who is going to hunt from which stand site. What if you have invited a friend to hunt with you. By looking over a detailed hunting map like this, your friend will know where everyone will hunting at. Conceder new, youthful young hunters. It will ease some of the anxiety of what's going on, where they will be located, and where others will be positioned for the days hunt. Have them look over a journal map such as this the night before the first days hunt. Go ahead, try to get it away from them. They will study every aspect of it. That young deer hunter will know where they would like to go hunting. Probably where your going! Many times I have had to give up one of my favorite stands, because I let a new young hunter study such a hunting map to long. It is well worth it. To see the look on a successful young hunter's first trophy (every first deer is a trophy) deer; it is priceless and very rewarding.
In the written deer hunting journal I record what has happened on various hunting trips to hunting areas. As a hunter, I record all moon phases, temperatures and weather conditions as it applies to deer sightings and harvest. I like to record who I hunt with and what their hunting trip was like. I make a note of the hunting equipment I use. If I see a buck, with a nice set of deer antlers, who I feel has potential to be a trophy deer, I make a special entry for him and keep him on a watch list. I also keep a list for future projects.
A deer hunting journal is a great way to record your deer hunting activities and progress. After a couple years you'll be amazed at the information you have accumulated and what it will do for your trophy whitetail deer hunting experience.
A deer hunting journal combined with a historical hunting map is a great way to add to your deer hunting areas legacy. Have fun and experiment with them.
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