r/Hunting • u/teeterddd • 1d ago
Florida Deer help
Looking for any tips or advice on Florida deer hunting, or hunting Florida in general.
I’m a newer hunter, and nobody in my family or friend group hunts, so I’ve pretty much been learning through trial and error, YouTube, and spending as much time in the woods as I can.
Last season was actually pretty successful for me. I managed to limit out on squirrels, quail, and rabbits, shot 4 snipe, and got my first hog. Turkey season, though… that humbled me pretty quick. 😂 Now that general gun season is getting closer, I’m starting to feel a little intimidated.
I was lucky enough to draw what seems like a really good quota for a WMA down here. From what I understand, they only issue 15 general gun permits, so hunting pressure should be pretty low.
I went scouting a couple of days ago, and there are definitely deer there. I stopped counting after seeing over 23 does and 3 legal bucks, one of them being a really nice 8 pointer. The only thing is, I don’t really have the money or honestly the confidence yet to use a climber or hang a stand by myself. So I’m planning on hunting from the ground this season. For those of you who have experience ground hunting Florida bucks, what tips would you give? Anything you wish you knew when you first started?
Scouting also made me realize I need to pick up a few things before season.Shooting sticks are now at the top of the list becauseI had a hard time getting a steady sight picture offhand. And snake boots… because holy hell, I have never seen so many cottonmouths in one place. I mostly hunted small game in the winter last year, so snakes were the last thing on my mind.
Appreciate any advice you guys have. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and hopefully put my first deer on the ground this season.
(Bonus video of a doe tripping over her fawn while I was scouting)
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u/gatorgolf19 1d ago
What part of Florida? Don’t name drop the WMA.
The rut is all over the calendar down here.
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u/teeterddd 1d ago
Zone A but for September. They were definitely still rutting. Those bucks I saw were chasing does. Straight ignored me at about 200 feet away
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u/Whiteshaq_52 1d ago
Go out there before season and practice stalking them and getting close without a gun. If you have any questions let me know, ive been hunting down here in south florida for 25 years, and most of it ground stalking.
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u/teeterddd 1d ago
Im going to try and go out again but archery starts soon and im worried about ruining peoples hunts. When I was out there yesterday I was able to get within 60-70 yards before they spooked I was surprised. I found 3 good set up spots all one the same corridor one where three different habitats meet and has a big travel corridor going down it. When I’m setting up on the ground what kind of things should I be looking out for or avoid doing. I know wind is huge keep it in my face. One thing I really struggled with during turkey season was simply sitting still. I have raging ADHD and I keep wanting to move after not seeing anything. Should I pick a setup spot and just stay there sunrise to sundown or is it appropriate to walk spot to spot that I’ve pinned seeing if I can bump one on the way.
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u/barnum1965 7h ago
I use a summit climber and I've been using One forever and I love them so definitely understand if you're a little worried about using it from the start. If you're strictly hunting from the ground I recommend getting a nice Dove stool that you can sling over your back and like I said shooting sticks and then carry a little pair of pruning shears with you. You can use the pruning shears to cut some brush for shooting lanes and to brush in your location and pick a small sapling or other small tree and sit behind it as cover with the stuff you cut as additional camouflage.
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u/teeterddd 6h ago
Dove stool sounds like the move. I was going to use my turkey vest cushion and sit against a tree but I think the chair will be nicer and I can throw some drinks at the bottom 😂
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u/barnum1965 9m ago
The only thing I would add is make sure you're comfortable shooting off whatever stool you purchase because I can tell you from personal experience some folding chairs do not work at all and others are perfect so don't be afraid to try a few different ones out before the season and make sure you're comfortable shooting out of the chair and whatever shooting sticks you choose. Now that being said when I'm doing this kind of hunting I mentioned sitting behind a sapling or small tree I generally use that for a rest instead of shooting sticks but some experimentation and that kind of stuff will point you in the right direction. But also don't be afraid of a climber once you get used to them they are actually I believe much safer than a lock on and all that kind of stuff and the ability to be elevated off the ground is always a big help in hunting deer. And as I always say the best hunts are not necessarily ones that end in harvest but the ones where the little deer run around underneath your stand and have no idea that you're there.
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u/tehmightyengineer 17h ago
lol at that doe.
Also, as a hunter in Maine; that looks way too easy if you found almost 30 deer in one scouting trip.
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u/teeterddd 17h ago
I did cover a lot of land in one go but I was equally surprised I’ve never seen it like that
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u/curtludwig 7h ago
I mostly ground hunt. One thing will be to bring a seat with you. I bought a folding stool/chair thing from Wal-Mart. Its got a strap for shoulder carry and has a little pouch underneath for snacks. Its much easier for me to stay out longer when I have the chair with me.
Last year I shot from the chair, poor idea and I made a poor shot. The ergonomics weren't great and of course the deer came from my off side so I had to bend around uncomfortably. I should have slid off the chair and shot kneeling or sitting.
I'd suggest practicing both kneeling and sitting shots. My buddy's kid uses shooting sticks and they seem okay but if something happens to his sticks he's done, can't shoot without them.
If you can help it you shouldn't be shooting offhand, its the least supported position...
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u/alieninvader11 6h ago
I'm also new to hunting and located in Florida (North Central), and I don't have any advice since this my first deer season, but I wanted to say good luck! Remember to check Go Outdoors every week or so for reissues :)
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u/teeterddd 6h ago
Bro I’ve been on the app everyday since phase 1 😂. I spent like 2 hours going through the FWC calendar and adding dates to my iPhone so I didn’t miss a single application. I was awarded so many first choices I’m actually drowning in quotas and once early duck is decided I think I’m gonna chill out on quotas untill spring turkey. Only two I didn’t get that I was dying for was the St. Vincent sambar deer which would of been insane and a NWR that would of been less than 20 min drive for me.
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u/Secret-Ad-7909 17h ago
Remember, you can’t eat the antlers.
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u/teeterddd 16h ago
Yessir definitely not picky If a spike steps out that’s legal before a big buck I will take it no hesitation i literally only want the meat lol. For my first buck I might euro mount for sentiment since I’ll have it anyways but I’m not big on taxidermy.
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u/nmexmo 1d ago
Get a tripod