Hunting other critters while deer hunting

[Holland&Holland]

That is part of the fun for me, seeing all the forest animals at play. Some years I even see specific animals that I recognize from previous years. The beaver family has grown and dwindled over the years. Then there was a particular squirel for a few years that was almost purple in hew. Very unique. I think something finaly got it prior to last year's season. There is the eagle that flies over my stand 2 times a day without fail (Once up the river in the morning and then on its way back about mid day). This year I will be hunting new land. I will miss my forest friends...

[JoeH]

grizzly_adams.jpg

[gungal]

I am interested in how some of you hunt for deer? Do you not think having other non-deer animals around is a good thing? I guess I try to move as little as possible while I am in the stand, and shooting other stuff really doesn't fit into that plan of action too well. When still-hunting, again, shooting something else kinda ruins a few hours of stalking slowly and quietly down to the swamp.

+1

[Snowgun]

I am interested in how some of you hunt for deer? Do you not think having other non-deer animals around is a good thing? I guess I try to move as little as possible while I am in the stand, and shooting other stuff really doesn't fit into that plan of action too well. When still-hunting, again, shooting something else kinda ruins a few hours of stalking slowly and quietly down to the swamp.

I hunt deer over 4 square miles of open plains, usually engaging them between 200-500 yrds. (Trying out a new 7mm this year. Seriously )Between hiking all the sniping equipment from hilltop to hilltop we harvest some of the pheasant eating predators on our land:, skunks, raccoons, porcupine, rattlesnakes, etc. So the noise isn't too much of an issue, but we are pretty selective about it. We would shoot the dang eagles if it was legal and they were not a national icon, they can eat 1-2 pheasants a DAY. We've actually looked into trying to relocate them or trap them for zoos, falconers, or what have you.....no dice, they could blacken the sky and still be hands off.