Deer Hunting Tips: Driven Hunts

Driven hunts are a highly effective, yet demanding, method of deer hunting that requires coordination, safety, and a good understanding of deer behavior. This guide provides essential tips for both the drivers and the standers involved in a driven hunt.

For the Standers (Shooters)

Standers are positioned at strategic points around the drive area, waiting for deer to be pushed in their direction.

1. Prioritize Safety

Safety is paramount in any hunting situation, but especially in driven hunts where multiple people are moving simultaneously.

• Arc of Fire: Always know your safe arc of fire. This is the area in which you can safely shoot without the risk of hitting another person, a structure, or a domestic animal. The hunt organizer will brief you on this.
• Backstop: Ensure you have a clear, safe backstop (like a bank or a hill) before taking a shot. Never shoot at deer running on the skyline.
• Know Your Position: Clearly identify the position of your neighboring standers. If the terrain permits, mark your position with a brightly colored piece of material.

2. Positioning and Preparation

A well-prepared stander is a successful stander.

• Concealment: Use natural cover such as bushes or trees, but ensure you still have a clear line of sight. Do not move around; deer are very observant.
• Steady Shot: Identify suitable resting points for your firearm before the drive starts, such as a sturdy tree limb, a shooting stick, or a rock.
• Silence: Maintain absolute silence. The success of the drive depends on the deer moving naturally toward the standers, and unnecessary noise will alert and scatter the game.

For the Drivers

The drivers are responsible for methodically moving through the drive area to push deer towards the standers.

1. Maintain the Line

The integrity of the drive line is crucial to ensure the deer are moved in the correct direction.

• Pacing: Walk at a consistent, measured pace. A driver moving too fast will push deer too quickly, and a slow one will leave pockets of cover where deer can hide or escape through the gaps.
• Sight: Stay within visual contact of the drivers on either side of you. If the terrain is difficult, maintain auditory contact.

2. Use Noise Strategically

The goal is not to terrorize the deer, but to move them in a controlled manner.

• Consistent Noise: Use noise—shouting, whistles, or clapping—in a steady, rhythmic manner. A constant, low-level disturbance is often more effective than sporadic, loud bursts.
• Cover: Pay close attention to heavy cover, thickets, or deep draws where deer are likely to bed down. Increase the noise level slightly when approaching these spots to encourage the deer to move.

Post-Drive Procedures

Once the drive is over, proper follow-through is necessary.

• Stay in Position: Standers should remain in their positions until the signal is given that the drive is complete and the drivers have reached the stander line.
• Secure Firearms: Safely unload and secure your firearm before moving.
• Follow-up: Immediately report any deer that you shot but did not recover, so a team can begin tracking and recovery. This is a critical ethical responsibility.