Deer Hunting Book, Blinds, Stands, Rangefinders Reviews

Deer Hunting Book Reviews
Reviews By Real Hunters

Reviewed By: Dan Watson

Of the 5 books we read we picked the top two books and prepared this review. We believe most hunters are interested in books that will provide them a complete understanding of deer hunting in North America and prepare them for a high percentage opportunity to take big, mature bucks in the area they hunt.

We'll review additional books as we come across them and update the site at that point.

"Deer Hunting Secrets EXPOSED:
How to Take the Best Buck of Your Life"
Author: Charlie Hicks

This book is focused primarily for the average to advanced hunter who wants to step-up their hunting and make harvesting big bucks a primary goal. To give you an idea, it starts with sections on using all resources and then setting your goal for a big buck. It then systematically discusses all the advanced deer senses, deer habits, advanced sections on using blinds and stands, covers calling, rattling and scents and then covers the rut in-depth. It wraps up with a very good discussion about the things you need to do to take that big buck. Not related to the actual book but rather to the website - author Charlie Hicks also sends out helpful email tips if you sign up for his newsletter.

PROS:
If your goal is going after big bucks and learning in-depth, expert knowledge then this is an excellent book. It is well illustrated and covers advanced tactics. We especially like the way the author wrote the "Utilize All Available Resources" section and the multiple sections about completely understanding the deer habits, senses and affects of weather changes. This is definitely geared towards the hunter going after big bucks rather than a catch-all book for everyone. The collection of resource/bonus books (5 in all) is excellent.

Updated: They just announced that the book had been updated for the 2008-2009 season and added two new chapters, as well as significant updates to original content. The two new chapters include how to score bucks on the hoof and the effective use of trail cams (game camereas). The discussion of advanced use of trail cams is probably one of the best we've seen.
They will be updating the book each year and anyone who purchases now will automatically get the updates free.

CONS:
Most of the deer books have a discussion of rifles, ballistics, bows, muzzleloaders, etc. This one doesn't. Again, that information is available in many other places. Also, this book doesn't cover the very beginning hunter information.

Our Rating: 9.4/10

Price at time of review: $29.00 with 5 bonus/resource books:

"Hunting With Bow and Arrow" by Saxton Pope
"How to Use a Compass with a Topo Map"
"How Old Is My Deer"
"Wild Game Recipes"
"In The Wilderness" by Charles Warner

Click HERE for the Website

"Deer Hunting Secrets"
Author: Joe Pineland

This is a very well written text that covers A - Z about deer hunting from the first-time beginner to the advanced hunter. It is illustrated (black and white) and packs a lot of good information. It is organized well and is written in an easy to read style. For the beginning hunter it covers the different deer species, various notes about licensing, guns, how to field dress a deer, etc. It's an excellent first book for the beginning hunter.

PROS:
For the beginner to intermediate hunter the author covers most subjects including various deer sub-species, their range, advice for novices, etc. The final chapters cover field dressing a deer and final words. In between includes anatomy, habits, firearms, stands, calling, etc. Overall this is a very information-packed book for the beginner to intermediate hunter.

CONS:
Some of the information is dated. We would like to see more emphasis on techniques for big bucks and the special skills required to take them. We did notice that there was some overlap and redundant parts but not done to "fill space" from what we can tell.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Price at time of review: $24.77 with 1 bonus book:
"Hunting With Bow and Arrow" by Saxton Pope

Click HERE for the Website

The Bottom Line:

Both of these books are very well done but are obviously targeted to different markets. The first "Deer Hunting Secrets EXPOSED" will be very well received by those more experienced hunters who want to take their hunting to the next level. It assumes the reader has some knowledge of deer hunting, the deer species and weapons. It focuses on learning the more advanced methods and understanding of hunting big bucks in their territory.

The second book "Deer Hunting Secrets" will be received well by those who are just starting out from ground zero and want to learn. It covers it all from A to Z and will take the reader from knowing nothing to being a prepared hunter. If you're completely green and know nothing about deer hunting or where to start, this is your book.

Our Final Pick:

Since those new to deer hunting can get lots of basic information freely from most game and park management offices and other sources, we would choose the first book "Deer Hunting Secrets EXPOSED" for both the advanced/expert content and the excellent collection of resources and bonus books that it includes. It's a little bit more expensive but well worth it if you plan on hunting deer for the long-term.

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