When it comes to rifle hunting in Pennsylvania, a shot can present itself any time of the day during the two-week season that opens Monday.
Such is the beauty of the season; the cold temperatures, late rut behavior and an orange army placing pressure on the whitetail woods all combine to keep deer up and moving.
Early morning and late evening hours typically offer the most action as always. One can also, however, count on antsy hunters stirring the pot around mid-day as they head back for lunch or take a quick walk to warm their rattling bones.
Hunters looking to cash in on the steady deer traffic that rifle season is sure to provide should consider grinding it out on an all day shift. Though it takes a good bit of discipline and careful planning, a dawn-to-dusk sit — think of it as a “coal miner’s” dayshift — can often result in a filled tag and a heavy drag rope.
Hunters also have the opportunity to take a bear in select Wildlife Management Units. Seasons vary in length from the entire two-week deer season, to the entire first week or the final four days of the first week.
There are many keys to a successful all-day sit, but most agree the most important keys are location, comfort and patience. What follows are a few suggestions for going the distance on a coal miner’s dayshift and some tips for being successful in the process.
Location
The ideal location for an all-day sit is one that provides optimal visibility of reliable travel routes near transitional cover. Try to tuck a stand into an area where bands of cover meet or over a large bench, hollow or draw from a somewhat elevated position.
This setup will allow hunters to spot deer from a distance and be ready when they close into range. Ladder stands are better suited for all day sits because they tend to be more spacious and elevate hunters from the deer’s line of site. The stand’s wraparound arm rests provide a steady shooting base.
Some camouflage netting or blind material secured with zip ties to the seating frame is advised for added concealment, and the only thing else to remember is remain alert because a bumped dear can approach from any direction. With good visibility, though, one should have ample time to prepare for a shot.
Comfort
Use a large-frame pack to carry all the essentials needed for a day-long outing. Pack plenty of food, water and clothing to get through the day without a hitch.
Consider hiking into the stand wearing only base layers and a fleece button-down shirt to avoid breaking a sweat. Upon arriving at the hunting location, layer up with a wool sweater, fleece vest and waterproof insulated outer garments.
Then pull on a fleece cap, a neck gaiter if necessary, and wear lightweight gloves that will allow for hand and trigger finger dexterity. A few hand-warmer packets stuffed into a coat pocket will keep hands nice and toasty. Good, insulated boots are essential, as is a comfortable seat cushion, to keep hunters in the stand all day.
If precipitation is in the forecast, a portable tree umbrella or pop-up blind can save the hunt. Keeping dry will help hunters remain on stand longer than those who are soaked and shivering.
Pack a few sandwiches, an apple, granola bars and even a little candy to snack on throughout the day. It is also essential to remain hydrated, even if not feeling thirsty, and the same bottles that provide essential water can act as storage containers when the time comes for the liquid to come back out.
Patience
Sitting all day can be physically and mentally draining, so the key to making it work is to break up the monotony with mini checkpoints throughout the day. If hunting with a partner, carry radios to check in every hour for an action report, take along a good pair of optics and budget some time into each 60-minute block for glassing the landscape in search of bedded deer.
If absolutely necessary, take a book or smart phone to help pass the time, but use caution and remember this is hunting — not sitting on the throne. Read a little, then look up and survey the surroundings, paying attention, as to not get caught off guard.
As previously stated, a deer — or bear — can show up any hour of the day in rifle season. It might be 7:30 in the morning or 4:30 in the afternoon. Either way, if one adequately prepares for the long haul and maintains the discipline to remain on stand, the odds of success are much greater than those antsy hunters pushing the deer.
2014 Firearms Deer Seasons
Listed below are the dates for the 2014 statewide firearms deer seasons in Pennsylvania. Just one antlered deer may be taken per license year and an antlerless deer may be taken with each required Wildlife Management Unit license or Deer Management Assistance Program permit.
Antlered and Antlerless: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: December 1-13.
Antlered Only: WMUs 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: December 1-5.
Antlered and Antlerless: WMUs 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: December 6-13.
2014 Extended Bear Seasons
Only one bear may be taken per license year.
WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D: December 1-13.
WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D: December 1-6.
WMUs 2C, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: December 3-6.