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Buck Fever

It is the curse of the deer hunter. Nearly everyone on the deer woods has been attacked by it at some point. Uncontrollable shaking, shallow breathing and an inability to think clearly are the key symptoms that you are struggling with a bout of buck fever.

Typically, buck fever occurs when a deer, usually a large buck steps into view and you are presented with the opportunity to take the animal with gun or bow. Hours of hard work and preparation come down to just a few short seconds making the hunt a success or a failure. The good news for sportsmen is that there is a cure for this disabling illness.

There are several things you can do as a hunter to help overcome the symptoms of buck fever. The treatment starts well before the season opener. Being confident in your abilities with your gun or bow will help you immensely when faced with a challenging shot. During practice try to visualize yourself taking aim at the buck of a lifetime. Putting yourself in different scenarios will help cure the problem.

The next step is to spend time in the woods. Scouting is a great opportunity to see deer up-close and get used to the way they move and how they react to your presence. Understanding deer behavior can help you fool even the sharpest whitetail. You will eventually gain confidence in your ability to remain undetected and will also become comfortable when in close quarters with a deer.

The final step in overcoming buck fever is to practice controlled breathing. When a deer steps into view it is exhilarating. You inevitably get a bit excited and your body automatically takes over pumping adrenaline through your veins. This results in shaking and shallow breathing making it nearly impossible to make a good shot. The instant you see a deer imagine it as a target at the range. Keep your breathing slow and very deliberate before you even attempt to take aim. This will help prevent your body from taking control and rushing your system with adrenaline.

Practice these techniques throughout small game season and even during scouting trips into the deer woods. You will be amazed at how calm you can be when that trophy of a lifetime steps into view.