Whitetail deer looking in the direction of the camera in a grassy field.

Seven Deadly Tips for Solo Spot and Stalk Hunting

by Kevin Wilkey

Regardless of the weapon of choice, whether it be mule deer, or any wary game, solo spot and stalk is one of my favorite ways to hunt. With no hunting partners or spotters to rely on, it’s just me and my targeted game on the same turf. Coming off a recent solo archery mule deer hunt, I was humbly reminded of all the stalking techniques I’ve learned over the decades.

Side of a mountain with illustrations on where the deer may be.

1. TAKE A PICTURE AND RANGE IT BEFORE YOU GO.

After you have the targeted animal spotted, typically hundreds of yards away on the opposite side of the canyon, a mental image might not be enough once you get on the same hillside. It never looks the same. Having a reference photo of the landmarks and knowing the distance from your glassing point to the animal will help guide you into the best start position.

If you really get lost, mapping apps like OnX Hunt or Scout to Hunt will get you back on track.

Male hunter in head to toe KUIU Valo Camo hiking on the side of a mountain.

2. CONCEAL YOUR MOVEMENTS.

Even though we’re in the business of selling camo, know that vegetation, terrain, and wind are the best cover. Fish-hooking out and around your game behind a band of trees or the backside of a ridge allows you to move quickly, without being seen or heard. But don’t go too slow, they might feed off or you’ll sneak up on an empty bed.

Move fast when there’s zero risk of spooking game, slow down when there’s risk, and don’t move at all while their heads are up. Always line up something like trees, brush, or terrain between you and whatever you’re stalking. If it’s windy, make your moves while it’s gusting, not while the wind is dead.

Closeup of a Hoyt bow with no shiny areas, just matte.

3. BEYOND CLOTHING, CONCEAL YOUR FACE, HANDS, AND GEAR.

I often “glass up” other hunters decked out in full camo because they have sunglasses perched on their hat, or their hands and face are exposed. Or their bow has a lot of shiny components. Take the time and analyze your behavior and equipment that will spook game and take every reasonable measure to conceal yourself.

This might seem like a stretch to some, but mind the contrasting tones of your hat, pack, and bino harness compared to the clothes you’re wearing. Think of how many times you’ve spotted stationary ungulates by the contrasted color of their rump, tail, face, or neck. That’s how herd animals are wired to visually locate one another. So, I prefer to hunt in similar patterned clothing and gear. I often spot other hunters afield by these things alone, and the animals I chase are way sharper than me.

Close up of the top of a bow against mountains.

4. CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE WIND.

This may sound like a no brainer. Religiously use a wind puffer or my favorite—when a puffer takes too much hand movement—a wind sensitive piece of string tied to my bow, specifically a strand of BCY 452X unwaxed bowstring material. Regardless of how you do it, you must constantly monitor the wind. If your wind is good when you start your stalk and you notice it change or backdraft, have the discipline to back out quickly, change your route, or wait for the wind to stabilize before you stalk closer.

Close-up of a male hunter wearing a pair of stalkasins.

5. SILENCE YOUR FEET.

While stalking in close is not a good time to realize that your boots squeak. If it’s windy or the ground is soft, often hikers or trail running shoes are quiet enough to get within range, especially if you’re sneaking on feeding game, which is what I prefer.

If they are bedded and it’s calm, the ground is dry, and vegetation is crunchy, removing boots and slipping on an extra pair of thick socks, Stalkasins, or Sheep Feet’s new Stealth Bombers will minimize your noise. Pegging your pants—tucking them into your socks or boots—will also reduce any cuff-to-cuff contact.

6. DON’T GET TUNNEL VISION.

While you’re planning your route, pick clean lines and look ahead at every possible path, don’t get into a log jam, loose rocks, cliff ledge, or brush pile you’ll have to back out of. Often, you’ll need to take the long way around to avoid snags.

When there’s a herd, don’t move right in on a single animal. Know you’ll need to sneak past or skirt around the rest of the group. While glassing, take the time and memorize locations and characteristics of each buck and doe, even the small ones that’re running with the one you’re after—it’s good to know who’s running with whom while you’re in the mix with them. While you’re getting into range, glass often—like, every few steps, and when you’re really close, every step.

Mule Deer staring in camera direction at Oak Creek.

7. DON'T GET TOO CLOSE.

You will get busted in gusty, swirling wind that often has a lull or backdraft if you’re too close. If I don’t have a clear shot and I’m waiting on a bedded buck to stand to stretch, feed, or adjust his bedding position for better shade—and it might be hours before he does—I won’t get closer than 40 yards. If you can move right in for a clear shot, get as close as you need. But for the waiting game, when you can only see antler tips, stay back as far as you can.

KUIU's Kevin Wilkey holding up his harvest.

Spot-and-stalk hunting is never 100% success. For me, on public-land, general-season archery mule deer, I average one out of five stalks resulting in a shot. I’m always trying to lower that average and that’s what makes it fun and has me come back for more. Following these simple principles—that we often forget in the off-season—and you will increase your luck, shot opportunities, and success.