Unveiling the Timeless Art of Float Hunting for Deer

This comprehensive guide explores the largely unheralded yet remarkably potent strategy of float hunting for deer. By navigating rivers, hunters can tap into rich deer habitats and sidestep the crowded hunting grounds. The discussion spans the historical origins of this practice, from ancient indigenous methods to its adoption by early American frontiersmen, illustrating its enduring efficacy. Key advantages such as deer's natural inclination towards aquatic environments, the silent approach afforded by watercraft, and the enhanced reach into secluded wilderness are meticulously detailed, offering a compelling case for its adoption.

The author recounts personal experiences that ignited an interest in float hunting, starting with an early October canoe trip in southern Michigan. During this excursion, an encounter with a whitetail deer by the riverbank, initially on a duck hunting trip, sparked the realization of the potential for deer hunting. A subsequent trip during firearms season, where abundant deer were observed, solidified this conviction. This observation spurred a deeper investigation into the historical context and practical applications of river-based deer hunting.

Historically, float hunting boasts a rich lineage. Indigenous communities utilized canoes for millennia to pursue game, including deer, along the continent's intricate river systems. Similarly, figures like Lewis and Clark relied on float hunts to secure provisions during their expeditions. The popularity of this technique was evident among 19th-century New York hunters who used specialized guide boats on Adirondack streams. A notable artistic representation, Winslow Homer’s 1892 painting “Hound and Hunter,” vividly depicts a young man in such a boat, retrieving a large buck driven to him by his dog, underscoring the deep roots of this hunting method.

The efficacy of float hunting is supported by five principal factors. Firstly, deer frequently use waterways as natural corridors for travel, seeking cover, access to water, and food sources. Secondly, intense hunting pressure often drives the largest and most cunning bucks into dense river bottom covers, which are less accessible from land. Thirdly, rivers enable hunters to approach deer undetected, as the animals are typically accustomed to riverine movement and less wary of threats originating from the water. Fourthly, this method allows for covering vast expanses of prime deer territory efficiently. Lastly, waterways offer unparalleled access to remote areas with minimal human disturbance, expanding hunting opportunities and enabling diverse tactics beyond simple stalking, such as still-hunting, trail watching, rattling, and driving.

Despite its evident benefits, many deer hunters remain unfamiliar with float hunting. This often stems from a lack of awareness or the perceived effort involved in preparation. Successful float hunting requires thorough scouting of rivers for navigability, identifying optimal deer habitats, planning entry and exit points, and understanding land ownership along the route. Logistical considerations, such as arranging transportation with two vehicles or coordinating with a partner, are also crucial. For privately owned land, obtaining permission from landowners is a prerequisite.

Experienced float hunters, like Carl Salling, president of In Season Adventures Inc., attest to the method’s success. Salling, who began float hunting as a college student, has harvested numerous bucks across multiple states and guided others to similar achievements. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local terrain and pressure conditions, noting that high-ground hunting pressure often pushes deer into lowland river covers. Salling highlights consistent river-crossing spots, usually brushy or wooded areas adjacent to shallow river sections, as prime locations. Strategies include anchoring upstream of these trails or setting up a blind downwind to intercept deer. Another effective technique involves strategic driving, where hunters are positioned along points or islands to push deer towards waiting posters, maximizing the chances of a successful harvest.

The Redmon brothers, Jim and Jeff, exemplify the transition from waterfowl hunting to dedicated float deer hunting. They discovered that rivers offered more deer sightings than waterfowl, leading them to exclusively adopt float hunting. As bowhunters, they often achieve close-range shots, sometimes as near as 20 yards, due to the silent nature of canoeing and the deer's reduced wariness towards riverine activity. They also note the benefit of early bow season opportunities when rivers are typically unfrozen and hunting pressure is low, allowing for unhurried approaches to unsuspecting deer.

Jim Henry, president of Mad River Canoes and an accomplished deer hunter, echoes these sentiments, sharing his experiences float hunting mule deer in Wyoming, whitetails in Minnesota, and deer along Maine’s Penobscot River tributaries. His wilderness expeditions often involve using large freighter canoes to transport gear into remote, unpressured areas. Mornings and evenings are identified as optimal times, as deer are most active along waterways during these periods, seeking food and mates. These collective experiences underscore the dual advantages of float hunting: enhanced proximity to deer and reduced competition from other hunters.

When choosing equipment, various watercraft—including johnboats, rowboats, canoes, and inflatable rafts—can be suitable, with canoes being the most favored. While aluminum canoes offer lightness and ease of transport, they can be noisy; hunters often mitigate this with carpeting and gunnel padding. Modern materials like Kevlar, polypropylene, and hypalon provide lightweight and durable alternatives. For those without their own vessel, canoe rental services often operate late into the fall. Some innovative hunters even utilize float tubes for an exceptionally stealthy approach. Safety is paramount: only the bow hunter should be armed, positions should be swapped periodically, and wearing a life preserver is advisable. Carrying waterproof survival essentials, such as matches, tinder, and dry clothing, is crucial to prevent hypothermia.

For novices, starting with calm, easily navigable streams is recommended. These rivers often wind through ideal lowland deer habitats, providing ample time to observe deer activity. Practicing on these waters helps hunters become accustomed to both the river and its environment, while also gauging travel times. This approach ensures a safe and effective entry into the rewarding world of float hunting.