Mapping Trophy Bucks (Paperback)

by Brad Herndon (Author) "During the early 1980s the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana was opened to deer hunting for the first time..." (more)
Key Phrases: World Record, Best Buck, Score Best Entries Entries (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
White-tailed deer hunters working public lands know the competition to bag big bucks is tough. Fortunately, there is a powerful--and underutilized--tool available to all hunters that can dramatically increase success in the field: The U.S.G.S. topographical map. By learning to read "topo maps" and understanding how deer relate to their landscape, hunters can learn to consistently put themselves in a position to bag trophy whitetails.

Author Brad Herndon explains the basic concepts of using topographical maps effectively and implementing sound terrain hunting strategies in this new must-have guide. From inside corners and double inside corners to the perfect funnel and mastering the wind, readers will get a better concept of using the wind and understanding topographical maps.

Illustrations show details of how deer move, where the hunter should place his stand, and how to use the wind to ensure a successful whitetail hunt.

* Increase the odds of bagging a trophy whitetail with a topographical map * Features tactics for implementing sound terrain hunting strategies * Includes detailed illustrations

About the Author
Brad Herndon, published since 1987, writes several articles appearing in a number of popular outdoor publications, including Deer & Deer Hunting, Turkey & Turkey Hunting, Outdoor Life, Peterson’s Hunting, North American Whitetail, and more.Plus, Brad and his wife are outdoor photographers for Realtree and Advantage camouflage’s national ads. Brad and his wife live in Brownstown, Indiana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2 edition (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873495039
• ISBN-13: 978-0873495035
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #173,142 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop Spending Unproductive Time In The Woods, October 16, 2005

By	David H. (Springville, IN) - See all my reviews

Many whitetail deer hunters take a leisurely stroll through the woods, find a rub or scrape, and climb the nearest tree. Then they wonder why they hunt day in and day out only to see nothing. Brad Herndon reveals the secrets of using various terrain features to your advantage in order to maximize your chances of taking a whitetailed deer -- be it a doe for the freezer or a trophy buck.

Deer are creatures of habit, and just like humans, they prefer to take the easiest route from Point A to Point B. Sure deer visit areas where you find sign, but how often? Perhaps they visit these areas outside of legal hunting hours. Your best bet is to locate certain terrain features that deer prefer in order to best spend your time in the woods. Topographical maps are the key to locating these hotspots.

Now let me speak from personal experience, as I have been a fan of Brad Herndon's work for many years. I started following his monthly terrain articles in Whitetail Hunting Strategies magazine and followed his advice. The hunting locations that I chose based on his information lacked deer sign and I actually had hunting partners scoff at my chosen locations at times. But they aren't laughing anymore. I've taken 7 mature bucks in the last 9 seasons by following Brad's advice.

Brad Herndon is a wildlife photographer by trade, and this expertise shows in this book. Excellent color photos are found on virtually every page. His illustrations show that the average guy (and gal) can take trophy bucks. Even his wife has taken some bruiser bucks -- and these weren't harvested on managed ranches or large food plots as is commonly seen on televised hunting shows. No, the Herndons hunt public and private land near their home, picking their stand locations from topographical maps from the comfort of their log home.

If you honestly want to increase your deer sightings, then you need to check out this book. You'll be amazed at the results.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some sound knowledge., July 15, 2004

By	Uncle M (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

I am not the worlds greatest whitetail hunter by any stretch. But I very much enjoy reading books about hunting and trying to improve my skills as a deer hunter. When I saw the description of this book I knew I had to have it.

Let me start out by saying that I like Herndon's style. He condenses pertinent information and uses good examples. After reading the topography information I can pinpoint reasons I saw or didn't see deer at a particular stand location. The material on wind is simply outstanding and makes me realize how many times I screwed up.

Besides finding deer trails and the like, Herndon does not put too much stock in sign. As a matter of fact he basically states that rubs and scrapes will not get you as far as the method of finding good terrain funnels. This is very much a contrast to the likes of Greg Miller who almost exclusively use sign, especially rub lines, when finding stand sites. I don't fault Herdon for this, but don't totally agree either.

Being from Indiana I enjoyed this book even more since I recognized many of the specific features Herndon writes about. I also appreciated his honesty regarding lost opportunities and hunts that didn't work out so well. Particularly the story about a bow shot that perhaps should not have been taken.

The only knock I have on this book is a personal one: I get tired of feeling like everything is an advertisement. What I mean is that many of the pictures seem staged and of course, everybody is 'Team Realtree' or what not.

Pick this book up...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOOKING AT DEER HUNTING FROM ABOVE., February 18, 2005

By	Keith A. Burk "K. A. BURK" (PA.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

THROUGH MY AMAZEMENT, AFTER READING THIS BOOK AND PUTTING IT TO WORK. I'VE FOUND MORE DEER ACTIVITY IN FUNNELS AND SADDLE AS EXPLANED IN THIS BOOK. IT A REAL EYE OPENER!