Jerry's Tips: Stalk Bucks, Bust Brookies, Find Bass and More...

BE A BETTER STALKER
If you're stalking a feeding deer, keep your eye on the animal's tail to improve your position. A deer always twitches its tail just before raising its head. Freeze instantly when you see that motion and you'll be immobile when the deer looks up to check its surroundings. Once the deer's head is down, move in shadows close to tree trunks to be less noticeable.

STOW A ROD
The safest way to carry a fishing rod in a boat is to hang it under the gunwale with the tip shielded inside a 1-foot section of PVC pipe. For easier stowage, flare the rod-tip end of the pipe by heating it until it's soft, then press it down over the neck of a glass bottle to form a funnel shape. Mount this under the gunwale. Support the butt end of the rod in a loop of stiff cord.

TARGET EARLY FALL BROOKIES
Large male brook trout become increasingly aggressive as their spawning season approaches. For superb action, try big, brightly colored bucktails and streamer flies such as the Mickey Finn, Tri-Color, and General Practitioner. Spinfishermen can use a common red-and-white spoon. Retrieve the lures across gravel runs adjacent to deep holding pools for the best results.

BRING DEER CLOSE
With your knife handle and a tree root, you can arouse a deer's natural curiosity and sometimes cause it to check your location. When you are well hidden and the woods are quiet, slowly rap your knife handle four or five times against a tree root. Repeat in 10 minutes, then wait and watch. Deer within earshot may move and reveal themselves.

FIND SMALLMOUTH BASS
In August, smallmouth bass join together in schools and move to deeper water. The biggest bass locate off rocky points that jut out from shore, where the water depth drops rapidly. Baitfish following the shoreline become concentrated when they round such points, and bass will be waiting. Cast earthy-colored tube lures toward shore and work them down the dropoff.