Watch: Curious Buck Approaches Hunter, Gets Head Scratched

I’ve always been told that whitetail deer are curious critters, and this video shows that clearly. A hunter had just put up a tree stand, took a look around before climbing up to hunt it, and spotted this young buck. After a few minutes it was clear the deer wasn’t in a hurry to leave, so he hunkered down to wait.

I had just finished hanging a new stand in an area that I frequently saw deer traveling and feeding. After everything was setup I got ready to climb up but figured I’d turn around and look, and this buck was 70 yards away. I just sat at the base of my tree and waited, but before he left the most unreal thing I’ve ever experienced while hunting happened. Glad I took the time to take this video, a little long but worth the watch.

Around 1:32 is where it gets really interesting. The buck most certainly sees the guy, and comes right towards him.

One minute later, the deer is so close that the hunter may have become concerned about its sharp antlers. So the guy stood up when the deer was just a few feet away!

Of course, the deer spooked and ran — but not very far.

Then the guy started talking to the deer, saying “Come here” and clicking his tongue. The buck hesitated, but before long they got together and he gave the deer a good scratching on top of the head.

I’m not sure I believe this whitetail was truly wild, but either way it makes a pretty good video. What do you think? Wild or not?

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.