Push them, or wait them out? Local experts recommend a combination of both techniques for the most effective hunting strategy during deer season.

Shayne Bell, a member of North Butler Hunting and Fishing Club, said his hunting groups use both methods throughout a day with one exception.

“The first day, we're more of a sit and watch hunters,” Bell said. “We kind of hang tight all day.”

Bell said it's easier to use the commotion of all the hunters in the woods on the first day.

“There's so many hunters out there that somebody's going to move the deer for you,” Bell said.

Bell said his favorite time to put on a drive is right at the end of their time at a certain spot, like a last-ditch effort to make that location productive.

“Most of the time our drives, once they're done we jump in the truck and head to the next spot,” Bell said. “You have it planned out for your day.”

Driving deer is a technique where one or more hunters walk down deer trails to rouse the animals from their beds. The goal is to push the deer down their trails to other hunters who are patiently watching areas where they can take clear shots at any deer that are running from the drive.

Bell said people put on drives in different ways. He said some people prefer to be extra disruptive by throwing rocks they find along the way into places where they think a deer may be bedded.

“I've heard guys scream and holler to scare stuff,” Bell said.

He said he prefers to stay alert with his gun at the ready.

“They're going to run from you no matter what,” Bell said. “I go through the brush ready. I can get a shot as easy as the guy who's posted.”

Bell said his groups will typically visit multiple spots and perform drives at each location throughout the day.

“We could get five or six drives in a day,” Bell said. “Depends on if you have deer to take care of or not.”

Chuck Montag, president of the Summit Township Sportsmen's Club, said a drive works because the best drives work with both posted shooters and drivers, offering two possible options for an encounter.

“It's pushing them to where you feel they're going to be running, so you're party has a good chance of getting that deer,” Montag said.

Montag said he tends to prefer sitting to driving most days.

“I used to always want to drive, but then when you get up in age a bit, then you say, 'Maybe my son should be driving,'” he said.

Montag said age plays a big factor in deciding who should drive from the group. He said the hike could cause too much strain for older hunters. Many drives require following deer trails that at times are still rough terrain and heavy brush.

“If you can't drive, you sit and watch,” he said. “You have to be conditioned.”

Montag said that drives can be a distraction for young or new hunters, when safety should be the primary teaching point for the first few seasons. He said children in their first seasons of hunting should also be accompanied by parents or experienced mentors while they sit.

“It's to acclimate them into the whole thing,” Montag said. “The parents help them out much better.”

Montag said safety is pivotal on both sides of driving. He said those that sit should pay attention for safety orange and focus on taking safe shots.

“Safety orange, that's what it's for, and always be alert,” he said.

Montag said there are times where drivers may hear or encounter other hunting groups during their drive.

“A lot of times, you're going to be really alert,” he said. “Safety is No. 1. Safety with the rifles. Just make sure everybody knows where everybody else is at.”

Montag said drives are a useful tactic, if done safely. He said those who prepare ahead of time also find a lot of success. He said many hunters will scout particular deer and particular trails through the summer and into bow season.

“I know a lot of guys that do it. They'll scout all summer,” Montag said. “They can tell you exactly the deer that they're looking for.”

He said all the work that goes into preparation and putting on drives during the season are also great ways of adding to the anticipation of every hunting trip.

“They're ready to go,” Montag said. “That's part of the fun of it.”