![]() ![]() The Drivemaster’s RoleĪs might be expected, the drivemaster is an experienced hunter who knows the territory and how to position his hunters to take advantage of the day’s weather and wind direction.e’s aware of any changes to the property that might have taken place since the previous hunting season, such as terrain funnels that have been blocked or created, lanes and logging roads that have been constructed and woodlots that have been cleared. Two-way radios, one in the hands of the drivemaster and the other in the hands of the captain of the drivers, maximize the coordination of the two teams of drivers and standers. A topographical map of the area to be hunted helps each participant better understand how the drive will play out. ![]() Sometimes consecutive drives are planned, making such information all the more important. The drivemaster must explain the route of the drive, where each stander will be and what is expected of each, and let each person know when the drive will begin. “Every person must know what is expected of him before, during and after the drive,” he says. Miller believes that communication is the key to a productive drive. The person who violated the safety rule is then asked to leave-presumably to meditate on his transgression. Anyone who notices an unsafe act committed by another hunter is required to tell a member of the club’s hunt committee. “Furthermore, standers can’t leave their stands until they are picked up, even if they have shot at a deer that has run off.”Ī hunter who doesn’t comply with the rules forfeits his place in the hunt. “Standers don’t load their guns until they are on stand, and they empty their guns before they leave their stands,” Cedrone says. Miller prohibits his standers from shooting directly to their left or right that is, in the direction of the nearest standers. Ideally, says Miller, a driver should wait until the deer has backtracked past the line of drivers before he takes a shot. “We tell each stander where the next stander will be,” adds Cedrone, “and he already knows where the stander on his other side is, because he saw him get dropped off.”Ī driver should be able to see the drivers on each side of him. Standers are encouraged to do the same, although neither the club nor New York state law mandates it. The club requires drivers to wear hunter-orange garments. In other organized drives, drivemasters might permit only the driver at each flank to carry a gun. To help keep drives safe, Cedrone’s club doesn’t allow drivers to carry firearms. “We haven’t had an accident since Highland Field and Stream Club was formed in 1924,” Cedrone says. Simple guidelines can minimize the possibilities of a mishap. No hunt can be a success if someone gets hurt. Here are some of the techniques they follow. John Miller and Gerald Cedrone are drivemasters for hunting clubs based in New York’s Catskill Mountains, which means that they plan, organize and supervise every drive. It takes a knowledgeable drivemaster, a good plan, and, most of all, a primary emphasis on safety for all involved. The standers do most of the shooting, but the drivers likely will get some shots too, presuming they are allowed to carry guns.Ī successful drive doesn’t just happen. Simply described, a drive is a strategy in which some hunters are posted along the outskirts of a specified piece of land, and other hunters-and dogs, where it is legal-move through the section pushing deer ahead and to the sides. That assumes the hunters are organized and follow the game plan for their respective roles. Driving deer involves elements of still-hunting and stand-hunting and, when conducted correctly, offers safe and exciting sport. When deer are heavily pressured and loath to move from thick cover, it’s hard to beat drive-hunting for putting meat on the table. ![]() Still-hunting and stand-hunting are the most prevalent tactics among deer hunters, but there are times when they aren’t the most productive. ![]()
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