A deer drive involves a party of hunters which splits into two groups. One group (the posters) lines up along the edge of the game cover; they don't move from their assigned positions. The other group are the drivers. The drivers position themselves on the opposite side of the game cover and walk toward the posters. While walking through the cover, the drivers flush game animals out towards the posters. If the drivers move slowly, the animals will also move slowly out of the cover. Drivers usually do not shoot at the animals.

A deer drive is quite effective in cover that is not too thick. Each of the posters must clearly identify the animal they want to target before shouldering their firearm; they must know their zone of fire and be careful of their fellow hunters when setting up a shot.

All hunters in a deer drive need to wear a blaze orange hat and vest and know where the other posters and drivers are located. Remember to always check local laws before you hunt.