We are going to be hunting the rut on this 81 acre lease. We have done next to nothing as far as scouting. There are 3 food plots around a small pond. From what I know, it is mostly open timber and steep ridges. I could probably borrow a climber from the neighbor, but I have no experience using them. How would you recommend we hunt this piece, going into it knowing very little?
And yes, you will need a climber. They are very easy to use and will give you the flexibility you will need to attack that land.
I wouldn't use a climber. You don't want to find a spot and not have a tree you can use a climber with. Trust me on this. That's why I'll never own a climber again. Get a hang on with some sticks
I agree unless you know the woods beforehand. I screwed myself that way at a $1700.00 Diy outfitter bowhunt in Illinois. I only brought my summit. Only straight tree I could find was 50 yards off a buck run. The next year I bought two lw assaults and learned how to use them effectively. You can literally hunt in any tree However.....if you know the woods like I know the public land I'm hunting, I'll never be without the comfort of my viper. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is the topo. From what I can tell you, the clearing in the middle has the pond with the 3 food plots around it... It's in between 2 ridges.
In my previous experience i would get a hang on way more versatile. for bucks i would try setting up near high spots above bedding areas bucks like to travel those, to smell for does and they can smell threats from behind them as well.
Really cool looking property. Marked up some funnels, with the green stars being some awesome funnels. Just my opinion.
If It's full of ridges and steep drop offs, the first place I would look is a saddle. A low spot where deer can go over the hill without having to go over the very top. virginiashadow has the best one marked with a green star and there is another potentially good one at the north property line. Depending on how steep they are and what the cover looks like, you may be able to hunt them from the ground. sit about 2/3 of the way up the bank and shoot down into the bottom.
The saddle on the lower east side of the property looks really good. I would ignore the foot plots completely.
I would be making my way to that clearing first off. See if they are making scrapes on the edges yet and then try and find the the trail coming out that looks beat down the most. Hang your set 10 yards deep on the down wind side of that trail on day one. It will give a viewing point and you can make adjustments from there.
Bring some extra clothes, spray down and take a walk without stand or even bow. 80 acres you should be able to cover decently in under 2 hours. Locate trails, and openings and find a few options for trees you can get in and out of overlooking the trails you identify. Once you locate spots, than go back and change clothes, get your gear and head to the spot you picked out. Since it will be during rut, trail a drag around with you to cover your scent.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the advice. Do you think walking around and putting up a stand would affect things if done that Same weekend? The only bad part about those saddles is the entry and exit routes. It's a hike, and I would worry about spooking things out.
