I just found out the owner of 160 parcel of woods I hunt will be "select cutting" the property this year. Time has not been set yet but he is trying to get it done ASAP. Now, the property needs it and will benefit from it. There are two large areas on the property that are thick with smaller trees and a bit swampy. Prime bedding areas that won't be disturbed ( I presume). So, my question is am I screwed for this year? How much will it affect the deer using the property for this season? Any experience, first hand knowledge? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
That's what I like to hear. Wasn't sure about this year though. I suppose as long as he does it soon enough and green starts a growing........ Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I don't think you're screwed I have seen first hand some nice trophies taken off of select cut and neighboring properties
We did the same on our farm only a little bit more than "select cutting" last spring and shot the biggest buck we have ever shot there last fall. It's only going to get better in the next few years. With all of the cutting, we stumped a couple of in the woods areas and made food plots and built new elevated stands. Strike while the iron is hot. Volunteer to help the land owner and maybe he would agree to cut a little more in an area that you would like to have opened up for your hunting benefit.
When our bush was cut a few years back, we didn't see many deer that year. but the following seasons we filled the meat pole.
Might be time for you to do some TSI with permission. Make some hinge cut bedding areas for does and bucks. Create travel corridors and such. Staging areas. Should be a good year for you.
I personally dont think it affects things as much as people think. It happened to me last year and the deer did indeed move, but they do not move far. If they are cutting in one area, find the next closest area that is thick, from my experience they tend to travel in the thicker areas to help stay protected. Last year I went and hunted my #1 spot and when i went in they had a big tractor sitting 60 yards from me and trees were cut all over. I still saw like 5 deer and could have shot a 7 pointer. The deer are well aware they are in there, they are just cautious and will come out after they leave.
Depending on when the cut takes place, your most likely in for some great hunting. We have done this on two of our farms in North Central Michigan, and the deer just love the tree tops and extra cover. We did however notice a big difference in deer patterns. Make sure to get cameras out after the cut if possible and find their new feeding areas. Most like there will be feeding all day long with the added ground cover. Good luck and make sure to keep us up to date!
