My cousin has given me permission to hunt on their property, but it's only about 80 acres with vast majority being fields (corn is already out this year). I have a pretty good idea where to place the stand since there isn't much space for one. However, the biggest problem with this land is there is a LOT of overgrown brush, both at the edges of and inside the woods, making it very difficult to get into and out of the woods quietly. I have topo map, as well as satellite. However, rather than just telling me where to place the stand, can you give a good reason for that placement so that I can learn what things to look for. I've drawn the red box slightly outside of the property line, but not much outside and you should still be able to easily determine the property line. I've seen the majority of deer sign at the south egde of the property, but the line is barely inside the woods and there are signs stating that southern woods is a "certified forest" by DNR with no trespassing. While out this weekend, I saw deer on the eastern edge of the northern field, near the middle section of that field, so I know there are also deer over at that end. Anyway, here is both topo and satellite, please give your best opinion on stand placement with good explanation why.
I am drawn to that wood line splitting the 2 fields. It looks like it may be a good place to start. I am sure that they walk by there when going into the fields.
I've zoomed on that center section and put some info on the picture. I did see a buck come out of the area where the road is last year, and have heard a blue jay screaming from that area both of the last mornings I've hunted. Considering checking the area for a decent stand location, but this area is THICK with brush, plus it's the ONLY place to park a vehicle as everywhere else along the road is private property outside of my cousin's property line. And since it's quite possibly this buck's bedding area, I don't know of a real good time of day during season to go brush busting trying to find a good tree for a stand. The current location of my stand is probably the most cleared out area of the woods. There is a clear trail through there, but it doesn't appear to have been used much yet. There was a real scrape in there previously and I've had several pics of deer on a trail cam in there, but that was a couple years ago. I bought a new trail cam and set it up Sunday, with several scent wicks dipped in either doe or buck scent. Will probably run out and swap cards on the cam Thursday since I plan to hunt Friday.
I marked it up a little. Personally, I'd stay out of the middle part. The stand in the upper left hand corner, I'd walk in the creek, and pop up right where the stand is. Easiest, and least obtrusive way to get in there.
Went out today to swap cards on my camera about 1pm today. Not a thing on the camera at all. However, if you look at post number 3, you can see where the road leading into the area is. I had taken my bow with me, but as I was getting ready to get it out, I realized I had left my hunting license and deer tag at home, so I put the bow back. I had parked just inside of the center woods where the road enters, walked up the road and then left at the T. As I started to walk out into the field, there was a coyote standing about 15 yards in front of me, near the edge of the woods, sniffing the ground. I was downwind, so I stood there watching him. He walked toward the center of the woods, so I walked about 10 yards into the field then along the woods. When I got to the area he had entered the woods, I heard brush busting, looked up and saw a flash of white as a deer was bolting through the woods. Guess I know what the coyote was after... Wish I had my license with me, cause that coyote would have been dead. It never saw me. Don't know if the deer was a doe or buck, but since I was downwind, I possibly could have called it out of the woods for a shot. Who knows... Bet I remember my license next time. If you look at the pic in post 3, you'll see where the road leading into the area is. Wouldn't it be easier to get to the stand in the upper left by just walking through the field? Why walk all the way east through the field just to turn back NW and walk the creek? Also, do the directions of your arrows signify which way I would have my stand facing, or are those signifying desired wind direction for that stand placement?
The red dots are where I'd investigate for stand locations. However, if I were only going to place one or two, it would be where the white squares are. That heavy grove of trees right along a long defined tree belt will definitely produce a travel corridor. By now, deer trails should be getting pretty defined. Why not just go out and scout around on a really windy day and see for yourself where they are moving? Also, the upper right hand corner of your area where the tree's come together would be another option. Looks like a fun spot to hunt!
Thanks for the info and reasoning. Greatly appreciated. Main reason I don't go out and scout is because I'm working 2 jobs, going to school and taking care of my daughter. About the only time I have to spend in the woods this year is when I hunt. If all goes well, I'll be done with classes by August and will hopefully also be done with the second job. Believe me, I would LOVE to be out walking the woods, just don't have time right now.
I understand... but you should work on changing your mindset. Scouting is hunting. I know it may not feel like it... but you'd be better served by spending more time scouting than hunting. Not to say you can't have your bow with you when you are scouting... but you need to spend some quality time out there to find those travel corridors. They will be identifiable by trails, rub lines, and scrapes. If you go to the area's where the white squares are, I'd be very surprised if you didn't cut a trail or rub-line somewhere along there. Another reason I like to hunt the south edge of a field bordered by trees like that is sun position. I'll put my stand about 10 yds back into the tree line from the edge of the field. Then if a deer plans on walking that edge (which they often do) he will have to look toward the sun (if it's out) and make it difficult for him to see. This will also serve to break up your outline if you are wearing a correct camo pattern. By correct, I mean something like predator camo or Vertigo. You can get away with quite a bit of movement by doing this. Also, the deer commonly walk shady area's as opposed to sun-washed areas as it makes them feel more secure. This time of year the sun moves south in the sky a ways, casting shadows to the north even at high noon. Really though, you should plan at least ONE day where you go walk that tree line down on the south and look for sign. Then you can put your stand in a location that deer are frequenting. This will greatly increase your chances of seeing a quality buck when the rut kicks off.
