Clear the low hanging branches on cedar trees, clear out any brush or grass and place a log under the tree. The deer like to lay against the log. Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk
Removes the fair chase aspect does it not? I do trick them with scents and mock scrapes. I'm not judging by any means. I'm just stating my preference. Sent from my MotoG3 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
It is far easier to put out scents and mock scrapes than providing bedding areas. Not a compromise of fair chase in any way.
Not at all. All he's doing ours providing quality cover. That part of his property is a sanctuary and he does not hunt it. He hunts travel routes to and from. Just like we all do. Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk
Funny thing about Deer. They do not always do what we want them to do. Just because we as humans make an area we think Deer will use as bedding, doesn't mean they will.
And putting a stand near is bedding area ups the odds you will screw it up, so it is far from making it easier to fool a mature buck.
You could always manipulate your hunting area by putting a high fence around it, that seems to be pretty effective. On a serious note, I like to rake my path to and from my stand, removing the leaves and getting down to bare dirt/grass. It makes for a soundless enterance/exit and I have heard other hunters say the deer will sometimes use the same path. Just beware of doing this on public land, the last thing you want to do is lead thieves or stand squatters to that prime spot you've been scouting all summer
