How far from the feeding fields do you find the bedding areas. I went on a morning hunt yesterday and bumped one out and was in 1.5 hours before first light. It was by itself and wasn't sure if it was a buck or doe. All I saw was the eyes glow from my headlamp and then I heard it blowing. The field they are feeding in is about a quarter of a mile from where I was going in at.
It varies around where i hunt in central MN. I have found bedding areas as far as 400-500 yards from the field and i also have found them within 50 yards. It just depends on the cover that is provided in your area. If the deer doesn't have to walk far from bedding to feeding areas they won't.
Pick a number... they will bed where they feel comfortable and safe... including... Corn fields, hedge rows, crp ground etc....! They want the safest(from threats),easiest (to travel waterways,low drainage ditches, firm or dry soil etc.) and most protected (cover....woods,hedge rows, switch grass (tall grass), corn etc.) path to feed, sleep, and drink! With multiple inlets and outlets....options for escape\flight! IMHO!
it doesn't matter what stand i hunt, how far away from the food source, or what time in the morning on my property, I still kick up deer about everytime I walk it. sucks but what do you do?
Mornings, I always hear deer running off, I use a green light and have them just look at me, and walk off.. I hunt very close to bedding areas.. Be in my stand 1 hour before even a crinkle of light... Lets the woods really settle down.. Works for me..
I don't hunt mornings until Oct 15 or after. Just bump way to many deer trying to get into my stands. I wait until they are getting rutted up to chase them in the morning. That is what works for me on my land.
I have my stand in between where they bed in the goldenrod and the apple trees they eat at for breakfast. Total distance is under 40 yards. I plan on getting up there by 6:00 and surprise them. I have a deer cam that gets the same two bucks, doe and fawn every morning. Jim
I was in my stand by 4:45 Saturday morning and I had deer all around me by 4:50. So get there earlier. Good luck.
I was in my stand by 4:45 Saturday morning and I had deer all around me by 4:50. So get there earlier. Good luck.
