Next Saturday will be my first sit of the entire season. also the first time humans have set foot on my ground since August (Hopefully no trespassers). My hunting buddy and I have decided to go back to leave it along and they will come strategy. This ground has mostly been under water for the majority of the season, and most of it is still under water. Yesterday, I did a walk by the main entrance to our ground to check for human tracks or ATV tracks. none were found, but there's still a lot of water standing. I was able to venture in about 100 feet to check my two cameras set up on our entrances. we do not hunt this close to the entrance, out of courtesy for our friendly neighbors who have less land to hunt and they are pretty close to the border. Regardless, I just wanted to know how the woods looks. Lucky for me I shouldn't have to break out the hip waders. Rubber boots will be fine. Moving forward to my question. I'm curious as to where I should hunt. I have 3 locations never really hunted before and I feel confident in all of them, but yet I have my doubts. Stand 1. About 5 years ago this location was a hot spot for a big buck, but ever since then it hasn't seen its share of big boys, but we haven't hunted it either. I placed a new stand there last year, but never sat in it, or visited it either. Surely, it has potential, but I'm not sure I want to sit in it all day long. Spot 2. the past couple of years while hunting my 2man stand, with no luck, I've seldom heard lots of splashing (when its flooded like it is now), grounts, among other loud noises from behind me. this August I set out to investigate this spot and found a deer trail intersection from hell. I mean we counted 6 trails all meeting up at this one junction. Unfortunately, we didn't mark a tree and now the trails could be under water. I kinda know the whereabouts of this magical place, but I'm about 85% on it. Spot 3. Last year on this very coming weekend (Halloween) I set out to scout this area and found myself face to face with several large bucks toying around with each other. Although I blew it when I tried my best Squirrel impression, and they all fled the scene. all of the deer ran except King Kong himself. he simply walk out of site rubbing trees and scraping the ground around him and he's still on my mind. When I visited this spot in August it still seems like a great spot. it's 20 yard off a cut bean field filled with oaks and lots of undergrowth for protection. 2 small drain creeks run parallel with this spot draining from the field into the woods. I have 2 trees picked out here and I'm confident I can find either one of them in the dark. Now here is where I blow your minds. Stand 1 is already up and running, all I have to do is walk my Ace off to get to it, as it's on the opposite side of the property. Spot 2 I'm not sure where I will set up or if I can even find the junction, because it could be under water. Also, it's a good/long walk carrying in my stand and sticks, plus a decoy. (Decoy is optional) Spot 3 I've personally seen large beast like creatures, that still haunt my dreams, here. Last year's trail camera caught several different shooter bucks in the vicinity. I have to carry in my stand and sticks, plus the decoy, but it's 100% dry here. The beans were cut this past weekend. Other than that I hope to kill one early, so I can go to get him to the processor and go back out to kill a doe out of one of the other 2 stops.
To me it sounds like you're leaning towards spot 3 lol I like the sounds of spot 2 but if spot 3 is a known big buck hang out then it seems like I would be headed there. Number 2 being second choice
Spot (3) would sound like first choice, but I was also wondering, is there a way to set up between spot 2 and 3?
Thanks for helpful suggestions. I think I'll set up at Spot 3. it is the easiest to reach on foot, as I can walk across the field instead of making all that noise wading through water and muck. also, it's the furthest from my buddy who will be going out as well. so if one of us get's a deer, our extraction shouldn't bother the other.
