This year I am blessed to have been offered a free place to hunt in Tn, right on the border of the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County. Now the Land itself seems quite inviting, but I am still rather green when it comes to scouting. Fortunately or (un) I spent the last and only 5 seasons hunting on very familiar land and it was a small 30acres in Mt. Orab Ohio. I am having trouble finding any oaks besides White Oaks, no scrapes yet, no droppings, the water seems viable but its not heavily traveled (from my land access points anyways). I have found some random tracks but they are very few and far between. The trails seem to be plentiful but the signs that would usually accompany them are not being found. Now for my question: What suggestions would you give to someone who does not have the luxury of much more than about 2 days of scouting? Below is the Google Earth pic of my location if anyone would care to give suggestions or critique my current placement. Legend: Red: land boundry Blue: water source (creek) Black: wind direction yellow: trails Black X: current stand Placement Green dot: about 80lbs of deer corn dropped last weekend in prep for this weekend. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated>
I'd put a stand between the creek and the deer trail b.c they are gonna be traveling by that creek too. But i had to put a map up too to get some opinions lol so idk just my opinion
This season honestly I'd focus on not being too intrusive at all if it were me. I'd hunt it don't get me wrong but if I think a spot looks hot I'd set up 40 to 50 yards farther back than I normally would just to study movements even more so. Also if possible I'd be looking at potential thin areas in the canopy inside the main wood line to do just some minor saplings out and some food plots in. Don't have to be big at all and the more oddly shaped the better. Want to create a reason for them to linger and trickle from small plot to small plot and the water. Also not being able to find anything besides White Oaks....that's a good problem to have! They are the least bitter of the acorns and deer love them.
Nice! I am feeling good about just hunting barely inside the woodline along the creek..I will not be shooting anything unless its a wallhanger. Like you mentioned, I'm more interested in jumping next year off to a great start. Thanks for the input!
