Hey guys, I'm wanting to hear opinions on how I could turn this chunk of 34 acres into decent hunting. That is, if it's possible. I'm open for all ideas. The property lines are the horrible squigly white ones. As you can tell, I'm not an artist. lol. Thanks for your time. There's an old pond in it by the creek that you can't see.
You need to have something on your land that your neighbors don't have that the deer want. For example: the thickest nastiest bedding cover, food plots, water or the does when the bucks are looking for them. Looks like you have some really nice ambush points to set up stands around some of those clearings. The brushy borders will be used by the deer cruising from one area to another. Killer stand spots are where 2 or more of these intersect.
I agree with jmbuckhunter, deer bedding areas, food and water with low hunting pressure on your hunting land will make a perfect heaven for them when hunting season comes and other hunters are walking heavyfooted through the woods. A perfect whitetails paradise. also, try apple trees, and planting high native grass seed. lots of decisions on food plots, but in the end its your decision what you want. just my opinion.
A food plot in your area would be key. Looks like you have water (swamp & creek). I say make the swampy area into a sanctuary and stay the heck out. Looks like theres a nice open plot in the NE corner of your property, looks like a great place for a food plot since its surrounded by timber. Good luck
Okay I'll bite as well....and don't doubt for a second 34 acres isn't enough to make a sweet honey hole...this is coming from a guy whose primary hunting spot is 10 acres :D It's very doable! First, what the others have said is great and very true...I do have some questions though? -Where is the creek and the old pond? Does that pond always have water in it? (is it the little spot to the SE of property?) -What is the ag field to the S and SW typically planted in? -How about the ag fields to the N? -What is the timber like to the N and NW of property like? (Bedding cover, open hardwoods, oak flats?) -What's the terrain like, flat...minimal contour or is it quite hilly or quite a bit of change in elevation throughout? (If a lot of change or any slopes please state) -Do the deer bed anywhere on your property right now? -Would either of the small fields that are on the left and right side of the driveway be available for plotting? Lot of questions I know but I get way too excited when people with smaller type set ups want to do stuff. As you move forward with any changes...just remember everyone is going to have opinions and thoughts. While almost all of the well thought out ones are going to be good solid advice no one knows the deer in your area better than you..so take what anyone says and adjust it and use it as you see fit.
I would plant some food plots in the areas that I have colored in Black. I don't see any crops in the picture, so I think a good food source would give you and advantage and bring the deer that are in the timber out to find and easy meal.
That was the first thing that popped out to me as well...however I feel some other steps can be taken to really maximize the time deer spend on his property. I truly think over time he could transform the SW and S part of property into smaller but still "destination plots for night time feeding. Amongst other small changes as well.
Thanks guys!! This is wonderful. The third lowest blackspot on your map is the pond. As for tynimiller's questions I'll answer them tonight when i have more time. Sorry for the inconvience. They should be answered by 9:30.
The location of the pond is great!!! Some little niche food plots with lots of surrounding cover (natural and created) mixed in with water is a deadly combination!
The timber to the north is kind of a more open timber with evergreens.(It doesn't look like it really on the map) The creek is pretty big and runs along the east side(You can see the tree line of it on the map). Theres gonna be a garden by the driveway on the left. Theres alot of soybeans planted in fields around that general area. Its never been used for deer hunting in the last 7 years(unless some tresspassers did). No bedding that I know of. I can also probly hunt the timber that borders the east
suggestion from me would be to utilize the creek for all hunting entry and exits routes. In and out without the deer knowing it. then build your bedding areas according to where you want the deer to be on your property. put the food a distance away perferablly on the otherside of creek. that way the deer cross a central spot of the creek to go from food to cover and vice versa. then you sneek up the creek and hunt the downwind side of this creek crossing. Good hunting and have fun!
I'm not sure the budget your on or the equipment you have. Here is what I would do. Or I think I would without walking the ground. 1. The blue line needs to be a buffer zone. If that's a road that borders it then I would plant something that grows really tall and leave it alone. Warm season grasses or something to that extent. 2. I would plant the white area in clover 3. The red area I would plant brassicas 10 ft wide and all the way around 4. The green would soybeans. By looking it has tremendous potential. If it has water year round then it's even better. Deer need food, cover, and water all the time. Choose what's easiest to provide and have more than your neighbors. I too hunt on 36 acres so it can be done. Unfortunately it takes some serious time and money to get it there. "Live Life at Full Draw" Sent from my IPhone
