I had a lot of pictures in the spring. Now though, I've had basically nothing. At first I blamed it on the 23 straight days of 90+ degree heat, but that's been weeks ago. I have noticed another big change... weeds, they're taller than I am and extremely thick. I went ahead and drove my truck through some just to make a small path, and then in finishing up my shooting lanes cuat a bunch of weeds out. So do you guys maintain them at all? it won't be as big of a deal next year as I plan to turn a large section of creek bottom into a food plot. Also, do you think by opening up a corridor and putting out some attractant, that will promote movement? historically there is a lot of deer on the property, but there is a 300 acre woods that butts up to our couple acres and they can just hang out in there.
I maintain the trails I use to walk in on. I have a rolling weedeater and use that for my trails. You might want to walk their trails to see if something has changed. Maybe a tree has fallen over their travel lane, and they found a route with less obstructions. I am a firm believer that they generally will take the path of least resistance. I brush hog some areas as well, and generally I run a path around the field edges to keep the new growth back, and the deer, especially does, use these paths a lot.
I bought a machete' once for the soul purpose of cutting a trail through the thick undergrowth of Louisiana swamp. I cut that dang trail in sweltering heat to a stand...I never used. LOL. But but but, something equally as hilarious. I found one cut while scouting I believe whoever did it had the right idea. After all I was looking into this area as well and If I'm looking there, there's deer there cause im a straight genious. Anyway I followed this path toooo...you guessed it.... no where. A clear cut in the thickest of underbrush stopping right there in the middle of the thickest part. no way out but back. Poor fella musta got tired...lol.
My wife thinks I'm sooo crazy for hanging stands and cutting trails in 114 degree heat or sitting in 30 below for that matter...there are few who understand.
I had to go put a camera up this evening so I stopped by and grabbed the card out of my other camera. Sure enough, there were a few deer coming through my truck trail. One was even a buck. Not a shooter, but still. The goal now is to stay out for the next couple weeks. It's hard when you can see it from my kitchen window.
