I have about thirty days to decide where i'm going to hunt in a new conservation area approx 7,300 acres of woods and prairie, with river bottom land. How do you guys start to decide where to start I will be in the area most of the afternoons from now till then. Thanks, Chris
Start with topographic and aerial maps. Do you know anyone that hunts the property? What are the seasons like on the property?
Last year, I started hunting some public land that I had previously never set foot on. It's not easy to decide where to set up when you're looking at 1200 or so huntable acres or in your case 7,300 acres. Last season, I simple chose one area and worked on getting to know the land and the movement of deer within that area. My first few hunts turned into scouting expeditions but I ended up settling in on a good spot within a week or two. I hung a stand from which I took three deer last season. I learned alot last season and I enjoyed my time in the woods. This year, I have done more scouting in the off season and studied some topo maps. I have expanded my operations of the original area I hunted last year...easily doubling the area I plan to hunt. I have also selected and done some homework on a second area in the southern part of the public land. I will have a few hang on stands in place and I have another dozen + spots picked out for my mobile set up. Where I hunt will be based on many factors (weather, wind, deer movement, other hunters, etc.). I believe I have a good knowledge of the areas I will be hunting; I will be able to adjust as needed, and if provided the opportunity I will be able to shoot straight. Now I just have to get the deer to cooperate. I can only suggest that you pick out a portion of the 7300 acres and focus on getting to know the land and deer movement. Bouncing around won't allow you to learn or develop a good understanding of an area and the deer that move within that area. Pay attending to how the deer travel, where they eat, where they bed, etc. Other than that I would only encourage you to enjoy your time in the woods. Best wishes to you this season. C
