I just started hunting this property this season and didn't have any preseason time to scout. Don't wanna tromp around too much now that the season has begun. This is my property, about 70 acres. but 50% or more is field and the corn is still up. The white marks possible bedding areas. Yellow are rubs. Red is where tree stands are. Any tips would be appreciated. I have been out three times in my stand and two times scouting and only jumped one deer when i was scouting. Haven't seen anything other than that. Any tips on hunting when the corn is still up would be appreciated also thanks guys. -Adam
Just a simple bit of advice, but those deer will be holding in that corn through the morning, so you want to be set off into the woods between the corn and their bedding areas, so you can catch them coming back to bed. Make sure you set your stand up somewhere that you can sneak in without spooking them in the corn in the morning, or in their beds when you come in the evening. Standard advice, but none-the-less still important to think about. Also look for funnels, so narrow strips of timber between fields, will funnel deer throught that area. Fence rows are great too. One more FYI. Whenever the corn is being harvested on your property, you want to be hunting. It seems that deer will be moving like crazy when the corn is getting pulled.
They are probably bedding in the corn. That makes hunting really tuff. I think I'm having the same trouble at my place. It will help a lot to have the corn harvested. Maybe look for a trail from the corn to a water source and set a stand there.
My tip would be to go and scout the entire piece of ground.. but staying out of the real heavy stuff. Note the scrapes.. crossings... and trails. Why would you not do this.. if you don't... you're just going to impair the next 60 days of your life with the shoulda-woulda's. Get out there son.. spend 1 day and just scout.. and no more after that.
two problems with that. there is water all over the property so there isn't one particular trail they use. Second, it's been raining all last week so there is standing water in the corn. I need that corn cut!
Sorry, didn't catch that. I notice that you have some awesome traditional funnels, as well as some nice points and inside corners. To go along with some great seclusion. If the hunting pressure is fairly light - I'd think you could have a humdinger spot. Personally, I've never hunted sign. I'm just not good enough at hunting it, I guess. Hunting the terrain has always been productive for me. Also, on really windy days, don't be scared to stalk the cornfields and search of bedded deer. Works for lots of folks around here. Please keep me abreast on how you do at this piece of property - I'd love to hear how it goes. Don't be afraid to PM me. Hunt safe, and aim small!
I'm sure lots of deer are in the corn, a lot of the time. But it'd be foolish to think all of the deer are in there all of the time. Keep after 'em, and find be able to put your finger on where they're at. At least you have the corn - and not your neighbor!
when do the deer come and go usually. I know it varies by locale, but when have you seen them moving in or out of the corn?
First few hours of light, and last few hours of light. In about 3 weeks - you'll want to be in the stand as much as you can.
yeah i know all that. I think my stand is in a bad place for the early season. Would it screw up too much if i set up another stand in a new location already into the season?
I'd follow this advice. I just got permission to a large farm, but it only had a small woodlot surrounding a creek. I just went out one day and walked that entire creek. I found some areas that I liked, but for the most part the farm was pretty scarce with any deer sign. The standing corn definantly makes it some tough hunting. The main farm I hunt on has all of it still standing. I am going to try hitting the edges of the fields close to bedding areas this weekend. Other than that, the deer are most likely sticking pretty tight to the safe confines of it.
