I actually work in Martinsburg, WV. Are you still moving to PA? I remember you talking about it at some point, haven't seen any different. There's about 4-5 nice chunks of public land pretty close to the house that I have been trying to figure out. Haven't hunted them so this will probably just be a year to learn how to hunt public. Picked out a few spots that are out of the way and have some potential, so we will see. Probably post a couple topos up in the coming days to see what you and grizz have to say.
Post up the maps Jake, we can all help each other on here. I'll need help in the upcoming months, thats for sure.
This first one is kind of difficult to me because mountains have less defined terrain features. The obvious saddle towards the bottom is open hardwoods with a clear cut to the south and denser woods to the north. The problem is that I ran into a trail of reflector thumb tacks on top leading into the denser area to the north of the saddle. The wind will usually be coming out of the west/nw so maybe hunting the downwind side of the clear cut? I have a couple of other spots of interest but wanted to see what you guys think.
I'm in Eastern Ohio. Just bought some new arrows, so going to put the broadheads on them and get them tuned in. I've been shooting high all year with by field points but dealing with it because I was getting these new arrows. Going to get it tuned up before my wedding and going to hit the woods after the honeymoon. I'll probably be MIA the next few weeks guys so good luck.
I'd be curious to check out the areas brushed in purple to see if there are some trails crossing over that ridge in that area... Could maybe hunt either of the steep sides depending on wind... Of course much easier to tell walking it... :-)
Jake, looks great, thanks for doing that. The thing that jumped out to me were the multiple ravines on the west side. Unless they are real shallow, those ravines could be acting as pinch points where the deer are only crossing at certain locations and might increase your odds.
Brett! You killed! Way to start the season...those look like two adults. Did you get them at the same time?
Jake, have you looked at the northern sections of that state game lands? I was able to figure out which one you are hunting and the section to the north and specifically the northeast looks good in terms of easier terrain features. If you are interested in that one I could mark it up for you. If you like the section you posted, it will be a little more difficult to hunt but it looks awesome. When in doubt on that mountainous section, get away from other hunters, find a bench on the side of a hill flanked by cover and I think you will be good.
A few bucks I was watching last year....with a little luck maybe one or two will blow up into shooters this year.
