I hunt primarily field edges or very small wood lots...But while hunting a field edge adjacent to the bedding/staging area... You never know where they're going to pop out at... and it's pretty thick... so I'm thinking... What if during the off season, I went in and cleared the brush from they're bedding to field entrance, where I want them to come out at? would you recommend this, or would it be too obvious as the deer may enjoy their thick cover before entering a field... I'm just talking a 2'-3' wide path for them to enter the field at...
I have done this same thing in the past. It has worked to some extent, but i have yet to see a big ol boy step into any path I have tried to make for him.
Creating entrance/exit funnels is a good way to get deer to move where you want them to. I hunt the same type of situation. However, you have to be cautious that you get the intended result. You might take the security away that they want. Remember you want to make it easy for them but if they don't feel safe using it they won't use it during daylight. It's a fine line to walk. Every situation is different but I have several spots along the wooded field edge. Whatever stand the wind is right for and I feel good about is where I put myself for that hunt. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I'm trying to pattern the deer rather than changing the reason they are there. Having said that, I am going to create a fence line funnel next spring. There are too many places for the deer to cross this fence line on my property and I want to try to give them only one or two options if they want to cross. My thought process is that they have already exposed themselves to the field at that point so they will just walk up the line a little bit to cross. I have had great luck with a decoy this year if the deer enter out of bow range to bring them in closer. Try it, you might like it.
