Not sure what made me decide to start hunting now at nearly 31 years old but I'm giving it a try. Never had anyone in my family that hunted growing up and that holds true today so I really have no idea what I'm doing other than what I read and see. So far I have been out four times, two mornings and two afternoons. I've yet to see a deer. If anyone could give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated! I'm hunting a small piece of property in northern Illinois that belongs to a relative. In the center is rows of pine trees. This is surrounded by hardwoods, mostly walnuts from what I've seen. I've heard that oak trees make good spots to catch deer eating acorns but so far anyway I've yet to find an oak tree. There is a small creek that flows right through the middle of the woods with a man made trail along the north side of the creek. I have corn fields on all sides. I have seen a lot of deer sign along the field edges so I purchased a trail cam about a week ago to see what I could see. Checked it yesterday and I have pictures of three different bucks from what I can tell, however all three were taken in the middle of the night. Not a single doe in any of my pics so far and no daytime pics. Went out yesterday afternoon and the corn is now down so I don't know if the deer will continue to use the field edges or if they will move further into the woods. Anyway I'll try to post a link here of the property I'm hunting. I do understand that most of the bucks are probably not real active during the day right now but I'd be just as happy to take a doe if I can. Not looking for a trophy. If anyone could help out that would be great. Thanks! http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=41.84379,-89.029212&spn=0.005347,0.014623&t=h&z=17&vpsrc=6
I doubt I'll be much help but here I go. Looks like a decent spot. The deer will stay around as long as you don't pressure them. Which edge are you talking about north facing or south? To the north is that road so that will likely deter them from using that during the day at all IMO. I'd wait till early Novmber to really dive in there if I was you. The deer will become more active then. You should get some better info from others around here who are better versed at this then myself. Good Luck
I would really scout that creek... If there is a well traveled trail close to the creek I would hunt that. Welcome to the sport!! Lookng forward to hearing about your future hunts!
Well the tracks that I've seen are along all of the field edges but like I said the corn just came down so I'm not sure how the deer will react to that. I did walk the trail along the creek the first day I went out. I would think the deer would be using it but its completely covered in leaves and I didn't want to disturb things by making a lot of noise and clearing leaves off the trail. Maybe this is where I should set my camera up next? Any ideas on what areas the doe's may be using? I wouldn't think these three bucks would be around if there wasn't a few somewhere.
Post some pictures of those bucks you are talking about so we can get an idea of what your working with. Look for trails, deer don't always follow then, but more often then not I would say that will be your best bet.
Just posted what I've got so far in the trail cam section. http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?26584-1st-pics-with-the-new-trail-cam.
You have some nice deer! I would put up a trail cam along the creek... Find a lower "easy" crossing spot in the creek that you think the deer could cross the creek at and set up the camera there... I think you will do fine this year. Just take your time and dont rush anything... Plenty of season left! If I were you I would just find some fallen logs or brush pile to take cover in and sit out there and see what comes your way... You are the best scouting tool there is. So while sitting there if all the action is happening farther down the creek or on the opposite side of the woods you will see that and be able to make adjustments on hunting location the next time! Rule of thumb... You cant kill a deer if you are not in the woods! Keep us posted on how everything goes!
I agree with above poster about getting out there to scout. In my opinion you have to at least walk through your woods to know the trails, sign, etc. You might spook some deer, but you will also learn where deer are holding. Bedding areas. Where they like to come out to feed in the fields and where they like to take a drink. Look for rubs, scrapes, bedding areas, and trails. I would try sitting near the corn field edges towards evening to get an idea where they like to come out and feed. If you could watch away from where you intend to hunt with binoculars that would help too. This will give you an idea of patterns. However, the end of the month and early November deer will be moving as stated earlier. Also depends if you are hunting on ground, tree, etc. Good luck!
I also agree with previous posters. You have some nice deer on your property. I also have very few does on my trail cams but I know they are there. As stated earlier, look for scrapes and rubs. look for very thick cover that could be good bedding area. I wouldn't go into it but rather skirt the edges looking for exit lanes. Deer will spend a lot of time in standing corn and now that it is out, they should be in the trees more but will come out at night to feed. I really like the pinch points on your property. On the south side of the woods, the point where the creek comes close to the edge of the woods would be a great spot for a stand as wood the narrow strip between the creek and field on the northeast side of the wood lot. During the rut, bucks may follow the creek and still want to stay in the woods as they cruise looking for does. I would spend all day right on the creek at those pinch points. The big clump of woods looks like a great bedding area and hunting the edge of the field around that would probably pay off as well. Scouting is the best option at first. If you use a couple of hunting days to pinpoint how the deer are moving, you will make the rest of your hunting days much more productive. I also agree with the poster who said to look for crossings in the creek. Watch and hunt those spots as well. Your pictures are blurry because the deer are moving through when the pics are taken. Try finding a scrape that will hold the deer in a spot long enough to get a still shot on your deer. A mineral lick or feeder (if legal) will also help get good pics. Best of luck to you. Hope this helps a little.
I hunt a property similar to that in central Il and I would try either an area of that property that is thin and makes the deer funnel down to a certain maybe 60yd area or a creek crosssing if the creek is decent size.
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll try to put some of these tips to use and see if I can't get something accomplished. Hoping to get out at least once this weekend.
