About a month or so ago I had the pleasure of being helped in my map analysis by Mike (DukeMichaels). He took all the information I gave him and sent me back some great tips/hints on some select spots within the 500-600 acres or so that I scouted. He then proceeded to give me a "if I only had one day to hunt I would hunt here...." scenario. He based it on one factor...just one. The potential for bucks to age in this particular spot. He said I cannot control the nutrition or genetics of the bucks in the area, but I can control where I hunt based on the potential for bucks to age. Well his thought process really got me thinking. It has helped me tighten down mentally, and I seriously believe will help me close the distance on more mature bucks. I walked a ton this morning scouting a new area. I had gathered much info map wise about this area prior to scouting but wanted to see it for myself. So I walked until I finally found "the spot". If I only had one day to hunt the entire 600-700 acre spot, I found my exact location for a stand. I even went a step further and labelled it an early rut stand where bucks first start cruising. For my area that would be around October 31st or so. I will not hunt that spot until the temps cool and the wind is right, and it must be right around October 31st-November 5th or so. And it will be an all day sit, where I must be on stand an hour before sun-up. If not I risk getting picked off after daylight by bucks bedding on higher ground. I know for sure that if I utilize the "if I only had one day to hunt an area" mentality when chosing stand sites, that it will positively effect my hunting.
This has really got me thinking now. It is a really good point. Another factor in putting everything in our advantage!
isnt it funny that just meeting new friends in bow hunting, talking and listening to stories can change the way we look at things! thats why i come to this site...
