Please take a look at this video I took of some property I'm interested in hunting. This is public land, Ive been there a few times scouting, there are big deer on this property. Here are some of the details, and you can also take a look at the video. 1. It's over 400 acres. 2. I've been here several times scouting. I always see sign of deer, but I've never seen another hunter, there are no tree stands, nothing. 3. It's mostly tall grass about up to my waist. 4. There's a large trail in a large patch of reeds (50 acres?) . It has some huge hoof prints in there. It's the widest deer trail I've personally ever seen. The reed are approximately up to my stomach to chest. 5. There's a small tree line ( you can see in video) that has trails, beds, in it. (no treestands though) 6. I firmly believe in my heart that there are some monster deer in here. That's why i keep going back here. However, I've never hunted it. 7. On the other side of the road, there is at least 500 acres of corn which hasn't been cut yet. I'm sure they're still in there too. Have any of you ever set up in some reeds? You'd have a very narrow shooting lane, but with the amount of traffic this area is getting, I think that I could use the reeds for camouflage, and possibly get a shot off. Here are the problems and worries with this land. 1. You can't "sneak" in here. Grass is too tall and you just make too much noise. However, could I possibly get there and set up while they're out cruising, lay and wait for them? 2. The grass and reeds are tall. I could see how this place could be difficult to track a wounded animal. 3. It's not easy to get too. It's flat, but it's a hike to get there, the terrain simply isn't accommodating to human feet. (Is that what's stopping other hunters? Just plain lazy? easier prey somewhere else?) Let me know what you think. I'd be interested in grabbing my trail cam and setting it out there. Even at the risk of getting it stolen on public property. I seriously don't think anyone has been there since the last time I was. Thanks for the help, sorry for the long post..trying to give good info.
I'm interested to hear whats said. I'm in a very similar situation where I live. I see deer sign, lots of it. Seems I'm kicking them up when I leave. I have to hunt from the ground for now because of broken ribs.
Give it a shot, you never know until you try. Low pressure and good sign, it would be hard to keep me out of there. If you are up for it get in there really early and wait for their return.
Well if its tough to get to, its somewhat thick, and there are no other signs of people hunting because its tough to get to or for whatever reason, I would be in here. You want somewhere big enough that will hold deer, has corn fields, cover, somewhat thick, and this seems like it would be good.
I use a ghillie suit while hunting from the ground. Like hunting from the ground but man it's tough!!!! Just frustrating seeing them but can't get them in bow range and when I leave I get the white wave. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk -
I would definately give it a shot, get in there an hour or two before daylight it looks like a great place to hunt in my opinion, the big bruisers love that thick stuff. You will never know if you dont try. Good luck to ya and keep us posted.
At a minimum I would get a stand up in the line of trees so you could at least observe for a few sits. If there are good bucks there, there should be some scrapes in those trees.
cool video- actually gives me the idea to do the same and ask this forum where on a public property i should hunt, because it is very complicated. thanks for that. now- I WOULD say to devote a lot of time and energy into hunting the property you showed us. is there any way to CUT a path into a stand- ie with a machete or a scythe? if so, I'd spend a day before the season (optimally), or whenever, say now and then wait until November...and get that down so it isn't so loud walking to and from. that is if it is possible- depending on how long that field is to wherever you would hang a stand or plant a blind. It seems like great opportunity to brush in a blind.
I love it. I would place a few ground blinds and hang-on tree stands and see if I could cover all bases for playing the wind. I love it and try to do the same thing here in Central, IL but can't find land like that! Can't wait to see how things go for you!
Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm going to give it a try. I'll go pull my trailcam from my property and place it (high) into one of the trees. I know I've got deer on that property, but I'm going to give my boys a crack at them, and try to leave the small buck alone for a couple of years. Now that we've determined that I'm not a complete moron, I'm really excited about this because I know for certain there are good sized deer on this property. Now we have to see if I'm a good enough hunter to get a shot at one. Thanks again.
The buck I killled this year came out of that stuff. I would let them bed in there and get them coming or going.
With the corn across the street, that's surely a bedding area. I would go in very early in the morning after an overnight rain, that would cut down on the noise. Try to find a route to that treeline where the deer won't cut your scent trail when they return. Find a tree on that line that's climber or hang on friendly, get up high where you can see both sides. You'll learn a little about the property every outing. Don't worry so much, get out there and hunt!
Ok. I took a little time and mocked up the land off of a Google image. Are these trails significant? I've looked for the trails that I know exist on my other property, but I can't see them.. However, these show up clear as a bell. How does a person with say approx. 34 years of bowhunting mistakes under his belt go about hunting this? I don't have another 34 years on the planet Fletch, we've gotta get crackin'..