I've learned that the public grounds offer better hunting than I had originally thought, and that the logging on my farm in '08 changed the deer patterns a lot. Hopefully I come up with some free time one weekend soon to really pick apart a few places on the farm that I am hoping that the buck I named "Big SOB" was hanging out in....
To see what bucks made it through hunting season. To see if " known " bucks have made it through hunting season. By finding their sheds... I know where to look for them the next summer/fall because we have a history with them. To scout new and old areas. Looking at sign from the fall before to see how the deer use it at that time. Getting to know my areas better. Figuring/finding out ways to get in and out of spots undetected. Finding pinch points/funnels close to bedding areas and staging areas. Tim
My wife and I went for a walk in the woods I hunt, specifically looking for sheds for the first time ever. Of course we did not find any, but I did find where the deer adjusted their patterns to avoid the new guys hunting next door...It was previously left alone and ALOT of great bedding areas are there...this year they were right in the middle of it and it affected our land greatly since it is simply a travel corridor. I think from my few trips this year I will be on a specific deer I have been after for 3 years.....here he is
Any time in the woods is good time, there are many things you see this time of year that you wouldn't normally notice when all is alive and green. Good rub lines, old scrapes, deer sheds(Tell you what survived) fall food sources etc...Anyone that says spring scouting isn't worth it is full of it. Oh, and guess what...You won't be pushing the deer out and leaving your scent all over. I have set up numerous stands in the spring and had awesome hunts in the fall. Just have to know what your looking for and that's done by spending time in the woods.
You aren't the only one !!!! I have also learned that leg cramps after a long day of tromping come more often and hurt much more the older you get. I hate when you are kicking back on the couch from a long day and get up too fast or you go to stretch. Tyler is trying not to laugh and that gets me laughing while groaning in pain and trying to walk it off... eeerrrrr hobbling it off. This year has been the worst for leg cramps I've ever experienced !!! Tim
I was out today for a couple hours after the mn deer classic, and hit some areas that I haven't been to in awhile. It's tough out there, the snow went from a foot thick to nothing in a matter of 3 days. I guess I didn't really learn all that much, other than it seems like there are a lot more trails on the northern part of our land. It was really good to be out in the woods again, I finally have some time to devote it it, so i'm sure i'll pick up on a few things.
