So ive been hunting out of a stand that is a little harder to get at the last couple years and its been a great spot till now. I found it when shed hunting about 3 years ago and it seemed to be an intersection of runways. Its in a great open hardwood lot about 50 yards from a heavy brush area that deer love taking cover in. After walking through a couple times and checking my camera (only once so far), that area is getting a lot of bear action and no sign of deer. I think it could still be a good location for gun season because it is open for longer range shots but I just don't think its going to produce anything for bow season. Im looking to find a somewhat easier access spot but was hoping to get some pointers in finding a good location in less open areas. this is county land, so a permanent stand isn't an option. id be hunting from a climber which I will keep out till the end of the season. I know I should be looking for runways but it seems to be a little harder to find these in this area. what other key things do you look for when picking a good hunting ground? Thanks guys from northern Wisconsin
I always tell people to use google earth. Look for transitions, pinch points, fingers, water sources, ect. Then look at a topo and check out elevation changes when unnatural pinches are between bedding that will funnel deer down. This will save a lot of time on foot and keep A LOT less scent out of the woods.
so I took your advice and downloaded google maps. This is what I have. what do you think? you can see my current place is a B**** to get at and its a rough trail to drive and way too long to walk the whole way. the other 2 spots are a closer to a better parking area and less of a pain to walk. (47 is the only real road, the opening that looks like a road in the middle of the map is a string of power lines with a rough trail that you can just get your truck into.)
current path is about a .9 mile drive through trails and .1 mile walk to the stand from the truck. the other one is a .15 mile walk right from the road and the last is a .4 mile drive and .1 mile walk
