Scored some private land to hunt!!

[Photog]

Hey all! Yeah it is that time of year and I am back. Well I go tired of public land so instead of whining about it here I decided to do something about it. My son plays in the marching band and one morning we were at a 5k road race to earn $ for their trip to Disney in November. Well one of the music boosters was talking about all the deer and I casually said "Well let me know if you need anyone to hunt it...." Turns out they live in 3 acres of mostly woods adjacent to Northern Alum creek. They have counted as many as 32 deer in their yard at one time!. that was Score # 1!

A couple weeks ago I saw a guy who grew up around the corner from me. I knew he was a farmer so I asked if he knew of anyone who was willing to let me and my friend hunt on their land. Lo, and behold...he was more than willing. They have had a lot of crop damage. So 5 minutes from my house I have about a 4 acres section of woods that connects to another large woods (and it connects to yet another one). I get to hunt that 4 acre area and the bean field by it. Also in that area is an acre and a half wooded area along a creek w a cornfield by it. That was Score # 2!

He then gave me the satellite pic of another field adjacent to a stone quarry. This wood is by a large cornfield, maybe 7 or more acres ( I am TERRIBLE at guessing that stuff) and the bonus plot for this score.... an acre or so sized orchard right by the corn! Score # 3!!!!

So now I could use some insight on how to scout. This is an area in my hunting that is SORELY lacking and I need to get better so I can finally harvest a deer!

glad ta be back!
David

[wallydog1]

Welcome back Photog, Good luck on the new property to hunt.

[bluedog]

Good job! Nothing like some new land to get the excitement going before the season opens. Good luck this year!

[CritterGitter]

That Alum property sounds like it holds some good promise especially for early in the season. If it is far from any public land parking area then that is a bonus! You definately want to check that out. My buddy and I will be hunting Alum public land for the first time this season. We're going in by canoe because it is a LONG hike by foot.

Kyle

[Photog]

I'm excited and think I can finally fill a tag or two this year. The way I look at it, if I can't in someone's back yard that has had 32 deer in it at one time, I might as well give up!

For those who haven't seen my wonderful mug here before, I didn't start hunting until my late 30s and have yet to get a deer!

[Stonewall]

Photog,
Are you bowhunting? Have you not seen deer or just not shot one yet. Sounds like your in the money.

[Photog]

Photog,
Are you bowhunting? Have you not seen deer or just not shot one yet. Sounds like your in the money.


I have taken 3 shots w my bow. 1) clipped a small limb enroute and flew over shoulder 2) I hit a small doe but lost her in the underbrush. Went back next day and couldnt find her. Friend found hera little later, so had the coyotes. That experience almost made me quit. I just hated the idea of killing the deer and not harvesting it. 3) Straight down shot from 25 feet up. Never had a shot like than and literally scratched her...2 drops of blood in the snow and she got away...walking and irritated.

I see deer but usually not in range. After the doe I lost I am very reluctant to shoot. Now mind you, flat land shooting I get 3-5 inch groups up to 30 yards and about 6 inch groups at 40. This fall I am going to really practice for the treestand shots by shooting from my roof. Every day I am in the field I try to learn more. I would even have goals that could be accomplished without harvesting a deer. Things like: staying still in my stand, looking for rubs, studying the many deer out of range etc etc.

God help me if I get one... I will probably hyperventilate or walk off my stand (check safety harness!)