Winter Scouting

[John Eberhart]

Just got home from checking out a new deep but narrow 20 acre parcel I just got permission on. It had 2 box gun blinds and 7 treestands on it as there are a couple other guys (don't know them) hunting it.

All their stands were quite a ways back into the property and I prepared one location only and it is 40 yards from the main road next to 3 apple trees. The apple trees are about 20 yards off the road but the area is very dense and even if a buck were at the trees I doubt anyone in a vehicle could see them because there is a ton of brush along the road. If they produce apples it should be good for an early season evening hunt and a couple evening pre rut hunts. Will rake it in late August so I can get in quiet as the deer be very near it.

Took me 5 hours to clear the tree and 4 lanes with a chainsaw. I'm getting to old for this stuff, not really and it sure feels good when it's done.

 

[redsquirrel]

That's pretty wild that there were that many stands on a 20 acre piece. Imagine if all those guys were out at once lol.

Thanks for keeping us up to date on your spring scouting and stand prep. It is great reinforcement to see everything that you have preached in your books in live action. I can't wait to the fall to hear when all the hard work payed off and you tell us you shot that buck out of that new spot you told us about!

You made me laugh with your old comment. Regardless of age you probably work harder and are in better shape than 99% of the hunters out there.

 

[Laker]

Last Wednesday I worked all day cleaning up 5 rut phase locations of new growth from the summer of 2013. One location was next to a creek crossing and a huge tree fell during winter and blocked the major runways crossing the creek at a shallow location. Had to get waders and a chainsaw and cut it into sections to allow it to flow downstream and out of the runway crossing. Also removed the steps from a tree I no longer hunt from because I moved over 10 yards to another tree in the fall.

I was worn out by the end of the day but all 5 trees are ready for fall.

Tomorrow will go check on another area that has several locations requiring clean-up and on one more location that needs to be totally prepared.

Also got permission on a 20 acre piece that looks pretty good on the aerial. Will check it out and prepare locations there next week.

I subscribe to the post season/ spring location preparation as well. It helps to prepare when the foliage is off and most likely the first sit will be late oct early nov. However for locations that I know I might hunt earlier in oct when foliage is still up, I struggle with being able to fully clear lanes and prep tree. It ends up needing more work in the pre season speed scout. How much noise and presence will a mature deer take at that point? I guess my question is how much is too much speed scouting in terms of cutting trimming and ultimately leaving some scent evidence in the area. Hunting in mi, one mistake is all it takes to wipe away the surprise ambush for early season trees. Would an early august tree clearing scout work so that I could see the location with the foliage and have a chance to do some trimming for early oct sits when leaves on? I suppose that would work late spring also.

 

[bowhunterchuck]

I have 1 spot to hunt with 2 other guys and it is 11 acres. The other 2 guys are limited to when they can hunt because of work so I pretty much have the area to myself. I have 2 ground blinds, 1 ladder stand, 2 hang ons and 4 saddle set ups. This year I want to remove all my set ups and make an 11 acre saddle hunter only spot. You would think that with all the stands I have on 11 acres I would know every inch of this property but.......scouting should be done at all your areas at this time of year. I found a funnel tucked into the thickest cover ever near a corner of a food plot. Never even thought of setting up here until I saw all the late season sign. There is a creek within 15 yards of the tree I will be set up in for easy and quiet access. Can't wait for a northwest wind !(and Nov.2015) Anyone want to buy some old hang on stands ?

 

[Stykbow1]

Awesome sounds like you've found a really great spot looking forward to hearing how it panned out next fall, I really like the creek access idea, you should be able to slip in and out pretty much undetected. Wish I had that option some of the places I'm hunting now there are only one or two access points due to the fact it is an urban area and access is through someones backyard. Best of luck!

Roger

 

[Beastofprey]

A good friend of mine and fellow saddle hunter deep_phried_squirrel went scouting last week on a local wma thats around 700 acres. For starters I would like to thank John and Chris Eberhart for sharing a fraction of their wealth of knowledge into such entertaining and educational books so that we can be the best bow hunter in the woods. This tract of land is relatively heavily hunted so we scouted out tons of other hunter sign (funny pics below). After walking about a half mile further than the average hunter we found an awesome bedding area and staging area and set up a great set. Cant wait to get back in there and feed the Mathews

 

[redsquirrel]

Looks like you guys had a productive time! And fun too!