Most of my hunting area looks like this picture. With lots of saplings and under growth it's hard to find spots to hunt. Is it OK to clear spots out after the season ? (don't want to mess with it this close to opening day) A little at a time maybe, as to not upset things too much. I also now have easy access to get a bush hog to the back of my property to keep a fence line mowed. It has a canopy of trees. Should I leave the canopy or trim the trees to let more light in and possibly plant something there ? Thanks !
__________________
Rob
2008 Team Heart Stoppers (captain)
2007 Team CHAOS
You may be able to call your local dnr and ask them about controlled burns. Thats the way they keep the undergrowth down here on public land. And if im not mistaken they will come do it for a fee = but dont quote me on that.
But to answer your ? I would find a good spot and clear some shooting lanes now and hang a stand there now.
__________________
-Nathan
My Rig:
PSE Typhoon 2003 60# 27.5"
HHA Optimizer Lite Sight
QAD Hunter Drop Away Rest
Tru GLo Quiver
Limbsaver Stabilizer
Muzzy 100 gr. 3 Blade
If you clear a trail (bushog?) now.....there's a good chance they'll use YOUR trail, come this fall. I've cleared (machette sp?) trails that I wanted to use to get to my stands.....only to find the deer start using them shortly thereafter.
I'm with Jeff, do it now! The deer will use those cleared areas as well. Opening day is coming...but its a long way off yet, even if you start in September. You would have to have some rank B.O. for it to hang around that long!
__________________
2007 Bowtech Commander 70# @32"
Spot-Hogg Hunter Hogg-It 5 Pin
Limb Driver
Easton Full Metal Jacket Camo 300
Grim Reaper Razorcut
Grizz Trick 125
Summit Goliath SS
If you clear a trail (bushog?) now.....there's a good chance they'll use YOUR trail, come this fall. I've cleared (machette sp?) trails that I wanted to use to get to my stands.....only to find the deer start using them shortly thereafter.
That's what I have found also. They'll even usetrails that you cut directly to your stand so be careful.You don't really want them to walk directly at or away from you.
__________________
"I do not Hunt animals to Kill them. I kill animals because I Hunt." Roger Rothhaar
I agree. You'll even get a bit of regrowth if you have a little rain. You need a lot of that undergrowth in order to hold deer... so don't get too wild with it. Those big pretty open woods quite often look pretty.... but they don't have much of the things that deer need (like food or cover). Those thick hardwood patches are fantastic bedding areas, and its pretty easy to find which trails the deer are using. You'd be suprised once you climb up a tree how well you can see down into that stuff... might not be quite as thick as it seems.
__________________ You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. - Kid Rock
clearing some under growth
