Need some advice

imbac · 09-03-2008, 10:29 PM

I plan on hunting a 2000 acre property that is bordered by a river on one side and a bayou on the other. This property will be available to me for bow season only. There are a few strict rules regarding this property:
1. No feeders, baiting, campsites, bicycles, horses or all terrain vehicles are allowed on this property ( rolling carts or wagons are allowed ).
2. I will be allowed to scout the area for only 2 weeks prior to beginning of bow season.

Questions:
1. When scouting I plan to look for the usual scrapes, trails etc. Anything else I should look for to locate some deer?
2. Would using a pop-up blind be beneficial? I would have to transport it in/out each day that I use it and I cannot set it up prior to the days that I hunt.
3. Any advice on building a ground blind out of natural cover would be appreciated.
4. What type of scent lures would you recommend?

All help in this matter is greatly appreciated!

englum_06 · 09-03-2008, 10:50 PM

To be honest with ya, if you can't get in except for two weeks before, I would go in that two weeks before and look for a place where you KNOW there will be deer. Finda good run or something leading to food. Then I would try and find some good cover maybe 20 yards or so back off of it and sit in it. Maybe some deadfall or something. Something that will break you upbut still allow you to get a shot off.Probably wouldn't worry bout the pop-up. My opinion on those is that unless it's out for a long time, you'll spook more than you wont. Taking it in and out everyday would be a pain as well. BUT, after all, that's just my opinion!

steelslinger · 09-04-2008, 04:52 AM

No trees for a climber? What part of the country are you hunting? Down South? I would use the usuals to find the deer. Bedding areas, food sources, travel paths like dithces or saddles....etc. If no place to hang climbers, I would suggest placing a good natural blind somewhere between bed and food source and try to pay attention to your primary wind when placing it. 2000 acres sounds like alot of room to move, so I would really take the two weeks and learn every inch.

virginiashadow · 09-04-2008, 05:18 AM

imbac---you have a topo map of the area? Or a satellite image? That could narrow your search down tremendously. Walking around trying to learn every inch of a hunting area just two weeks out could spook/educate some deer if they wind you/see you. If you have the opportunity, I would scout during a rain storm or high winds if possible.

imbac · 09-04-2008, 08:21 AM

Steelslinger

Property is very heavily wooded. It is located in east Texas. Any advice on using a tree climber would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!

GMMAT · 09-04-2008, 08:25 AM

I'd sure like to see a topo of the area.

imbac · 09-04-2008, 08:27 AM

Virginiashadow,

Do you have any suggestions on locating topographical maps? I have only been able to locate a satellite image which provided little info due to the property being very heavily wooded. Thanks for your help!

GMMAT · 09-04-2008, 08:37 AM

If you can find a site that gives you an aerial image.....there's usually a place thereto add topography.

Good luck.

StealthHtr22 · 09-04-2008, 08:38 AM

Find a natural funnel if possible.Either ridge lines, draws, creeks/ditches, etc.

gplant · 09-04-2008, 09:09 AM

Before you go scouting go to google earth and punch in the address or one that is near and get a birds eye view first to find bottlenecks,ditch lines and so on so you can minimize disrupting the entire area and focus on the key areas andbest spots in them. GOOD LUCK!!!!