ORIGINAL: Davoh

1st question, what are you're prevailing winds? And you did say you own this property right?

How are relations with your neighbor to the south? Is he the one that sold you the property? I'd ask him if I could park my truck there and hike in from there.

As for the thick stuff, it sounds like what I hunted alot in East Texas as a kid. Typically deer will run the edges and well worn paths through terrain like that. It may be a bit late in the year for it, but if you have capable equipment, try cutting trails through the briars for them early next spring. They'll use em.

As for this year, have you thought about tripods since there's not much in the way of huntable trees? A simple ladder stand might work too on some of the 6" trees if you can find cover. It's my understanding that the blue lines indicate the deer's usual route out of the bedding area. Depending on the wind, my first thought would be put a set up 20 yards south of the trails, between the two, and setups on either side for playing the wind. But don't hunt there unless the wind is right. Have you thought of a dugout blinds out in the field? I know it sounds corny, but they work.

I would think you're right about the island, so that may need to be reserved as a rut hot spot and new moons. Otherwise you don't want to hunt too far into their bedding area. Find where in that thicket if they are in specific locations and stay out of them. If the deer don't have a place to feel safe, they'll pack up shop and leave the property.