Well, I decided to make a break from the same-old, same-old! I was hunting a 500 acre lease with 5 members and have been killing deer, just not the quality that I'd like. Being as it was only 500 acres, I knew the place pretty well in the first year. My choices were: stick with what I know, a "meat lease," or bail off into new territory!
I decided to go with something new! Now I am on a 6600 acre lease with 60 others. (I know that to some that might be crowded but, in East Texas a good rule of thumb is 100 acres per gun.)
The largest area I've ever hunted was about 2000 acres, so this place is really huge to me!
There are many different terrains on this place. Clear cuts, creek bottoms, swamps and rolling hills. I know this is going to be a challenge that I have not had in many years but, there should be some big deer in there.
I know I won't be able to learn this place for at least a couple of seasons, but I am excited at the chance and challenge to hunt "big woods" and "river bottom" deer again!
I have already noticed that not many members are hunting the swamp areas, near the river. I think that deserves a little investigation! What do you think?