Timbercruiser,
Many, many people are greatly " missing the boat" in the property management area with the misunderstanding that they need large tracts of land of 1000 or more acres to fully manage a property.

Most properties can be improved substantially in their attractiveness and holding capabilities. It' s all about setting reasonable expectations and attainable goals. Is it realistic to shoot a 4.5 year old every year?...absolutely not! But is it reasonable to improve the amount of available food on a property by 10X' s it' s current production, add safety areas, bedding areas, water sources, strategic stand locations, and hold a few does to have a reasonable chance at a 2.5 year old 8 point every year, and an occasional larger one every 4 or 5 year....you bet!

The average guy with 40 acres never comes close to the potential of their property. James Kroll, one of the highest paid consultants in the country, owns 200 acres. His goal for that 200 acres was to make that 200 acres the largest 200 acres in the area, and he did. It' s really not a stretch to make your property 10x' s more attractive, or more, than without sound habitat management.

You know those great 1 to 2 acre spots in the woods that are a " can' t miss" hunting location every year? the perfect combination of cover, food, water, etc..? Why can' t a guy take that attractiveness and turn it into his own 40 acre paradise? In my experience, it' s not as far-fetched as some make it out to be.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan