Deer are like humans. They are lazy!!!! If you have a choice of walking thru a briar patch and then Russian Autumn Olive or across an open field, which way are you going to go to get to the same point of interest? Deer are the same way. They will travel that pond dam to get between 2 points because it has the path of least resistance and still afford them cover if needed in just a few bounces. Put a stand near each end and watch the wind and you will have a pinch point for times to come.