Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

So how are you guys doing? Seeing anything good? I want to hear about your sheds or new areas you are finding now during the post season. I know a few of you are out there already scouting for next year.

After getting approx 10 pics in the last week of bucks with dropped antlers on my PA property, I decided it was time for some post season scouting and shed hunting. This property consists of about 90 acres that my family owns, however this is the first year I have been close enough to hunt it, no one else has hunted it that we know for nearly 20 years. We saw some good deer last season, but sign that indicated that there were more mature bucks than we were seeing. I simply didn't have the time this year to scout it more, so this weekend was a good time to spend some more time figuring the property out a bit. We found TONS of good sign in areas I simply didn't have the time to scout before the 05 season. My father had a 150 class 10 point come through the barnyard on the last day of rifle season and he had no gun, we also have seen some pretty good ones with no horns on the cameras in the last 2 weeks or so, so there are a few good ones left for next year. I also passed and saw at least 7 different 2.5-3.5 y/o bucks either in person on on camera, none of which were shot. Next year should be good hopefully with a better understanding for the deers patterns and a year of experience here under my belt. No one really seems to have killed anything giant around our property either this year.

Anyhow, below are some pictures of a different part of the property that we didn't get to hunt this year, and haven't spent time on except to hang posted signs. This upcoming season will be my second on the property, so I think we will have a lot more knowledge of it. The big boy that made these is still running around, we are landlocked by 800 acres or so that is all QDM managed and no one killed this guy. I haven't had time to focus on this part of the property, so Jaws and I scouted it out this weekend. Too bad I wasn't spending time here during the rut, we saw literally dozens of rubs in this area, these three are simply the biggest ones (no comments on the shady guy in the pictures.......simply there for reference and proportions on the size of the rubs). ;)

PS - In case anyone is wondering I am carrying my yote rifle - .223 we were calling this morning for them.

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

Sounds like you are getting some great information for next year. I need to get out and start walking some of the new woods I will be able to hunt next year. Looking for sheds, stand locations, signs, etc.

Good luck with all of those mature bucks next year, sounds like you have a dream set-up with lots of potential. Keep up the good work and thanks for the reports.

BTW, Did ya get any yotes?

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

No, but we bumped 2x of them out of a hemlock stand......the snow was only 2 hours old when we headed out and we saw a set of tracks coming running full bore out the other side of a 10 acre stand we walked into.....[:@]

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

I was out shed hunting today and snapped these pics of some pines that were hit pretty good this year.

Before I get the age old question.......No they are not from bear.

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

I've not been out too much yet. I'll start soon, a little shed hunting and scouting missions. I get a lot of scouting accomplished during spring turkey as well.
Looks like some of you guys have some good things to look forward to next year.

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

All during the '05 season I hunted the back end of this Huge thicket along the edge where the woods start. I know this is a major bedding area so I didn't venture into it, until now! It's probubly about 20 acres in size. Well I went in about two weeks ago along a well defined trail and saw Lots of sign as I gotinside! I found scrapes and rubs from this past season and there was crap EVERYWHERE! Trails and "tunnels" they use to get through are nunerous. I found a small clump of trees (big enough for a stand) in this little open area that has JUST enough room for shooting, maybe 15 yrds. It's like a little owasis.(sp) All last season I saw deer come from this thicket and passed on numerous doe waiting for a buck. I saw one small buck out a distance but that was about it. I know there are some large bucks in this thicket but I believe they move at dark! But if I get a nice setup inside I just might get me a shot at a big boy.:D
My trail cam is in this spot as we speak. It's been in for a week but I'll leave it in for two. Can't wait!

RE: Post Season Scouting Progress????
 

Hey buckeyebuck, can I come over and hunt with you?:D