3 hours cutting a trail.
 

I went deep into some really thick stuff this afternoon. There is an area on our lease that hasn't been hunted in about five years. I've done some scouting around there and it really looks promising but it is THICK! So today I decided to follow a game trail and clean it up so I can get in and out without stinking up the joint. I grabbed some lopping shears and hedge trimmers and went to work. I found a sweet clearingringed by red oaks that hascrossing trails with lots of fresh tracks. I had no idea what was in this thicket before. It took me three hours to clear a trail to the spot. I'll go back to hang a stand in one of the oaks soon and then leave the place alone until the wind is right to hunt it. I sweatmy butt off today and I really don't mind. If this spot is half as good as it looks it will be time and sweat well spent. Ithought about putting a trail cam out there but decided against it. I don't want to be going in and out regularly to check a camera. With no pressure at all for five years I don't want to screw the place up and hope my trail trimming didn't mess it up. Sorry about being so long with this post but man am I excited about this spot!

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

This dad gum deer huntin is work, now!!! It always amazes me just how much work goes into just one season. Excellent idea, now don't be surprised when the deer start using that trail, too.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

Yup, you've screwed yourself. First off, any access that takes 3 hours to create is to much time spent. Secondly, the deer will be using the new "easy" route. The minute they hit your sent on the trail you're screwed. It's all well and good to say I spent all this time to prepare, but your chance of screwing yourself is really good. You'd be better off feeling and pushing your way through the junk. You've created a visual sign, stinky human trail and termination point in the middle of Heaven. It's too early in the year for such drastic measures.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

After I got to the spot I was worried about that. I could find a new way in now that I know where it is but I'd have to push through at least 100yds of brambles, vines, etc. I would make such a racket and work up such a sweat I'd get busted that way. The only other thing I can think of is to make another trail out the other side and hope the deer and I are using different trails that day. That would probably put me in worse shape. Any suggestions besides just getting in as scent free as I can?

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

Human scent disipates as time goes on. By the time season rolls around and you get the necessary wind direction to hunt the spot, you'll be fine.

Granted, the deer will use the new trail that you've cut, but your scent isn't going to ruin the area. Considering the area hasn't been hunted in five years, those deer wont be likely to associate your scent with danger.

They may avoid the trail for a week or more, but as soon as your scent dissipates and dissapears, they'll start using it more and more.

I know a lot of guys who do just what you've done by cutting their own trails to make "super highways" for deer.

If your scent in July is going to ruin your chances of seeing a buck by October/November, we may as well all stay out of the woods and never set foot in them for scouting/hanging stands/ placing cameras/etc until the day we plan to hunt. If we don't get anything that day? Oh no, better luck next year, our scent has ruined the area! :eek:

Good luck with your spot, can't wait to see pictures of the bruiser you take out of it.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

I agree with Washington Hunter, your new trail won't screw up your hunting this year. The deer WILL start using your trail very soon. They are a lot like humans in taking the path of least resistance. Getting in quietly and as scentless as possible is better than pushing your way in through the brush. That would scare the deer on the way in in addition to depositing scent all over the place right at a deer's nose height. In my opinion, clearing a path so that you don't have to touch vegetation on the way in is most important. Wear rubber boots and possibly a little cover scent on them to avoid leaving a scent trail.

I did this a couple years ago and watched a huge buck walk down the same path I took. He never noticed I'd been there until he sniffed the only twig I touched on the way in. THAT caused him to spin around and beat feet out of there, but my ground scent never spooked him.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

Washington hit the nail on the head. You did your cutting early enough,shouldn't have any problems.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

You'll be fine once the season rolls around. As we obtain new land, we go in and cut and make trails for both walking and the ATV. By the time hunting season is here you'll be just fine. The key to is leave it relatively undisturbed from here on out.

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

You could parachute in. ;):D

RE: 3 hours cutting a trail.
 

You can bet that the deer have already moved into this area and will be regularly using these trails through this thicket. I've done similar trail cuttings and have been shocked by the number of mature bucks that would show up nearly instantly! No doubt about it, it WILL attract some serious deer! It should be a great location for ya. My only concern is that this sanctuary area that I'm sure resident deer have utilized for years has now been violated and the effect of hunting pressure will quickly have a dramatic effect. Allow the deer a large area that you won't penetrate and and always keep this area upwind. Good luck on your new set-up.