I live in southeast iowa and on the way to scout for deer the past couple weeks ive been noticing alot of deer feeding neer small patches of timber in the middle of fields. Last year there were only a few deer using them but this year the number has increased to rediculous numbers. Haven't seen any big bucks using them but we know that they're in them from time to time because of last years rubs and "eye witness" accounts. My question is.. instead of hunting the "big timber" Ive been hunting, with no success on big bucks, should I hunt these small patches. And if so, how would I go about getting to and hunting them without being detected. They are literally in the middle of crop fields, most of the patches have crp around them with irrigation ditches running along side or through them. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

a ground blind and get there 2 hours early do you dont spook them getting in mabey.

Try hunting the small patches a few times to see if it works out...you can always move and try somewhere else if it doesn't.It would be great if you could be between 2 of the patches of woods and near the irrigation ditches that were running with water!

thanks alot. and i do believe there is 2 sets of timber that are about 100 yds apart along a ditch. all of the patches area coupleacres in size most are long and only 40-60 yds wide but they are thick brush. Should be easy pickins on does, all the fields are soybeans this year i believe.

I stalk and still hunt with my bow and do not use a ground blind at all. I find hunting from the ground a great challenge that can not be compared to. The feeling of having a deer walk by from 10-15 yards no one canimagineit when just sitting on the ground at their level... I would find a spot that they are traveling in and out ofby the ditch you mentioned. I would use redfox or raccoon cover scent as well. (The cover scent should be of something that would normally be in this area..) If no luck find an area that they are travel in and out of to get into those bushes. Sit near by that area where you will get a good shot. When sitting on the ground use very little movement as it most important in this case. Good Luck..

thanks phil, I think I may try spot and stalk bow. I have the perfect setup for it being thatI have unlimited access to natural deer scent. My dads a deer farmer and nothing covers your scent better than letting a deer take a nap on your gear. Ive had deer walk downwind within 10 feet of me, look at me and continue eating. Thats only for early season, once they start getting ready to rut its too dangerous to get in the pen that the bucks are in and I definately dont want my clothes smelling like something worth trying to breed. But thanks for the tip, sounds challenging and could be a good time.

bassman.. if I was you. Don't ever hunt these small patches in morning.. EVER! At least not until the rut has started.. even then be cautious and get in Real Early!

Hunting those small blocks is real easy to screw up for the entire year. Just hunt it with some common sense. Don't over pressure the piece, hunt with the right wind, hunt evenings and it's edges, and keep a low profile. The key here is not to educate or pressure the deer into bigger blocks of timber.

Look forsaddles that may extend out into the fields where the deer feel safe crossing between small woodlots or larger ones. That ditch may just be the ticket. Just don't hunt mornings...

Ive been thinking alot about it and I agree duke. I think the deer may have found these patches to be safe-havens and I think if I do hunt them I will only hunt a select few. some scouting will determine which ones and leave the others untapped so the deer wont leave the area all together.