Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I've got a great little spot (Brknarrow and I walked it, yesterday) with a secluded bean field just outside the bedding area. I "think" they're using this field to stage in.....just before going to a larger bean field to feed, every night.

My question (having never been able to hunt ag fields) is.....do you think they're hanging out in this small field for very long? I have to think of them as "browsers".....and I don't think they'll hang out in this small field for an extended period......but that they'll move on.

It makes a difference in whether or not I can use this spot as an entry route in the mornings....to catch them coming home from the larger fields.

We watched them feed the other night at Brandon's (NCHunterman) and about 30 deer browsed across a +/- 40 acre field.....and fed on away.

If they do that, here, and don't get back until daylight.....I'll be OK.

I can post up a photo if you think it'll help.

Thanks.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I hunt a bean field just like this. We have success in the PM as they come out of the bedding before the nightly rounds. The AM is usually not as hot in the field as they are not usually feeding just moving. But you should hunt it for sure.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

The only difference Pierce.....is I wouldn't be hunting THE field in the mornings. I'd be using it as an access point to slip into a woodlot I know they're using on their return trip, home. I have no intentions on hunting the ag field in the AM. I've got a SWEET tree picked out (OK....props to Frank;)) for the evening sits, there.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

This article says in what is known as the October Lull, deer still feed in fields just not as predictable, and the best spot is a small food plot in the middle of the woods.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

My season opens 9/13. I plan to be in this spot, opening morning. I've got enough spots in there to play just about any wind.....or, better said.....take my chances on the BEST wind/spot.

Come October.....It'll probably NOT be my best option.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Get some scent lok, then you dont worry about wind...

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Bowtech....no offense....but when you kill a deer....I'll weigh your responses with a little more weight. I'm asking the guys who actually utilize tactics and kill deer.

Thanks;)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Does anyone make EGOLOK?????

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Egolok? Nothing egotistical about it. But if I'm gonna be berated by someone over something they don't use and don't understand.....I'd at LEAST like for them to have "some" (read ANY) expereince when doing so.

Now use your own mantra and either respond to the thread information......or "pass". Thanks.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

berated?? hardly. Entertaining, yes.

Also, in the future, please dont use my words (mantra)until you utilize tactics and actually kill a few more deer.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Wow, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed, My first response was straight out of a Bowhunting Magazine. My second was a joke about scent lok...

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Sorry Bowtech. I had no idea of who I was talking to.



Thanks for the "tip".;)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

The field in question is on the top of the photo....to the left and above the top stand in the photo. The stand below that is the one I want to get into, opening morning.

I'd like to use that small field and that side of the woodlot as my entrance point.....because they'll be using the larger field, to the left of the road, as their main feeding grounds.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

well back to theoriginal question. AM shouldn't be that bad. ive sat on the edge of many a been field and watched deer in the morning. I usually have better luck in smaller fields with cover simply because of security for the deer.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Deer will use a small bean field like that anytime during both the day and night...I have sat over a few of our fields during a full moon until 10:00pm...I've seen deer come into the field and eat, then leave and come back an hour or two later...I used to think that they got out of their bed and fed all night, I no longer believe that...I guess they eat what they want, lay down close by and chew their cud, then get back up and feed again...
If undisturbed they willl also come into the field and feed in the middle of the day...Be careful entering and exiting that field because they will also bead down in the beans if undisturbed...

We have a field that when planted in beans, I sit over it in the morning...I drive my 4-wheeler beside the field in the dark and park it inside the woods near the tree that I climb...About an hour after daylight, I start seeing deer, in the field!!! They will feed for awhile, then bed in the field...After awhile they start heading into the woods to bed...I've killed them as late as 11:00am coming from the field, heading into the woods...

I have also killed a deer with my .243 and then glassed the field and could see deer in the beans, looking around, trying to determine what that noise was...I think they feel comfortable and hidden in those beans so they don't want to leave them...

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

The beauty (right now) of this bean field is, nc.....it's not nearly as far along as the one across the street. It's fairly sparse in there, right now. I suppose I'm taking a chance going in there, at all.....but the amount of deer sign in that woodlot is tremendous. I can't NOT hunt it.

My hope is they'll feed across the street, sometime overnight, and use the woodlot as a means of egress back to the bedding area. I'm probably gonna bust a few out as I go in, sometimes, but I'm banking on the stragglers.

I agree with your assessment, though....and I have no reason to believe they aren't bedding very close to this field day and night. There's also beans in those lower 3 left fields....and I think they're going as far as that to eat, too. I just have trouble getting over there (entrance route). I'm gonna give it a try and see.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

hard to say...seems some deer walk and wander and browse more than others...

i have a spot pretty similar...only, i have a staging area of great oaks...but, ive been busted once or twice when they bedded right off my trail in the thick edge between the field and normal bedding area...i think PA deer are different...they seem to bed anywhere they feel like laying down...lots of thick spots...not much predation...ive found beds in the open hard woods...usually by a downed tree or logs etc...but still in the wide open...

also very common for me to see deer bedding in fields at night...but ive never seen any in the fields before hunting in the mornings...but after first light some brave ones will occassionally meander into the fields...

if you can figure them out in your area, you can come up with a plan...glassing late in the evening, spotting(dont think its legal in NC...i wanna say Rob took you spotting in PA and it was your first time) glassing early early mornings etc aughta tell you how the deer are using the area....but, keep in mind summer patterns can and will differ from what happens in hunting season and fall...

hard to compare...if ive ever seen 30 it was in a dead of winter herd...

keep it simple...find the food source...find the bedding area...get inbetween the 2 or in a staging area....

ive never hunted directly over a field and likely never will get to in PA...fields and daylight dont go hand in hand in my area...too many roads, poachers, spotters, etc...even hard to get them into a selcluded field in daylight hours...

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

GMMAT I see what you mean. Yea using the field to get into the stands on the upper right is the best way in the early am. Provided the wind is right for you. I really like that top stand position as it's right at the funnel of the two woodlots. You must have some good trails cutting through there.

Personally I would cut though the middle of the field from the farm houses. then make a left and head straight to my stand. You are going to bump the deer in the field either way but if you stay out in the middle you may not bump some in the left side of the woodlot. Again if the wind is right you will bump them on sound but they will not go far.

Later

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Ah... the old catch-22. One of the downfalls certainly of hunting any Ag area.

To cross an open field in morning to hunt..??

I won't ever give advice on what you should do.. or what anyone should do.

But rather this.

If we all believe for the most part that whitetail bucks get back to there own beds earlier (excluding the rut) than the younger whitetails wouldn't it stand to reason that the buck would feed as close to his bedroom, for that day, as possible?

I always walk woods when getting to stand. I'd rather take my time.. point the flashlight straight down.. and move at a nice even pace through the woods rather than through a Ag field where there is great possibility a deer is on. Especially a secluded field where I believe a good buck would more than likely be feeding.

A noise in the woods can be anything to a deer.. including another deer. But you nearly never can get away from being busted when you choose the route of open field where deer are feeding or bedded and chewing their cud just waiting to head back into a wooded bed for the remainder of the day.

I've learned these lessons so often the hard way. Sometimes if the conditions are absolutely perfect.. I'll go in via Ag field. And even sometimes us hunters have no choice.

But if there is a choice I would say not to go into any set via Ag field where deer should be feeding. It would have to become an evening location until right around the period of good rutting signals.

But that's just me.[&:]

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I appreciate the post, Duke.

Would it make any difference if I went in EARLY? I'm talking 4:00AM?

Ideally.....I could enter below the woodlot. But, to do that....I'd have to cross in front of it. Another thought has been to have Lisa drop me off at the creek crossing (south on the road) and I could walk the grass field edge to get there.

I know theyre in that large field, every night, to the left of the road. Getting in behind them is my conundrum.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

It's risky.. no doubt. But if you want big rewards sometimes you have to take big risks.

Earlier is definately better though.

From my own experience.. and that of which I've learned from and with constant others..

Avoid walking through any Ag land if you can.

if you cannot..

Wait for the approaching breeding season.. even if it's still a couple weeks out. But the timing of the year is approaching and fall is here. Wait for that good cold front.. something to keep a buck on its feet a little longer as he's out messing with the ladies.

Then get in early. The earlier the better. And sit tight.

Now the foundation of the entire hunt is the bean fields. They come in early usually (the farmers take them away:(). I don't know when in NC.. but I know in Illinois the general time frame.. So you have to throw this into the equation as well. And this may very well determine the very best time to hunt this stand.

Bucks love the beans just before they dry. But much of the time they all but disappear usually as the beans dry up.. and other sources of food get hot. This is the other problem.

This is where my choice of hunting the stand only in the evening would come into play. Unless I could get that luck.. and that cold front early enough in the season.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I've got a stand site for an afternoon hunt that's perfect for that little field. I just HATE to let that spot go (for mornings)....as I KNOW they're using it for egress to and from (the woodlot). I couldn't care less about that field....(mornings), except it's thesneakiest way (I have) to access the woodlot.

Sucks having the spot and not being able to hunt it....right.

Knowing me....I'll take that chance and go in, early. Who knows what I'm messing up? OR....if I play it right?

I'll follow my gut, I guess.Having never hunted there is gonna hurt me, I know.

Here's another question, Duke.....lol. Would you shoot a doe, here? Slam dunk?

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Welcome to hunting with Ag fields.

As far as shooting a doe... not on your life.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Thanks for your "help" Duke.

Things I have learned, today:

I have GREAT numbers of deer.........too many does.......can't shoot one...and it wouldn't matter.....because I have nowhere I can hunt.

Sounds like a stellar fall is imminent.:D

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I'd like to change my answer with my original post about shooting does.

It's hard not to think of where I hunt compared with you Jeff. As it is with anyone.

If you have a ton of does.. by all means take some down. But try to do it in a way that won't possibly hurt your chances at a good buck.

Can I ask you a Q Jeff..?

If you are seeing so many deer in the evening.. why do you wish to even chance it in the am..??

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

GMMAT, had a similar thing in Md. except they were corn fields. They'd bed in the small corn field while it was still standing and then get up and browse through a hedgerow to the bigger field. Eventually after dark they ended up in an alfalfa field the other side of both. When the corn got cut they come out in the small field but didn't stay in it long. They'd get right on through the hedgerow and into the bigger more open field to feed. Eventually again they moved on to the alfalfa after dark as it was near a road. The one constant, is they were much easier to predict coming into the small field. Once they hit the bigger field they could go a zillion directions and did. Oh they had their prefered trails and little dips and rises they prefered, but nothing was as predictable as where they'd enter and leave the small field. Bucks will be right near dark if not after dark and have their own little routines. You're more likely to catch them closer to the beds, both coming and going,which is the small field. There's safety in having the woods close, but they seem to want to get out where they have more options. I'd hunt the small field, see what they do and go from there. They have their favorite routes.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

That's why I referenced the "slam dunk". I know I GOTTA be careful they don't make it back into the bedding area. I know there are no guarantees.....but a 15 yd shot to a broadside deer......I think I can make it count.

I ALWAYS welcome your questions, Duke.

You may be thinking that "I" was talking about my hunting lands, earlier....in relation to how many deer I was seeing. Fact is....that was at someone else's place. I see more deer, here, AM v. PM. (In this area). They may be coming from further away than I'm thinking....but I'm sure they're bedding in the thicket below the field.

I haven't seen great numbers of deer, here. I have seen "good" numbers. With our season <40 days out....I'll start to scout this area hard in the coming 20 days.

I suppose if I didn't want to throw caution to the wind.....I could use afternoon sits to scout, also......in season.

As far as I know.....NO ONE is going in there, at all. I know people use this road to walk, every morning, but I should be the only one hunting, there.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

If you'll notice in the southwest, inside corner of that little field, Frank found a small tree I could climb.....and I can shoot all the way to the SE inside corner....or...where I think they'll be entering that field.

You're making me re-think....and that's a good thing.

I can go in there in the evening and cover that entire corner. The amount of deer scat on the ground along that field edge is tremendous. The little trails on the field edge (from the corner up to the tree we picked out) is are also very worn and defined.

I can also go to that farm house (lower) on the right hand side of the road to scout. No one lives there. I can see, from there, if they're using the woodlot to get to the bigger fields.

I may only see a bunch of does.....but it looks absolutely great.

I appreciate you guys time.....immensely.;)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Looks like a great place, good luck putting it all together.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I have a spot just like you mentioned.. Does are bedding right on the edge of a field. It's beans this year.. I have a hang on set up right in there. I will get deer coming and going all day in this area. I may bump a doe from time to time but come rut time the bucks are coming right through looking for does. I hunt it with a south wind about 30 yds in the woods and have good luck..

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

grizz....

Only the two most "keft" stand sites you reference are on the property I can hunt. I've given some thought to the one you reference to the left (the most) and wondered when you thought I'd best sit there (what time of year).

Thanks for your input.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Here's the view from the hedgerow.......looking east.....from the lower left (SW corner) bean field.

I wish I had a good method to hunt this field, too......but entry/exit is a BITCH!;)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Jeff, I primarily hunt big wood, not much experience with farm land. The area in blue, I would say, is a bedding area also. Late in the year, Dec. and Jan., or in times of bad weatherit sould be the primary bedding area....Being on the south side of that hill. I knowyou cant hunt that spot but you can hunt thoes deer. Withthat in mind, I would hunt that corner when the acorns start to drop andlate in the year.As far as getting in and out, Idon't havea clue. It's a long shot, but is there a creek bedyou can walk down?

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Which corner are you referring to?:)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

This one, the one you referrd toon previous post.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Inside that circle....and above the stand site I have posted.....is a little "Flat" area that's kinda swampy and looks like where the creek has overflowed its banks a lot.

Not very thick....but it looks REALLY "deery". Anywhere in there would be a great mast crop/rut stand. I'm all over it.

Thanks.;)

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

Dang, the kid was only offering what you asked for Jeff, you didn't need to bite his head off. But then again Im the one with abad habit of making fun of people??

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

That looks like he answered it, Landon.:eek:

Really....there was no need for your post, here. Thanks.

RE: Ag fields close to bedding area
 

I just thought you were out of line, my opinion, my response to you. it's done now.