So I just gained access to a 33 acre tract (yes, I know its very late in the game for that but I just moved to a new state 30 days ago), fully wooded and no fields surrounding the property--just more land and homes). The property has small ridges throughout. At this point in the year, what would you look for in a place to setup for an early season hunt?

Ryan....

From the looks of your past harvests.....I have no problems believing you know what you're doing.

This is just what stands out to ME. That lower SE corner looks like a heckuva bedding area.....and I'd be interested to know where your mast producing trees were on this tract. I hunt some similar areas, here.

looks good to me

Ur right, im not a rookie...just don't usually walk into an area blind like this-I have always had the advantage of scouting in Feb/March/April when sign is still prevalent and foliage is at a minimum...I walked the area a bit today and found that the SE corner you mentioned is very thick and also has best acorns i found. The area across the road in the SE corner is a large tract of woods that is triad airport property and won't have any hunting on it. I found a few minimal trails, no new buck sign (doesn't surprise me this early). However, I do know there is a buck in there judging by one of the tracks I found. Just looking for some ideas other than what I already had (two heads better than one, etc...)

I would ask at the airport if the property contains a woodlot. I have had some luck obtaining permission on airports (and one blimp hangar). There should be an airport manager and he will be intensely interested in preventing deer/airplane collisions.

kwilson makes a VERY valid point. One thing you'd HAVE to be aware of, though, is the security measures the airports MUST take in today's society. It "may" be a very good potential possibility, though. I'd love to talk to you about it.....because I know some guys, here, ho've gained access to our local airport. If approached the right way....it could be a "win-win" for you and the airport.....but it's probably going to take some legal behind the scenes paperwork. Shoot me a PM or call me if you still have my number. It's worth approaching them....and I may have some of the up-front things you'd need to go in with a plan.