While walking from a stand to my truck (a different route than normal) I noticed a few rubs on some trees. I got closer and noticed around 20 different rubs almost all the same pattern or height. It was daytime so I krept a couple yards in the timber and glassed around. The first group of rubs was around the edge of the timber plot 3 Acres. I noticed a second group of rubs thirty yards away and more towards the center of the timber. One tree was the size of a bowling ball and pretty scarred up. It was like he stayed in the middle and spun around in a circle and molested everything he could get horns on. The timber is surrounded by beans on two sides (west and north) tall grass to the south and road frontage and scrubby stuff 150 yards to the east. When is the best time to hunt this timber? I have a Sumitt Viper and there are plenty of trees to climb. Do I go as far in as I can to the west. Rubs line was on the west side. His tracks going into the timber are dang near steer sized so I know he is a huge buck. Give me some advice please. I think this might be one of the big boys I saw this summer.

14mercs, where do you think he is bedding? All good plans must start with where the deer are bedding. In the 3 acre timber? The scrubby stuff to the east? Determine his general bedding area, and then you can come up with a plan to harvest him. Please give me a little more info.....

I think he is bedding in the timber because I had the farmer tell me a deer had been jumping from there during harvest time two different nights.

Well, if you think he is in the timber, what to do.... With only 3 acres you must be EXTREMELY careful not to spook him. Odds are he is heading to the soy beans to the west and north each evening. With only the 3 acres I wouldn' t even consider morning hunting, I don' t think you could slip in on him w/o being detected. I would start by hunting the very edge of the soybeans, probably where the woods corner to the north and west. But, keep in mind the wind must be perfect. You don' t want to start out by going too deep into the timber. I would hunt the edge a few times then move a little closer in, not much, maybe a 100yds or so. Some good long-range scouting with binoculars would also be a good idea. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice Belle! These Northern Illinois Bucks are awesome! I hope your advice works.