A few weeks ago, I scouted some property I got permission to hunt on. I found a nice stand site which is about 30 yards from a pond (very dry conditions here in PA this year). On the opposite side of the stand site are a couple nice oak trees. I am in a relatively thin strip of woods with lots of fields around. I'm set up right between a feeding area and a bedding area. I have seen plenty of deer in the area BUT....when I scouted, I could not find any definitive trails in the piece of woods. And believe me, I went everywhere. Now, I did scout this property right after a day of rain. Could it be that I couldn't see the trails because of the rain soaked ground? Do you think the deer are coming through my stand site area?
Help! I'm not sure this is the spot I should take on opening day.

ALWAYS CALL YOUR SHOT.

That sounds like a honey pot to me! You got a bedding area on one side of you and then a feeding area on the other! Did you check if the oaks are producing any acorns? If they are STAY THERE!! It is also very possible that since you did scout after the rain that it did wash the track away from a normaly used trail. I would suggest to scout after it has not rained for 2-3 days b/c the rain usually does make the deer bed down for that day and the day or 2 after and then they return to normal traviling. Let me know and good luck on opening day.

You're definitely in a good spot.The deer will use that strip as a runway to the feed/bedding areas.When I hunt areas like this,I usually find sign on the edges where the fields and wood lot come together.Good Luck!

That sounds like the type of spot I usually dream of. I can't imagine that area not producing for you. I say stay there as long as you can, and you'll see deer. I wouldn't let the trail issue get you down, I bet there are deer moving through there. Good luck buddy and happy hunting.

If this thin strip of woods is on level ground and fairly open, no undergrowth you may not have any well defined paths, especially if these trees are oaks, the deer will meander back and forth snacking on acorns. It sounds like an excellent spot.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

I would stay put, if you are between the bedding area and a food plot, the deer are bond to come by you sooner or later. Good luck