where should i be hunting
 

We've always hunted fields for the most part in years past. This year we are hunting public land and we are trying to figure out how to hunt it. There is a creek that is on both sides of the land. There are acorn trees on one side of the land. We found a scrape on an old path. There isnt any fields to hunt on the property so we are having a hard time figuring out which area is the best place to hunt. If it were you, would you hunt in the acorn trees area, the scrape area, or close to the creek? The acorn trees arent too far from either part of the creek.

acreage? maps? property set up in relation to compass headings, prevailing winds? where have you found sign?

Look for funnels or pinch point on the property. in other words areas in which force or encourage deer movement. right now is the time of the year to be hunting switchback trails that bucks frequent inbetween bedding areas. also hunting the does travel routes is always a good option. you may not know this right now but you will find out quicly enough after sitting on this property.

a good option is to use google maps to get a birds eye view of the property looking for elevation differences and the pinch point or funnels from an aerial view. i have used this method many times and have come up with fairly accurate assumptions.

You should also be able to walk the creek and look for major deer crossings in the bank. Look for fresh tracks.
If you found a fresh scrape, thats always a good place to start.
As previously stated, observation is the best teacher.
If you find where they are bedding, you got it licked.

White oaks??? If so hunt em

Be willing to go where others are to lazy to go. Public land bucks are infinitely smarter than most other bucks. They see a ton of hunting pressure and they'll do whatever it takes to escape it. It will probably mean you will have to make a long hike going in, but the reward could be worth it.