Ok I got permission to hunt this great property just behind another one of my properties, but a few problems 1. there is a river separating the two properties 2. most of the trails and deer signs are by the river 3. its a long walk from the other side and there is a steep vally where i would have to walk throught. would it be better to walk across the river, id need waders but i already have a pair for fishing or would it be better to walk throught the whole forest? thanks

Are you using a rifle, shotgun, ML or bow? IF you can do it safely, I would walk in the water as much as possible or use a boat when possible to help prevent leaving a scent. I suggest doing this now while wearing a life jacket to learn the river and its dangers with at least two or three experienced adults following you on shore and/or boat in case you were to have problems. I would not go out on a river with a fast current. I also do not trust the ice on rivers.

Deer need water, so there will most likely be deer trails at and near the water. It is likely some deer trails run parallel to the river. See if you can locate funnel points, food sources, bedding areas and also were the deer cross the river. Find some high ground at these points where you can be concealed but still have a good vantage point. Have you thought about setting up some trail cams to help with scouting?

I would cross the river. As little as you have to walk in the woods the better. Have you considered a small boat? Even a a blow up one? I guess it is big enough for that, you said river and not stream. I know several guys that do that to get to a piece of public land and it is worth it.

i would be using bow and shot gun. I know the river like the back of my had i have fished it sence i was 12 but i dont want to be relying the river to stay low enough to safely cross. we thought about a boat but would that scare the deer or no?

I would say that unless it is a motor boat you should be ok on noise. My friend has a rope that goes across the river. It is about 100' feet across. He just pulls himself across each way. Not sure if that is possible. No matter how you get across I think that is better than walking through acres of woods.

i agree 100% the river isnt that deep in the fall its mostly rapids so its easy to cross, i just wanted to make sure it was a good idea thanks alot Alltlk4

Happy to help. Feel free to look me up this fall and let me know how it goes. Good Luck.