Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 26, 2018, 06:30:53 PM
I feel like fewer deer can make a trail look like a highway in such areas. It's hard not to get excited seeing what looks like a heavily used trail but trail cameras indicate deer travel it once every 2-3 days.
Thoughts and observations are welcomed and encouraged
Post by: Roy from Pa on March 26, 2018, 06:41:35 PM
Post by: Macatawa on March 26, 2018, 06:52:25 PM
Do you find deer trails tend to look more heavy when traveling on soft ground such as in swamps?
I feel like fewer deer can make a trail look like a highway in such areas. It's hard not to get excited seeing what looks like a heavily used trail but trail cameras indicate deer travel it once every 2-3 days.
Thoughts and observations are welcomed and encouraged
Yes, that's been my experience in Michigan since forever - I've sat on those seemingly mega runways without seeing much if anything in several hunts....believe the cameras.
You havin' fun yet?
:archer:
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 26, 2018, 08:44:27 PM
I think I found a good spot. yes the trails look big in thi88s new spot but it contains lots of something the other trails do not... Beds and poop. I can only hunt it in the afternoon and on a North wind. access is limited, but it will keep me from overhunting it.
Post by: Macatawa on March 26, 2018, 10:06:30 PM
Happy things are getting better.
Post by: huntryx on March 27, 2018, 07:44:16 AM
Post by: Mint on March 27, 2018, 02:05:06 PM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 29, 2018, 02:08:44 PM
Post by: Terry Green on March 30, 2018, 08:33:26 PM
Post by: Possum Head on March 30, 2018, 09:56:50 PM
Post by: NIGEL01 on March 31, 2018, 03:58:14 AM
Post by: drewsbow on March 31, 2018, 09:27:16 AM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 31, 2018, 10:03:36 AM
Terry, I know what you are saying about the tracks. these trails I sat last year had a lot and were usually fresh. I think part of my issue was that we put a lot of pressure in the area opening up the access roads and riding horses. Mix that with large barriers between our farm (open marsh) and available food (neighborhoods) and the only deer we had all summer were several does w/ Fawns.
Across the marsh there is more direct access to the food source, its public land but the only public access is about 2 miles away and this area is at least .5 miles off the main trail. I used to hunt in this area when I was a lad, accessed it from the public land, never went this far in and really didn't know what was back there as we didn't have access to google maps.
Drew, I here you on the camo. there are other trees available but I have not decided fully. I may even ultimately sit on the ground with a Ghillie suit. After watching a couple videas from dan as recommended by Susan I have a couple ideos (see what id did there with video and idea ha ha). There were a lot of beds 80-100 yards to the south of this location. deer trails became less as I wandered further into public.
I think the first time I hunt this area I will stay on the outskirts and observe. I may get a shot but will not disturb much. I want to get a lock on stand looking at lone wolf and XOP I am going to start a thread on opinions but if anyone has any here let me know. I have lone wolf steps, are they compatible with xop stands as far as attaching them?
Post by: Ron LaClair on March 31, 2018, 10:07:28 AM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 31, 2018, 10:15:49 AM
I will also add on our farm we are looking for ways to introduce some food. we now have a tractor and will be able to reduce some tag alder areas. the goal is to plant some small food areas, not sure what will grow in wet soil. but we do want to get some popular stands to grow up thick in some areas.