I can't remember exactly what I put, but something simple/obvious like MiddleTNHunter or something
I will change your name to this as soon as you tell me to do so.
I can't remember exactly what I put, but something simple/obvious like MiddleTNHunter or something
I'm excited for you, because managing a deer herd is a lot of fun. After you get started there comes a point where you become aware the you are actually manipulating and determining where the deer bed and eat, and it's somewhat similar to running cattle in a pasture. I have to warn you though, once you pass this point you're beyond the point of no return, it becomes more fun managing your deer herd than hunting them, where you'd rather sit out in late summer and watch the plots with binoculars than shoot them, and you are hooked for life. Oh, and there's no cure for this condition.Nice!
I'm interested in putting in the work to maximize my property for big bucks. Until recently it never occurred to me to try to manage my deer herd. I sort of perceived that to be something they did on TV with those high fences and whatnot, but I started binging some YT content on deer herd management and hunting tips and it got me intrigued.
I have not been a "trophy hunter" for over a decade. Every deer season I always just get me one or two does for meat. Most of the time I didn't even hunt for them, I'd just shoot them out in the yard when they'd walk up. But recently I've got the urge to get back into buck hunting.
Back when I was like 18 I got a nice 115-120 8 pointer while hunting. I shot him on foot leaving my stand. It was odd because I was not even trying to be quiet. I was leaving because I'd been there all day and seen nothing. The deer never saw me. I think he was hot on a doe. It was rifle season.
Forgive me, I have not read all the replies here. I will make time to sit down and read it all possibly today, then return with my follow up responses. Thanks for the replies guys!
Thanks, any time you want is fine. Appreciate itI will change your name to this as soon as you tell me to do so.
Right, I had the same thought. I've always been the type that thought "real" hunting was just going out into the wilderness, not knowing what was out there, and just trying your luck and skills. I don't intend to go overboard with deer management, but just some obvious things I can do, like optimal stand placement, feeding, plots, etc...No cure is right. I've drawn up about 40 plans on my place and then I think of something else, or read something else, or see something on youtube lol. Got some frost seeding to do here shortly and that will start locking things in I think. But before you know it you start looking at 2-4 year time horizons. Its terrible.
I'm excited for you, because managing a deer heard is a lot of fun. After you get started there comes a point where you become aware the you are actually manipulating and determining where the deer bed and eat, and it's somewhat similar to running cattle in a pasture. I have to warn you though, once you pass this point you're beyond the point of no return, it becomes more fun managing your deer herd than hunting them, where you'd rather sit out in late summer and watch the plots with binoculars than shoot them, and you are hooked for life. Oh, and there's no cure for this condition.
"I don't intend to go overboard" This sounds so familiarRight, I had the same thought. I've always been the type that thought "real" hunting was just going out into the wilderness, not knowing what was out there, and just trying your luck and skills. I don't intend to go overboard with deer management, but just some obvious things I can do, like optimal stand placement, feeding, plots, etc...
In my opinion most guys starting out on property deciding where to put food plots and then worry about access. I believe in access should be your number one concern and then you strategize where in my access routes are good spots for food plots. Proper access meaning you do not have to go through bedding areas to get to food and getting out not spooking deer off plots. Think of how can I make my property a bed to food property and get in/out with little intrusion.
Always be thinking every improvement you make on a property how does it fit in the natural deer movement. Don't just throw apple tree in open space, because its open space.
In my opinion most guys starting out on property deciding where to put food plots and then worry about access. I believe in access should be your number one concern and then you strategize where in my access routes are good spots for food plots. Proper access meaning you do not have to go through bedding areas to get to food and getting out not spooking deer off plots. Think of how can I make my property a bed to food property and get in/out with little intrusion.
Always be thinking every improvement you make on a property how does it fit in the natural deer movement. Don't just throw apple tree in open space, because its open space.
When your storage building starts looking like this, you will be well on your way to success:
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When your storage building starts looking like this, you will be well on your way to success:
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A real habitat guru would have a 2 man chainsaw!!
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