Forums46
Topics537,992
Posts9,731,487
Members87,053
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
strategy 640 acres solo?
#2443173
07/20/11 11:15 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
lease is about 640 acres 40% timber and 60% grass/plum thickets. I was on 200 acres last year of no timber and I still didn't attack it with the best plan or figure out 100%. think I have a good initial plan putting my tower blind 125 yards from the only pond with water and loaded with sign and then other direction a sendero with more sign I will place a feeder. I'm thinking 3 other feeders in or close to woods to concentrate in areas I can setup bow stands or ground blinds as I will mainly hunt bow. just overwhelmed right now with all the land and how to attack it solo. I certainly don't want too many feeders for the headache and expense, but mostly afraid that will spread them out. should I run all feeders morning and night or run 2 morning and 2 night? correct in focusing on the water and breaks in trees? except in rut I don't expect to catch much out in the wide open although there are some great plum patches.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2443180
07/20/11 11:18 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719
cameron00
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719 |
Find your best spot for food, water, and bedding and the does will be nearby. Put out your feeder and maybe do a small plot. Deer are lazy - if they can get everything they need without moving, they won't move (does). If you have does, you'll have bucks.
Your plan sounds good with the pond.
640 acres to yourself is not a bad problem to have. That's a square mile. Nice.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: cameron00]
#2443188
07/20/11 11:20 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719
cameron00
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719 |
No to even mention that with that much land to yourself you can hunt over the feeder in the morning and then get out and walk and see if you can jump something up. You're not going to have to worry about someone else shooting in your direction or you accidentally walking into someone's lane.
Yes sir, I do envy you. Good luck.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2443195
07/20/11 11:24 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,601
lubbockdave
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,601 |
got a map or google earth picts?
Dave
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: lubbockdave]
#2443219
07/20/11 11:31 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,289
watchale
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,289 |
I think you should rethink your strategy.....you can let me be your hunting partner I wish I was in your shoes. Good luck on the season.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: lubbockdave]
#2443234
07/20/11 11:36 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
got a map or google earth picts?
Dave key is in bottom right for current planed tower blind and (4) feeders. I also need to consider different wind setups and only entrance is that trail top left of property. also high fence on north and east lines. that bottom right feeder is right on deep creek bed, thick trees, and managed deer lease on other side of low fence. a bunch of sign right there and might be my favorite bow place, but they will also move up the line towards the pond and will put another bow stand on that feeder and trails too.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2443435
07/21/11 12:57 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,544
sportsman
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,544 |
The "O" closest to "X" would be high traffic area. That is a natural funnel to the tank. Actually all along that finger of trees would be a good natural funnel. I would move your "X" to the small patch of trees to the east to give you a little better cover for your tower. I wouldnt place your tower in the wide open. especially so close to your water source.
"If you can afford alcohol and cigarettes, you don't need food stamps "
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: sportsman]
#2443457
07/21/11 01:05 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
I would move your "X" to the small patch of trees to the east to give you a little better cover for your tower. I wouldnt place your tower in the wide open. especially so close to your water source. I thought about that. Those 2 trees to North makes 115 yards to middle of pond, but 275 yards to that feeder. Those 2 trees down to the current X are on a hill, drops off towards the pond and clump of trees to east. From clump of trees to pond is 250 yards. I really wonder how much having tower in wide open will be a problem, don't they think it will be another tree?
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2443465
07/21/11 01:08 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
here's a picture of stand at last lease.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2443469
07/21/11 01:10 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,320
BMD
Silver Spoon
|
Silver Spoon
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,320 |
Nice stand
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: BMD]
#2443497
07/21/11 01:19 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 181
YankeeATX
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 181 |
your set-up looks good, where is camp and is there any creeks on this property?
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: YankeeATX]
#2443514
07/21/11 01:25 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 181
YankeeATX
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 181 |
I do envy your problem and i love checking out the google earth maps to try and figure the best set up scenario as well.
also i have a tower blind on top a hill wide open no cover and never had a problem killing deer, turkey or pigs out of that stand. So i don't think that is an issue.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: sportsman]
#2443556
07/21/11 01:39 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719
cameron00
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,719 |
Put me in the "I wouldn't sweat the blind being out in the open" camp as well. It's a blind. That's what it's for. Once the deer get used to it, they learn to expect it to be there and won't even think twice about walking past it. My blinds couldn't be more in the open and I could spit my gum out and hit deer a lot of the time.
Place looks awesome.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: YankeeATX]
#2443559
07/21/11 01:41 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
your set-up looks good, where is camp and is there any creeks on this property? no camp setup yet, no previous camp ever made. there are a few little creeks, pretty deep creek bed now dry that runs accross the southeast corner. I actually think this is one of the better spots and previous hunters must have thought so as their old stand and fenced in food plot is there.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: YankeeATX]
#2443590
07/21/11 01:53 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Bonner
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440 |
Rob, I was in a similar situation last year. Had 150 acres to myself. If you are like me - I DONT envy you....I wanted to put a stand everywhere cause a lot of spots looked good I ened up putting up way too many but had know way of knowing until I went through the season. Big part of my problem was I lucked out and found the lease in September and had to bust my hump to get spots setup fro archery season. Was still hanging stands right before November What is crazy is what you think are the best spots are often not the case. Here is my two cents: 1) no need to end another google map but take a wider look at what is around you (surrounding properties) as opposed to just what you are on. That was a mistake I made last season. 2) I know this year is a tough one (cause its so dry and deer are not moving much at all) but put up as many game cams as possible in areas you think may have some action - even some spots that you think dont. If you have any 5 gallon feeders put them out temporarily to attract whatever is in the general area around your cams. This is what I did last year. Lucked out and found a spot where there was consistement movement. Hung a ladder stand. week before archery season. First morning, first bow hunt, first trigger pull at at deer - one doe in the freezer. Game cams are your best friend. 3) if you think you have a shot at hanging on to this lease next year and have the trees for it, i would get a climbing stand. This will allow you to cover as many spots as possible and the results this year will give you permanent spots for a couple of heavy duty blinds next year. Another thing I did last year was build a 5x5 elevated platform and put a popup blind on it. Served me well. Had i put a big box blind up in this spot last year it would have been an absolute waste. 4) sounds obvious but ask the landowner or anyone else familiar with the place where they have killed and/or seen the deer in the past. I thinkthe spot you picked is most logical but you just never know. 600 acres is alot of area for one man to scout. Good luck to you and congrats. Nothing like having a place like that to yourself. I know my 150 are llease has spoiled me. Hope I hang on to it. David oh yeah - what will make you mad as anything is when you check game cam cards from the stands you chose not hunt that morning
Last edited by Bonner; 07/21/11 02:10 AM.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Bonner]
#2443604
07/21/11 01:58 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,544
redchevy
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,544 |
I would do away wiht the O/corn feeder furthest in the southeast corner. I wouldnt put the tower in the open.
Looks like a great property to hunt, best of luck to you.
matt
It's hell eatin em live
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: cameron00]
#2444993
07/21/11 06:23 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,782
Lazy L
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,782 |
No to even mention that with that much land to yourself you can hunt over the feeder in the morning and then get out and walk and see if you can jump something up. You're not going to have to worry about someone else shooting in your direction or you accidentally walking into someone's lane.
Yes sir, I do envy you. Good luck. X2! Go find them as opposed to waiting for them to come to you.
"Hey running' buddy what'll say to a twelve pack"
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Rob Lay]
#2445741
07/22/11 12:40 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 111
Spence
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 111 |
If you put 4 feeders/cameras out, 1 towards each corner/group of trees of the property. You could potentially get different pictures of different bucks on the the feeders/cameras. In my experience a buck range, although miles in diameter might not encompass a whole 640 acres. And sometimes, even with feeders it can be hard to change a bucks range.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Spence]
#2445876
07/22/11 01:30 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 101
jhptxrancher
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 101 |
#1 from bonner is a very wise tidbit. I learned from one of my neigbors that our crop rotation has a significant effect on deer patterns year to year. It is very good to know what your neighbors are doing if you can find out. Especially the one to your left.
1. Figure out the 2 wind patterns that you are likely to see most of the time and pattern your main set ups on those. Set up secondary spots for the others and ONLY HUNT WHEN THE WIND FAVORS THEM. 2. I'd take his 3rd suggestion and put a couple of hang feeders & cameras in the trees on the 2 left middle corners to see if anything moves in the area.
My personal opinion would be to stick a protein feeder in the middle of the trees in the top left and treat it like a sanctuary but to each his own.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: jhptxrancher]
#2445976
07/22/11 02:03 AM
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 996
jcoutdoors
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 996 |
Rob congrats on landing what looks to be a great property. Is this the Oklahoma place you were looking at? Is the timber hardwoods or lots of cedars and scrub brush? Cedar thickets are great bedding areas. Is there cultivation in the surrounding area? If you can plant a food plot I would consider planting a food plot in the hidden field next to the O closest to the X. I would set up a couple of different stands on the field to be able to hunt in various winds. Is there cattle on the property? If so that rules out the food plot without the cost of a fence and most cattle ranchers do not want to lose any native grass.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: jcoutdoors]
#2446262
07/22/11 04:04 AM
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,917
Bear Charge
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,917 |
I wish I had your problem!
"Democracy is a sheep and two lions voting. Liberty is a well armed sheep contesting the vote." Ben Franklin
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: jcoutdoors]
#2446657
07/22/11 01:39 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
hey Mark. Is this the Oklahoma place you were looking at? maybe. Is the timber hardwoods or lots of cedars and scrub brush? Cedar thickets are great bedding areas. Is there cultivation in the surrounding area? Some good big hardwoods with cedar mixed in. Plum thickets out in grass which we've already seen the Deer love. Very little to no cultivation in this area. Already a fenced food plot that was used 3+ years ago. Is there cattle on the property? not right now and foreseeable future.
|
|
|
Re: strategy 640 acres solo?
[Re: Bear Charge]
#2446663
07/22/11 01:42 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757
Rob Lay
OP
Pro Tracker
|
OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,757 |
I wish I had your problem! after what I went through on my Olney lease I deserve it. first of all the place was terrible, very little Deer, a few nocturnal young bucks. my lease was through August, but lease manager and owner had might in March and I haven't been on it since. All I got was 1 hog and a few ducks. lease is through an outfitter here on THF and I'm thankful. part of a deal they will hunt it sometimes for duck and also will do some work for land owner clearing trails, which might disturb the Deer a little in short term. possible once we get this going in future we will bring a couple others guns on with me.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|