Pre Season Scouting

[Guest john9]

This will be my 1st hunting season, and I made my 1st attempt at pre season scouting today. I live in NJ, and there is a 3,000 acre wildlife management area about 20 min from my house, (Black River WMA). I walked down a few "trails" of knee high grass and weeds, surrounded by fields of grass about 5 feet high. In between the trees where bushes and vines, ect. It was impossible to see more then 20 yards in any direction, and impossible to move except on these trails. I did see 2 deer running throught the fields of 5 foot high grass. NJ bow season starts in Sept, long before the Fall clears out the woods. I can not imagen how anyone could hunt or get a clean shot in this overgrown mess. I could not even find a tree that looked good for a tree stand. What do you do during the early season?

[Sam16]

Sounds like a real safe bedding area for deer. Is there any other woods or areas to hunt that would be more accessible to hunt? Obviously this area wont work. If there are 3000 acres, must be a few open areas in these woods to hang a stand and get on some sign.. May take awhile to find

[ruttinbuc]

Pretty tough going in the NJ woods to scout now. Hot, buggy, and thick. I am sure there are some good areas in the Black River WMA to hunt. I would hunt the ground come the opener. Find some runs going from that thick stuff into those fields and watch from downwind. Those climbing trees will show up before you know it. As the days get shorter so does summers growth.

Good Luck!

[bloodtrails]

Just keep at it. You'll find something. Look for feeding grounds.