Deer 'hot spots'


Rem308

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About 4 seasons ago I started working on the land that I have been given permission to hunt on near my home. I'm fortunate to have the landowner's permission to cut as much as I'd like, clean out as much, etc. He's also a hunter and after the first season when he connected on a good 8 pointer over a small clearing I made, he gave me the green light! Talk about a good way to get approval!

I know it's getting close to bow season, but I'm also wanting to setup a few other spots for additional stand sites. So, what's some quick ideas to get a good little hot spot?

This land is very hilly, VERY thick with brush, hardwoods, etc. I spent a summer clearing out a small area on one side, and now it's turned into a good little 'hot spot' for deer activity. Deer feed in the morning and evening, as well as bed nearby.

I know it's getting close to bow season, but I'm also wanting to setup a few other spots for additional stand sites. So, what's some quick ideas to get a good little hot spot?

Today I went and cleared a good trail into one of the thicker sides of the property, found a few good active trails, and found a good tree for my climber. After running a chainsaw and clearing brush for 3 hours in the heat, I was ready for a break.

Anyone have any other tips for making a little hot spot in the thick stuff?

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When you are clearing out sapplings and brush use them to block areas and leave open spots so when the deer is traveling that way it will lead right to your stand.

Like Ethan stated planting a few little plots will really draw the deer in. Even establishing a mineral lick (if legal) can draw deer in. I've also had luck making a homemade scrape--several of them that might lead to your stand. Believe it or not they work. Heck you can make a scrape under an overhanging branch. I've pee'd in them myself just to get them started.

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You might try clearing away a little area in the woods where some sunlight can get to the ground, clear away all the leaves and plant some throw n' grow. If you have a small area of food source in the middle of thick timber it could be a hot spot.

I will do this again, though I may be too late for this fall. The first clearing I did turned out really well, I did this a few seasons ago, planted crops with decent success. This year though it's really worked great, it's all greened up and the deer trails feed into this.

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When you are clearing out sapplings and brush use them to block areas and leave open spots so when the deer is traveling that way it will lead right to your stand.

Like Ethan stated planting a few little plots will really draw the deer in. Even establishing a mineral lick (if legal) can draw deer in. I've also had luck making a homemade scrape--several of them that might lead to your stand. Believe it or not they work. Heck you can make a scrape under an overhanging branch. I've pee'd in them myself just to get them started.

Good advice here. May not be too late to get in some winter wheat or rye grain.

Agree on what Todd says about scrapes here too.

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I will do this again, though I may be too late for this fall. The first clearing I did turned out really well, I did this a few seasons ago, planted crops with decent success. This year though it's really worked great, it's all greened up and the deer trails feed into this.

Throw N Grow can be used during late summer and early fall. ;)

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