How do you hunt Cutovers?

The openness of the cutover area allows the deer to see any predators approaching, including you, the hunter. Deer hunters will want to approach from a different ridge or direction to where the deer are bedded. It's more like a spot-and-stalk approach used by western hunters.

How do you hunt clear-cuts?

However, landing areas in clear-cuts,where parking lots aren't needed, may be turned to mini food plots. These openings provide access into the edge of a cut and are a good attraction to the deer herd. They're very attractive to other hunters as well, so weigh your options when it comes to hunting them.

Do whitetail deer like clearcuts?

From a whitetail hunters prospective, the benefits from logging go far beyond dollar signs. Not only do clear-cuts create excellent whitetail habitat, they provide a healthy environment to many game animals.

Do bucks like Cutovers?

Cutover sections in the two- to five-year-old growth range are the ideal areas for deer and hunters. This age group of clear-cuts provides food and some concealment for deer. Even if the cut area has been replanted in pines, there is a tremendous amount of browse and forage for the deer.

Does clear cutting hurt deer hunting?

At the end of the day, clear-cutting timber is good for deer, which is also good for hunters. Unfortunately, the clear-cutting process, replanting, and recovery, is not an overnight thing. Most experts say the year or two involved in the process is more troublesome for hunters than deer.

Hunting Cutovers

Do swamps like big bucks?

Mature bucks always flock to the deepest, darkest, nastiest swamps around.

Do deer bed down in swamps?

Sometimes deer will spend a lot of time right in and near the water in a cool swamp. They like to bed in cattails. Water is at hand any time they need it, and they can move to a small island or hummock to lie in a dry area if they want to. Trails will develop in these areas over time.

Do Whitetails like swamps?

Whitetails aren't amphibious, so in order for them to use a swamp there needs to be some high ground. Oak islands are a favorite hotspot of mine to locate big bucks because they will use these areas for both bedding and feeding, often staying put for days without leaving these sanctuaries during daylight hours.

How do you hunt big timber?

The standard approach for finding deep woods bucks is to get as far away from access points, especially when hunting public land. True, many hunters in the big timber hunt only a few hundred yards from the road. However, do not go deep only because you want to get away from hunting pressure.

Do deer eat briars?

Deer are primarily eating brambles, briars, and various forms of brush.

Where do big bucks go during the day?

However, it is much more common to see a big deer on its feet in daylight feeding in a staging area. These can be small food plots, pockets of dropped acorns, etc. Find these locations between bedding areas and major food sources. That's the best way to kill a mature buck while it's eating.

Where do big whitetail bucks hide?

Look for thickets, steep hillsides, deep draws, little swamps—out-of-the way spots where old boys might hide. The key to hunting one of these places is hidden, quiet access with a favorable wind, so you won't blow out the bucks.

What time of day are most big bucks killed?

Most of them are specifically between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning to be exact. It's a proven time, and it could have a lot to do with the common perception among deer hunters that things slow down once early morning is through.

How far do bucks bed from food?

They have to get up to hydrate themselves, eat, and use the bathroom. However, once mature bucks feed when the sun is up, it is typically only within 100 to 150 yards from the bedding area. With that being said, if you can locate a solid food source to a bedding area, you are almost guaranteed to spot a buck.

Will logging scare deer away?

They are reluctant to leave them even during major disturbances like floods but return quickly after the disruption is over. Deer acitivity will certainly be affected when loggers begin their work or other Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) activities occur, but the effect will be short-lived.

Is logging good for deer hunting?

Often times logging a farm will enhance the quantity and quality of the whitetail deer herd on your farm or lease. Just miles up the road from this particular farm lays another piece of ground that is around 500 acres with about 80% of it being big black and white oak timber.

How long does it take clear cut land to grow back?

How Long Does It Take A Forest To Recover From Clear-Cutting? Forest regeneration takes around thirty years on average. New saplings typically appear after five years after clear-cuts and grow about ten feet tall by the age of fifteen.

Do deer travel the creek beds and why?

Streams and creeks allow bucks to quench their thirst while finding cooler temperatures and thick cover. This makes them terrific early season hotspots—ones that are neglected by many deer hunters. Creeks act as natural funnels for buck travel which gives you the perfect opportunity to set up along them.

Where do bucks bed during the rut?

Lonesome bucks will use adjacent ravines, creek beds and brush fingers as conduits to enter and exit cornfields. These pressure points are ideal ambush sites for the peak of the rut.