I hunt a large (by northeast standards) private property. Not surprisingly, I don't think I've ever seen a buck after the end of the rut and the first weekend of gun season. Where should I look? Here is some brief info about the property:
Topography: A ridge runs N-S at an average elevation of 2,100'. Peaks are a little over 2,200' and two saddles are at 2,000'. A creek which is easily crossed runs through the valley to the east of the ridge at an average elevation of 1,550'. There certainly some places that are easier to cross than others, but the creak is only about 15' wide and rarely more than 1' deep. This ridge/valley is about 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.
Water: The creek runs the length of the property. Also, water is easily found around the property since the elevation change creates springs at the lower elevations. Hunting a water source doesn't seem productive.
Vegetation: Heavily wooded. No agriculture on the property and almost none within miles of the property. Most of the property was cut 10+ years ago, but they were "high-graded", not clear cut. Other sections were similarly cut about 3 years ago. A 140 acre piece on the neighbor's property was clear cut two years ago. This piece lies on the west side of the ridge and a bit of it is contiguous to this property in one of the ridge saddles.
Prevailing wind: Most often varies between West to North during hunting season, but weather patterns can shift it South or east.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Topography: A ridge runs N-S at an average elevation of 2,100'. Peaks are a little over 2,200' and two saddles are at 2,000'. A creek which is easily crossed runs through the valley to the east of the ridge at an average elevation of 1,550'. There certainly some places that are easier to cross than others, but the creak is only about 15' wide and rarely more than 1' deep. This ridge/valley is about 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.
Water: The creek runs the length of the property. Also, water is easily found around the property since the elevation change creates springs at the lower elevations. Hunting a water source doesn't seem productive.
Vegetation: Heavily wooded. No agriculture on the property and almost none within miles of the property. Most of the property was cut 10+ years ago, but they were "high-graded", not clear cut. Other sections were similarly cut about 3 years ago. A 140 acre piece on the neighbor's property was clear cut two years ago. This piece lies on the west side of the ridge and a bit of it is contiguous to this property in one of the ridge saddles.
Prevailing wind: Most often varies between West to North during hunting season, but weather patterns can shift it South or east.
Thanks in advance for any advice.