It’s also very important to not only improve the land but to learn it, too. During the post-season, I always get out and walk the properties I plan to hunt the following season. You wouldn’t believe the things I learn — both how the land lays and how deer use it — each year, even on properties I’ve hunted for several seasons.
Source Credit: RealTree.com
By: Josh Honycut
Photo credit: John Hafner
Because our messages and mission are founded on proven science, QDMA has built a reputation over 31 years for knowledge and credibility – which means, among other things, that our members turn to us when they encounter something they can’t explain. We could almost staff a full-time Department of Mysteries just to respond to queries…
The essence of bowhunting is that you will be pitted directly against your prey. It’s the kind of hunting method that will challenge you to be in your best form. Hunting with a bow is a thrilling adventure that requires you to get in close range with your game to take the shot. If you…
Similar to the previous slide, mapping trails, bedding areas, food sources, watering holes and other land features on aerial maps can help to paint a better picture of the land you hunt. It’ll show you how deer use a property, rather than just thinking you know. I’ve learned that from experience. Using this process has…
Tree Stand Accidents: Can We Stop The Insanity? Can we stop the insanity? Can we just get through one deer season without a family having to bury a loved one who fell from their deer stand? Yes, deer hunting is our passion, but is it worth risking permanent injury or death? The vast majority of deer hunting…
Another thing that has changed the way I hunt is studying past trail camera photos. I look at the direction of travel (the deer), dates, temperatures, wind direction, barometric pressure, etc. and see how those things match up to the food sources and bedding areas around that camera location. For daylight photos, I really…
I like to run trail cameras until all of the bucks have shed their antlers. This helps me monitor the herd health and also see what deer made it through the season. Sometimes I really get my hopes up because big deer show their faces during the post-season. Other times, I’m disappointed because I…