nkyhunter

We have the same situation on our property in Northern Kentucky where I live. In the summer there is a group of 6 bucks that is always together and they go anywhere from 140-170". But come the season you may only see one or two of them, and getting a shot is lucky. So this year we used one of our cedar thickets and did what duke and GMMAT suggested and cut prolly half of those down and let them lay. Then cut half of the rest remaining half way down (so there still living, I believe its called "hinge cutting"). and just after one season we began to see these bigger and more mature deer more frequently.

But come the rifle season its like the big boys found an underground hiding spot due to all the neighboring preasure, but they are still here and they are back in their bachelor group for the winter and are slowly becoming more visible........

I would suggest to atleast try what we have said. To me it just gives them a sense of security in these areas. Good luck (sorry for being so long)

nkyhunter

Might I add my dad took his biggest buck ever out of this area that we created. 167"
And I missed a huge 10 on Oct. 23rd.

huntingson

I will definitely try it. I know it will take a couple years to develop those bedding areas, but it gives me something to do and look forward to. Like I said before I never would have though about "hinge cutting" the trees. Neat idea.

hardcorehunter

While reading Don Higgens' book "Hunting Whitetails in the Real World" a statement I truly believe that he made is that "A Mature Whitetail Buck needs a sanctuary" This is some awesome advise IMO. He says to set an area aside(the thickest place on your property) and no matter what, stay out of it. Give the deer a place where no human bothers YEAR ROUND. Big bucks will use this and you just hunt the edges around it. I highly recommend his book. I was highly impressed with it.

nodog

Buy his land.

huntingson

Hardcore, that is good advice. We have about 15 acres set aside as a sanctuary just as you mentioned. It is a really thick with pine trees, cedar trees, stickers,etc. Well actually it is 2 areas, one is about 5 and the other 10. I shot my buck this year on the north edge of the 10 acre area and last year on the south edge.

nodog, I would also like to buy the land to the north since I am dreaming

I really like the ideas of adding more, thicker bedding areas and more sanctuary areas. The problem I run into though is I still need the crop fields for income. Otherwise I would take those over and convert the whole place to ideal deer habitat.

nkyhunter

Huntingson, Hardcorehunter made a very very good point, stay clear of the area, only hunt the edges and when you do make sure its the right wind for it. Once again though these area's have been proven to be very effective.
On a side note, the whole process of making this bedding/sanctuary area was fun to do. During the process you could literally picture a deer just wanting to put up a mailbox in this place and call it home.My dad's big boy was killed on the edge right at his "welcome mat" (scrape)for the does. Good luck