Antler King

Looking for any input if possible on the type of deer herd in that unit. Got drawn for the second archery hunt and have never been there. All i have read about is the 206 that was taken years ago and just was wondering if there steal taken good Deer out of there. This was my first time trying the system and got lucky i guess. Im from Jacksonville fl and going down to take a look around this weekend.Is the area more like a park at each gate and walk the trails or could someone give me a little heads up about the place would be appreciated. Looking forward to the hunt.

I AM THE WOODS

The deer herd there is good...I know that for the Archery hunts they dont get many...beleive last year they only got 2 or 3 bucks between the 2 archery hunts...thebucks have to have at least 4 points on one side 1 inch in length...they do alot about half of the permit holders doe tags...so ya may get drawn for one...if ya do chances of gettin a doe in there are real good...hogs are plentiful to...I was in there season before last for a gun hunt didnt score...had a nice seven point drop his right side antler which was four points on me...thought he was a single sided 3 till i got out of the tree n looked where he crossed...but durin that hunt there were 3 bucks all taken the same evnin that were big by fla standards 2 eights that pry scored in the 120s n a big 10 that pry scored in the 140-150 range b&c...I got lucky as well n will be back out there this upcomin season for the last gun hunt...as for big bucks...yes there are still a good number of nice ones in there...good thing for Archery is there are a lotta oaks in that place...so ya should be able to find a spot where they will be eatin.

Antler King

I I'm the woods, thanks for the input. Do u believe the bucks will be in some what of a prerut or should I concentrate on feeding areas? I will be heading to the woods this morning to check the place out. Plan on spending the weekend at the place to get a idea about The area .Probably will be back down Round sep. or october to take another look. Sounds like the genetics are in place. Maybe we can get lucky this year and pull a nice buck out of there. Good luck and thanks again. Anger king

I AM THE WOODS

In November there may be a few of the bucks in pre-rut mode...I hunt Green Swamp East alot and in there there is 2 different rut times in there...the first bein late november/early december and the second rut which is the main one is late december into february...I believe green swamp west is similar...I think that buck that dropped his right side antler on me was an "early rut buck" seein as he dropped in early feb. so that buck would pry have been a late nov. early dec. rut time. I would keep this in mind while still focusing on feeding areas. as for scouting if you are quiet enough you can get within 50yds. of the deer I would just try to observe them n see what they do...this is actually how i stumbled upon the spot i hunted last time in there. i was walkin thru palmettos near a bayhead when a big doe jumped up n took off...i paused as she went runnin into the bayhead then i heard palmettos crunchin to my left in some thick cover...it was a BIG buck...i only caught a few glimpses of his rack goin thru thick cover along the bayhead...looked like he was either a big 8 or 10 point...possibly more with tines about 10-12 inches tall...n this all happend within 60 yds. of me... so keep an eye out for deer....might help ya out

Antler King

I am the woods, Didnt know that u needed a bike or horse to ride the main roads. Thats alright I took a 5 or so mile walk each day this weekend. Lots of hog sign. Went by one of the camp grounds and they had that place massed up.Made my way into the woods some and seen some old rubs and a little deer sign. The hogs seem to be everywhere in there. Going back down in a month or so and I will be taken a bike with me. Alot of open land with chest high brush as well as some good looking Oak Hammacks. Headed in from the westside I believe it was Compresso Rd. Made my way down to 19 by the map at the Kiosk.Nice walk. Seen no deer but some Blood suckers.I can see it will take some effort and time to look the place over especially when u cant wheel down the roads in your vehicle. Time to get into shape for the scouting trips. The One day that they give u just is not enoff time to drive in and just go up a tree. Any tipps on the area would be appreciated. and if someone else that may be hunting that second Archery hunt and wonts to take a look around drop me a line. I believe scouting is going to be the key and some luck. Good talking with u, I am the Woods.

I AM THE WOODS

Yea...i am thinkin about gettin me a mountain bike...i usially just walk...but it does get tirin...yea hogs are thick in there...that last hunt i got selected for i seen 31 in 4 days but didnt take one in hopes of a buck...this time around i wont hesitate to take 60 pounder r 2...yea it does take some effort to scout it...there are some nice areas off compresso...yea i agree about only havin one day to scout...not enough time to cover that much ground...