Presidents Island Dec. hunt

[Rackseeker]

Not really looking for GPS coordinates to specific spots. But if you have any info that might help narrow down some spots on scouting day that would be great. Any info at all really. I could either pay you, trade info for LBL, or some public land in southern middle TN. PM if interested.

 

[hillbilly68]

We hunted it in 2011 and hunted right behind the camping area. Trails that looked like cattle were using them. First morning we each (3) had 140-150 8 points under our stands but had to be 9 or better. Didn't see a buck rest

Not really looking for GPS coordinates to specific spots. But if you have any info that might help narrow down some spots on scouting day that would be great. Any info at all really. I could either pay you, trade info for LBL, or some public land in southern middle TN. PM if interested.

of the weekend. Wild pecan trees everywhere and that's what I saw the does feeding on.

 

[CBU93]

There were big deer all over the island. Most hunters hop on four wheelers and head for the river…good strategy as most bucks are killed with that approach. Hunting close to the check station is good too as some good bucks have been taken/seen there…but most are killed closer to the river. I myself chose to hunt pinch points where I could see fields (large fields) and just watch deer. Mostly towards the private ground close to the airstrip. I did that because after working on the Island for years, I knew what kind of deer hung around that area. First couple times I hunted it I enjoyed that approach…my last time following the big flood, it was not as effective.

Few trees to climb with a climber…saddle or lock on would be more effective. Ground blind could work in some locations. Hunt the fresh sign first day, then hunt the pressure the next two. Pecans, persimmons, river bottom browse, any spilled harvest grains are the food sources that time of year. Pray for COLD weather…without it, you are wasting your time.

There are small little wood lots all over the Island that could hold deer. There are thickets throughout the woods that I posted up between and saw few deer on those sits, but could be effective for bucks scent checking does during mid day. And they will move all day long.

Flat as a pancake, so any little rise, ditch, drainage, etc. could be a deer highway or magnet.

Best of luck and share your pics and experience.

 

[double browtine]

Don't forget to take your thermacell! I hunted Ensley years ago. Heavy frost both mornings. Skeeters were thick in the afternoon.

 

[Big Gun]

Some good advice above. I also hunted it in 2011 after the flood and didn't see very many deer. I did see a beautiful 10 point that I would guess went in the 150s in the strip of woods across from the check station between there and the asphalt plant. He was with a doe and never got with about 80 yards of me. I went to that spot after a tip from someone on here that hunted in there the year before.

 

[FatCat]

How many points did you have? I have 13 and hoping to get drawn in the next few years? Good luck and report back.

 

[BigAl]

I hunted near the river and saw some good deer but just nothing in bow range. But that was before the flood.

 

[dgolden]

How many points did you have? I have 13 and hoping to get drawn in the next few years? Good luck and report back.

I drew with 14 points this year. I talked to a guy yesterday that got drawn with 13 points this year, so you should have a good chance of drawing next year!

 

[Rackseeker]

How many points did you have? I have 13 and hoping to get drawn in the next few years? Good luck and report back.

14

 

[Bone Collector]

How many points did you have? I have 13 and hoping to get drawn in the next few years? Good luck and report back.

I drew with 14 points this year. I talked to a guy yesterday that got drawn with 13 points this year, so you should have a good chance of drawing next year!

This is true, but don't forget point creep. There are a bunch of people that had 13 this year that will have 14 next year that didn't get drawn this year. Also I see on the list a few yahoos with 16-17 pts. If they were to put in, they'd be drawn. You never know what will happen though I think I will have 13 next year. I might get drawn, but with the chart that was provided this year with how many people fall into each bucket I think 2027 or 2028 is the earliest it could happen. This assumes all people ahead of me actually apply and do not just put in for a priority point.

 

[BigAl]

I have 14 points so I'm thinking I might be in next year. Just need to make sure I have no travel conflict when I'm ready to apply.

 

[Bone Collector]

I have 14 points so I'm thinking I might be in next year. Just need to make sure I have no travel conflict when I'm ready to apply.

You may get in. according the chart from this year you were in the 90 people with 13 points. they only draw like 50 people. There are some people with 15, 16 or 17 points. there were 40 with 14, and I know someone on here said they got drawn with 13. So inevitably some are just putting in for a point, meaning you may not be competing with them, but some will put in for the hunt so you may get drawn next year unless you are one of however many of that 13pt group didn't get drawn this year and they run out of spots before they get to your name, then you may have to wait until 2027 and draw with 15.

 

[Fast Learner]

I got drawn this year with 13 points

 

[Bone Collector]

I got drawn this year with 13 points

I knew I saw someone on here that did, but the question is how many others in that bucket got drawn. Of course in order to get drawn other with 14+ pts had to defer for a point, so they are still in line ahead of that group and my group (12 pts this year).

On the one hand I wish everyone had to draw each year and not defer, but on the other if I knew I couldn't go, then I would want the ability to defer and hold my spot in line.

 

[Terrier]

14 this time.

Last time with 6, back in 2010.

Same party of 3 each time. We didn't score last time. And finding a tree you can get in is HARD. Everything is covered in vines. I'm taking a chair this time. No climber stand for me.

 

[Tn Joe]

Leaving stands in the woods overnight is strictly against the rules, and I can't tolerate a cheater…

This must be a new rule. Wasn't the case when I hunted the island.

 

[Terrier]

This must be a new rule. Wasn't the case when I hunted the island.

It was on the rule sheet they gave us when I was there in 2010. I remember it, cuz I was so pissed that someone flaunted it when I was walking in the first hunt day and saw two different stands hanging off trees in the area I wanted to hunt.

 

[bowhunterfanatic]

It was on the rule sheet they gave us when I was there in 2010. I remember it, cuz I was so pissed that someone flaunted it when I was walking in the first hunt day and saw two different stands hanging off trees in the area I wanted to hunt.

Definitely wasn't a rule last year. Part of the reason for scout day is so stands can be hung ahead of time? Lots of areas there require a lock on or ladder stand.

 

[Terrier]

Then they oughta just let you take a few rolls of caution tape to block off a few acres for yourself…

 

[Bone Collector]

14 this time.

Last time with 6, back in 2010.

Same party of 3 each time. We didn't score last time. And finding a tree you can get in is HARD. Everything is covered in vines. I'm taking a chair this time. No climber stand for me.

was thinking the same thing. by the time i get drawn I will be over 50 years old. Not lugging a climber all over the place looking for a tree. If I sit on the ground I can be more mobile and cover some ground. I will be there 2-3 days or however long it is. not like If I booger the area it will matter.

I just need to be cognizant of others. If I do that I should be fine.

 

[Andy S.]

This must be a new rule. Wasn't the case when I hunted the island.

Not a rule that had been enforced in last decade or more. I've never heard of that rule and I know the game warden administering the hunt well.

 

[Andy S.]

Rackseeker - I sent you a PM.

 

[EastTNHunter]

You may get in. according the chart from this year you were in the 90 people with 13 points. they only draw like 50 people. There are some people with 15, 16 or 17 points. there were 40 with 14, and I know someone on here said they got drawn with 13. So inevitably some are just putting in for a point, meaning you may not be competing with them, but some will put in for the hunt so you may get drawn next year unless you are one of however many of that 13pt group didn't get drawn this year and they run out of spots before they get to your name, then you may have to wait until 2027 and draw with 15.

Points creep will really be felt in the next couple of years when those big groups that currently have 9, 10, 11, 12 get there and are ready to cash them in

 

[BigAl]

was thinking the same thing. by the time i get drawn I will be over 50 years old. Not lugging a climber all over the place looking for a tree. If I sit on the ground I can be more mobile and cover some ground. I will be there 2-3 days or however long it is. not like If I booger the area it will matter.

I just need to be cognizant of others. If I do that I should be fine.

I was thinking this would be a good tactic but I'd be worried I'd be walking over other hunters. Besides, bounding on the ground can't be easy.

 

[Terrier]

I was thinking this would be a good tactic but I'd be worried I'd be walking over other hunters. Besides, bounding on the ground can't be easy.

You just have to keep an eye out for clues that someone might be nearby. I got whistled at once or twice in three days while headed for a tree I'd picked out. Backed out some and took the long way around. It's a really big place, so while you may bump into someone, it's not too hard to keep separation.

 

[Terrier]

was thinking the same thing. by the time i get drawn I will be over 50 years old. Not lugging a climber all over the place looking for a tree. If I sit on the ground I can be more mobile and cover some ground. I will be there 2-3 days or however long it is. not like If I booger the area it will matter.

I just need to be cognizant of others. If I do that I should be fine.

I was 52 the last time, and spent 2 years+ working in Afghanistan and Alaska after that trip. Age ain't nothin' but a thing.

Just got a tree saddle set up to work with this time. Easier than a climber, and more likely (?) to be successful than a chair.

 

[Terrier]

Not a rule that had been enforced in last decade or more. I've never heard of that rule and I know the game warden administering the hunt well.

Well, apparently it wasn't enforced then, either.

 

[Bone Collector]

I was 52 the last time, and spent 2 years+ working in Afghanistan and Alaska after that trip. Age ain't nothin' but a thing.

Just got a tree saddle set up to work with this time. Easier than a climber, and more likely (?) to be successful than a chair.

I've thought about the saddle. for sure more climbing options with that.