Big Timber Help Plz

[Nimrod777]

OK, so I'm in on the Laurel Hill hunt this weekend. Total noob to the property. Satellite photo shows thousands of acres of timber, what appears to be hardwoods.

Without any real experience on such terrain, conventional wisdom speaks to finding a saddle across a ridge, challenging enough on this big acreage.

Can any of you more experienced hunters offer advice on making a plan for this kind of terrain?

 

[Shed Hunter]

I always use this to pick out spots with maps or the topo maps on trimble navigator http://www.acme.com/planimeter/

The terrain out there looks steep and based on the satellite map I'm assuming you can see a good ways through the woods. I don't know any spots there as I've never been, but there appears to be some good terrain funnels on the maps

 

[Bone Collector]

I used this approach (find a saddle or secondary point) and saw deer every time I was in the woods. However the big deer were killed right on the border of private land or on areas next to overgrown fields. i was there 2010 in late Oct (ML hunt) and thanksgiving. bucks were running does around thanksgiving.

 

[Nimrod777]

Thanks for pointing me to the topo map, Master Chief.

And despite the display of ignernce it demands, Bone Collector, can you define/identify "Secondary Point" please?

I'm bound and determined to at least learn from this experience!

 

[Shed Hunter]

No problem. Here is a photo I'm stealing from BSK that will help you on the basic terminology,

Also here is a link to some cool stuff to help
http://www.thehuntingbeast.com/viewtopi ... =3&t=24471

 

[Nimrod777]

Thank you heartily for teaching to the Deer Hunting Special Ed table! I do appreciate it!

 

[catman529]

Looks like I'll be finding the best saddle closest to private land


Sent from the talk of tap

 

[Dbllunger]

I always use this to pick out spots with maps or the topo maps on trimble navigator http://www.acme.com/planimeter/

The terrain out there looks steep and based on the satellite map I'm assuming you can see a good ways through the woods. I don't know any spots there as I've never been, but there appears to be some good terrain funnels on the maps

Thanks for the link. That is a great site!

 

[Boone 58]

A lot of mature timber,but real open once leaves have fallen....look for thickets. I like the Benson road area myself.......check it out near lake....west side

 

[Boone 58]

Genson

 

[Nimrod777]

A lot of mature timber,but real open once leaves have fallen....look for thickets. I like the Benson road area myself.......check it out near lake....west side

Thanks, Booner, I will check it on the maps.

In your opinion, should I haul a climber in with me, or pack light and hunt ground?

 

[MUP]

Thanks for pointing me to the topo map, Master Chief.

And despite the display of ignernce it demands, Bone Collector, can you define/identify "Secondary Point" please?

I'm bound and determined to at least learn from this experience!

Keith, the secondary points are where I've taken my best bucks over the years. I highly recommend them. Oh, and the ones that adjoin a terrain change are the berries. I personally like the hardwood ridges that lead into a pine cluster or thicket. Those edges have paid good dividends for me over the years.