Mountain scouting trip

[timberjack86]

I get alot of questions concerning hunting South Cherokee. I'm no expert and if you consider my success versus effort it would look pretty sad. Anyway looking good for 2026. Got out early this morning and found a spring head which IMO is the holy grail of terrain features for mountain big game. As expected there was buck sign and bear sign located right next to the spring head. Found some well worn trails going to a from the spring head. Lots of feeding sign on oaks located nearby. I found this on the map a couple months back and have been wanting to check it out. Glad I did! Somewhere there's a South Cherokee buck enjoying his last year on Earth
The spring head

Old and new rubs

 

[timberjack86]

Well worn trails going to the spring head
Hope you can see them in the pics

Bear sign located next to the spring head

Source of the feed

Hopefully this helps if anyone is out scouting for next year's mountain buck

 

[Ski]

Awesome scouting! Can't wait to hear how the spot works out this fall. With the tannins that come with acorns, that spring will be busy in October. Deer will be needing that liquid water to wash down the hard mast, and to keep their stomachs functioning. I've heard folks claim deer don't need liquid water, that they get all they need from their food. And it may be true but I'm guessing those folks have never hunted a small obscure water source in a sea of dropping oaks with no other water nearby. That little water hole will be a very busy place. I'd be excited to find it for sure!

 

[timberjack86]

Awesome scouting! Can't wait to hear how the spot works out this fall. With the tannins that come with acorns, that spring will be busy in October. Deer will be needing that liquid water to wash down the hard mast, and to keep their stomachs functioning. I've heard folks claim deer don't need liquid water, that they get all they need from their food. And it may be true but I'm guessing those folks have never hunted a small obscure water source in a sea of dropping oaks with no other water nearby. That little water hole will be a very busy place. I'd be excited to find it for sure!

My thoughts exactly, really looking forward to next fall! Hopefully ambush a bear there in September and wallhanger in November! Dream big

 

[killingtime 41]

I found one late last year in North Cherokee. The Spring comes out and go's right back underground. Making an area 10 feet long or so of water on top of the ground. I Put a camera on it in late December. And lots of activity.probably be even better in October. Got

Lots of doe's. And a really nice buck. I put on here a while back asking age. You have to scroll the pic in to see. Sorry I'm not hijacking just relating to the same situation.

 

[MUP]

I've got a spring/well on my property, and my stands ended up placed all around it by sign, even before I realized the springs existence.