Prentice Cooper advice....

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Heath423

Heath423

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City & State/Province
Soddy Daisy (just North of Chattanooga)
I drew the early Prentice Cooper bow hunt. I went there once about 18 years ago unsuccessfully. I'm looking to get some time in the woods scouting this month. How do i go about narrowing down options from home looking and studying on topo and aerial maps? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm not looking for anyones honey hole. Just guidance. Thanks in advance.

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I found a "gap" there that goes over to the river with a pretty large clear cut above it. I have never failed to see deer on that hunt in that spot. Still haven't killed one on the early bowhunt but did kill a doe in that gap on the ML hunt Last year. I found it by looking at topos and going blind. Onx Hunt maps have an excellent satellite photo with topo overlay option. I wish I could go on that hunt this year but I'll be traveling for work.

Do keep in mind that it is a very low success hunt. Very Low.


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I live at foot of PC , the early hunt is kinda rough but the fields on top are great place to kill a doe , there are enough area and fields that if you try you will be by your self, it's the only time I recommend the feilds
 
scn":dsa7l21e said:
The best source of information I have used to help decipher topo and aerial maps is this book: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i ... 2P0AU5317A

I have re-read it many times over the years. It is amazing how it will help you pinpoint great hunting spots before ever setting foot on the property. It really cuts down on scouting time.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice. I'll pick that book up this weekend. Extra knowledge....I always need more of that.

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PickettSFHunter":n3w6jh65 said:
I found a "gap" there that goes over to the river with a pretty large clear cut above it. I have never failed to see deer on that hunt in that spot. Still haven't killed one on the early bowhunt but did kill a doe in that gap on the ML hunt Last year. I found it by looking at topos and going blind. Onx Hunt maps have an excellent satellite photo with topo overlay option. I wish I could go on that hunt this year but I'll be traveling for work.

Do keep in mind that it is a very low success hunt. Very Low.


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Click to expand...
Thanks for the information. No i did not realize that this hunt tends to have a very low success rate.

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Dhpro......i have not considered the field's as an option. I was looking for somewhere i would not get stepped on. I will consider reevaluating the options of fields after studying on some maps. Thanks.

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There are a lot feilds ,they plant them in milo , corn clover ect. Holler at me when you head this way try help you if can . The pressure on this hunt is very little and this is the only hunt I would consider hunting feilds.
 
I've hunted there the past 4 years, with 1 doe harvest and a missed opportunity on a good buck. I live in Chattanooga so it's a short drive for me. Here are some of the things I've learned from hunting there:

Get out there ahead of time if you can and put some boots on the ground. I must've have hiked ten miles and driven 30 last year scouting. Bring a map and plenty of water, cell service isn't great up there.

Buy a thermacell! I'm a believer and will not hunt this hot weather again without it.

Be careful driving in. It seriously is like the Daytona 500 once that gate opens and people drive like idiots.

Alot of guys will hunt less than 200 yards from their trucks. Don't get your feelings hurt if you park off the main Rd, walk 3/4 mile down at dirt only to find someone parked right where you thought you were "slipping in" at.

Have a large cooler with ice ready! Last year I harvested a down at 9 am. By the time I got her out of the woods, checked out with the wardens, and hanging at the house it was 11 am. It was 77 degrees and rising, you have to clean a deer fast!

Get there early and have back up plans. I actually shot my deer last year in one of my backup spots.

Be nice, everyone there is excited about the start of deer season and might even give you a pointer.

If you leave for lunch, go to Shuford's BBQ at the end of the Suck Creek Rd. The food is so good that I'll forgive them for all of the Crimson Tide memorabilia on the walls...

Good luck- Dirt
 
I'll be there as well. Coming from West TN. I know its a low success hunt but I've hiked in PC before and just love the area. Hunting will give me a good excuse to explore some more, not to mention being able to be in the woods a week early. Planning on getting there a day or two early to scout. I usually get as far away from roads as possible on public hunts and quarter/pack my animal out on my back (also helps cool the meat quicker and beats the heck out of dragging a deer). I've been meaning to check with the game warden for the area to make sure quartering and retaining evidence of sex is acceptable prior to checking my deer in if I'm able to harvest. Anyone know one way or the other on that? I find it ridiculous if that isn't allowed.
 
Have archery hunted there in the past with no luck. Drew the MZ hunt this year. The advice I've always been given there is to hunt through lunch. Find the escape routs off the mountain and wait for them to come back up. Luckily I live in Chatt and can get up there pretty much when ever I like to scout around. Squirrel season is a great time to do that. And pack your snake boots for sure!
 
Anybody out there have any success with the archery hunt on Prentice Cooper Sept 15-21 , I drew the Oct 4-6 Muzzle-loader hunt and scouted some areas the 23nd the day before the rain came, hope those spots didn't get washed away!
 

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