Ridge Hunting

[Mission08]

Any tips for hunting ridges? Last year was my first year hunting a farm that's all ridges and it was tough for me. Just wondering what to focus on in early season, pre rut, rut and so on. Also what's your experience with thermals? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[lungpuncher1]

For the rut you need to learn and understand how bucks use the thermals and elevation to travel. 90% of the cruising bucks I've shot in and out of state during the rut were traveling the top 3rd of the ridge just below the top on the leeward wind side.

They cruise that and catch the wind coming over the top, while also catching the thermals coming up.

Dan infalt calls it the wind tunnel. He's the man when it comes to that stuff.

Second, one of the best things you can do is read the book "mapping trophy whitetails".

Learn and understand thermals, wind, terrain and how mature bucks use them and you'll be amazed how things will start to click for you.

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[Mike Belt]

I prefer hunting ridge tops (especially if those tops are thick) with little to light winds. During this time in the morning the thermals coming up those ridges can actually produce a heavier wind than the actual wind. Considering that many times a buck travels those ridge tops and just below them this places you out of the scent stream.

 

[sgtwebb1]

We have lots of ridges in East TN. Lots and lots.

Find a saddle, hunt the wind just off the ridge tops below the saddle.
You're welcome.

 

[Mission08]

Thanks guys. This helps a ton. Also something else that's causing me to struggle is the limited food sources. Typically I have hunted areas with heavy agriculture around. This farm has some close, but not bordering the property or within very close proximity. I have also only laid eyes on about 10 oaks and they are all on this one ridge, and about 3 persimmon trees and they are on a different ridge but that's the only fruit or nut bearing trees I can find. The rest of the farm is cow pasture and wooded ridges with little obvious food sources. Anyone have experience with this? I know the logical answer is just hunt those areas but I have done that with little success.

 

[Mike Belt]

If you can, scout those food sources not on you and try and determine how and where the deer using them may be crossing your property accessing or exiting them. If you only have a few mast bearing trees and they have fruit they should draw deer even if those deer are using the land off of you more. Between bedding and feeding they often pass through areas where they can pick up more food.

 

[tree_ghost]

For the rut you need to learn and understand how bucks use the thermals and elevation to travel. 90% of the cruising bucks I've shot in and out of state during the rut were traveling the top 3rd of the ridge just below the top on the leeward wind side.

They cruise that and catch the wind coming over the top, while also catching the thermals coming up.

Dan infalt calls it the wind tunnel. He's the man when it comes to that stuff.

Second, one of the best things you can do is read the book "mapping trophy whitetails".

Learn and understand thermals, wind, terrain and how mature bucks use them and you'll be amazed how things will start to click for you.

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Great advice!


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[treefarmer]

My Humphreys County ridges are 60'-100' high and my experience is: Rising thermals in the morning, both up the ridge and up the valley. Falling thermals in the evening. This assumes the wind is relatively low and doesn't counteract the thermals. In the valley - swirling winds and hard to hunt. Ridges can reverse the wind direction - a wind coming over a ridge will cause a vertical swirl on the downwind side and cause the breeze to go backwards up the hill on the downwind side. Also, the valley will be noticeably cooler than the ridge top first thing in the morning and at the very end of the day.

 

[lungpuncher1]

My Humphreys County ridges are 60'-100' high and my experience is: Rising thermals in the morning, both up the ridge and up the valley. Falling thermals in the evening. This assumes the wind is relatively low and doesn't counteract the thermals. In the valley - swirling winds and hard to hunt. Ridges can reverse the wind direction - a wind coming over a ridge will cause a vertical swirl on the downwind side and cause the breeze to go backwards up the hill on the downwind side. Also, the valley will be noticeably cooler than the ridge top first thing in the morning and at the very end of the day.

The swirl you mention is where bucks cruise during the rut. It's the most efficient way for them to scent check for does.

I've seen it countless times and I've killed several doing it so I'm a believer.

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[Grill-n-man]

Thermals have been covered, but dont forget about the first rays of light. On cool days the side of ridges that catch the first rays of sunlight can be a hot spot. Deer are like any other animal and like to warm up after a cool night. The ridge tops are also a favorite bedding area along with about the last 10 -15 yards of the top. This allows them a good vantage point and a multi directional escape route. Learn to work the thermals and sun light and ridge hunting is as good as any. Also a flat, whether at the bottom or top, where ridges come together is worth putting a little time in.

 

[Mission08]

Thanks guys this has been great info. I'm looking forward to using this and learning more. Keep it coming if anyone else has any tips!

 

[DaveB]

How far is the ag fields? By the route the deer would likely take? I think they will travel a fair piece to get good vittles. Use google earth to help you find just how far the ag fields are. Also, watch your elevations as you slowly drag your mouse across the ridges/valleys.