Sanctuary location?

[bluff blind]

Long time reader...first post....great site! After reading about the importance of habitat management and "sanctuaries", a question:

My land (165 acres, surrounded by many hundreds more) is a nice large hollow with two big white oak ridges on either side (east and west), and two pine stands. The hollow at this point is thick and nasty. Is an optimal sanctuary location dependent on terrain? I am trying to decide the best spot on my place to leave it thick, nasty and unmolested for bedding and sanctuary....in the hollow, in a draw, or on a ridge?

Thanks if you have any insight.

 

[BSK]

I'm not sure if there's a best terrain for sanctuaries. From my experiences, if it's thick, they will use it regardlessof terrain. However, the terrain surrounding the sanctuary can be important from a hunting perspective (how will deer enter/leave the sanctuary?).

 

[bluff blind]

Thanks BSK. The bottom of the hollow is so beautiful, with bluffs and a flowing stream, it is tempting to think about clearing it out and making it a sweet looking "valley". BUT, my goal is to increase my hunting...and the bottom contains most of the thick stuff on MY place, so I'm not sure this would achieve my goal (?) Everything else is upland woods.

 

[Football Hunter]

Need to also consider if its a travel corridor,a human one I mean,I have a spot Id like to turn into a thicet,but its beside my main way in and out

 

[jaybird62]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

 

[Football Hunter]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

good point

 

[fishboy1]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

I can see a ground blind on a bluff overlooking the thicket being a sweet spot for rifle.

 

[bluff blind]

All good points. I have hunted down in the bottom before and the wind is very unpredictable. Thanks

 

[BSK]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

good point

I agree.

 

[richmanbarbeque]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

that is exactly what I have done. I am re thinking this whole sanctuary idea for small properties though. I will start a different thread later on it.

 

[Football Hunter]

I would put a sanctuary in the very bottom because narrow bottoms between steep ridges are a bugger to hunt anyway. Wind currents tend to swirl and move unpredictably in bottoms, which make them hard to bow hunt. Since you are going to avoid the spot, might as well make it one that's difficult to hunt.

that is exactly what I have done. I am re thinking this whole sanctuary idea for small properties though. I will start a different thread later on it.

Aw come on,Im still on IR,give me something to think about