Hunting ridges and how deer use them.

[Jacobm]

Great thread Jerry.  In hunting ridges, the little things mean a lot.  The earlier comment about thinking of the wind as a stream is right on.  I've spent many hours on stand envisioning that.  I believe ridges are one of the hardest areas to learn how to hunt.  They never give up all their secrets.  After my 2nd year of hunting ridges I wrote my usual end of year notes.  Top on the list was "Hunt high until you lean the wind!"  Early on I found more sucess hunting high and not letting the deer know I was there.  As I learned, I started to venture down.  We have stands set on sides and bottoms that may not be hunted all year if the wind isn't just right.  But when it's right, the odds are good.

[Can Hahaka]

I hunt an area in what is called the Kettle Moraine - a glaciated area of many ridges and valleys. I find that the main trails are on the ridges. I also find that the wind is never constant in these changing elevations. Anyone else have this problem?

[Matt Fowler]

Hey,great topic. I've recently started hunting a nice ridge in my area. It's kinda narrow and a couple guys are already hunting the top. I would like to hunt the draws coming up from the bottom but am not sure what's the best way to go about it. I would like to post a topo and get some opinions from you guys ifin ya don't mind. I hope this works, I'll add some detail if the pic comes up.

 

[Matt Fowler]

Hey, it worked! This ridge runs staight n-s. the red area on the west side is a fenced regeneration study area, on the east side is an old clearcut, probably 25 years old. The cut is broken up nicely with skidder trails but there is not a lot of sign in there. The guys hunting the top go below the cut out onto the point but stay up high. I want to hunt the draws on the west side, especially the one in the middle. I'm thinkin' about putting a camera somewhere. What do ya think? Thanks in advance.

[Jerry Jeffer]

That is looking pretty steep Matt. I like that draw on the left and the ledges along the left of the more rounded finger on the left. Hard to say from just the map though.

[JDinPA]

Originally posted by 2-BIG:
I just found the book online. It's called "Mapping Trophy Whitetails".
Author Brad Herndon teaches you how to use topographical maps and wind direction to pinpoint deer travel routes and to place your stands.

I read this book before Christmas.  I'm currently re-reading it because I liked it so much.
I don't know whether I agree with all his thoughts on wind, but it's a good terrain book.

[JDinPA]

Matt,
Is this all woods or is there a field nearby?
What is the usual wind direction?

[Matt Fowler]

JD, wind is generally from the south and west but can get swirly when the sun is high. All woods except for the old cut on top. Also, the top is mostly red oaks and laurel.

[Matt Fowler]

up top one time.

[Terry Green]

Good Thread!

[Matt Fowler]

Jerry, There is a good trail along that egde. I'm thinkin' the steepness would force deer to use the draws to get up and down.