LBL Hunters?

[Archer1977]

Just curious how many of you guys out there hunt the LBL. That is where I will be primarily hunting this year. I am new to the area and some friendly tips would be nice. Any of you guys "still hunt" the area? I am not a big fan of tree stand hunting. I imagine myself making a natural blind or pit blind, sitting a few hours (maybe) and then still hunting a bit.

[Stump73]

You might wanna check regulations on natural or pit blinds. You have to only use debris thats already down to make blinds and not be able cut limbs to use or you may only be able to use natural pits.

[Archer1977]

I was going to check that, is what you said stated in their land use regulations? If so, no biggie. I prefer the leave no trace approach, and wasnt planning any significant interruption of the habitat.

[Jake Scott]

I've hunted the area closest too Dover a good bit.  It's great and not very crowded in bow season.  Plan your trips around when the do the lottery rifle hunts though.  Those big old woods fill up fast with orange hats.

Jake

[Archer1977]

Thanks Jake. I do not plan on being out there during any rifle hunts. Did you pretty much hunt the crop fields or deep woods?

[Jake Scott]

I've done both.  You can find some good funnels and pinch points around and near the crp fields, the open woods there are fantastic as well.  Tons of oaks and persimmons, and topography that makes patterning them pretty feasible.  There are a lot of nice bucks in there too.

Jake

[Archer1977]

Thanks again Jake. I notice there are quite a few dry creek beds. Did you ever notice them using them to move? Some of the brush there is pretty thick. You ever sit on any water sources?

[TSHOOTER]

LBL is 90% timber.  Most hunting pressure is on the few crop fields along the creek bottoms.  You can hunt near the fields in the evenings but expect to see people.  I have found the deep saddles and finger ridges 1/2 to 1 mile from the fields to be best.  This is expecially true for morning hunts.  Also, there are good terrain features miles from any crop fields.  Few people bowhunt these areas.  Scouting is very helpful in LBL.  If I had 2 days to hunt I would spend the entire 1st day scouting and then hunt the next. Mast crop makes a huge difference on deer movement and concentration in LBL.  Just because it was hot last year or last week doesn't mean you will even see a deer in a particular area.  If I were you I would pick out a 250 acre spot I liked and learn the area like it was your own place.  You can't effectively hunt 176,000 acres but you can find the best places on smaller chunks and kill deer.   Best tip =  PERMANONE...ticks are terrible in LBL. Good luck.

[Archer1977]

Thanks for the tips TSHOOTER. I use permethrin on my gear now after getting ate up one last year.