Deep, where the big ones lurk....

[Tom Anderson]

This past weekend, the landowner whose property I hunt were trekking deep in the swamp trying to locate a couple of his property corners using our GPS units.  The deeper into the woods we got, the deeper the water got as the beavers have dammed up the creek at several places for miles downstream.  Occasionally we would come to some higher clumps of ground  that had some rubs from this past fall's activity.  Some of the places just smelled like there should be deer there.
We also found a couple of trails leading out of the woods, along the edge of the water and out to the edge of the field over which I hunted this year. (With a rifle - heresy, I know!)
I think those big bucks just hang in the woods and may never step out until well after dark...or maybe not at all.
Well, this year I'm gonna "go deep" and see what I come up with.  I'll likely have to sit on the ground because it's almost too thick to get a stand in there without making a huge fuss.
I've got an infrared game camera set up along one of the trails leading out, so hopefully I can see what's hiding in there.
I'll have to be picky about what I shoot, 'cause it'll be a hell of a drag outta there.

So, how many of you hunt the deep swamps?

[Over&Under]

No deep swamps here, just deep canyons!  I do agree though, sometimes that is where they hang out.  Around here some of the biggest muleys killed are just a few hundred yards off the main roads, crazy I know, but most ppl just pass right by them, headed to the deep canyons...LOL

I do agree, I always see a hog of a buck when I head deep into a canyon or deep (far) off the beaten path, they like to be alone that is for sure!

Be sure to show us the pics off your trail cam when ya find out what hiding out in the deep!!!

Jake

[Gottabow]

Look for high ground in those swamps now but tread lightly during the season or close to season.

[last arrow]

The farther from the road the better.  Although very difficult ot get more than a mile from a road here Michigan.

[waterone]

Tom, remember deer float - you don't have to drag them out when they float. Of course clean up is not too fun after the trip out.

I have also just dressed, boned out the animal on-site and so didn't have the problem of bringing the whole carcass out. Been told that here in Nc that's a no-no, but as they (the WRC) have phone check in now, I can't see how it'd be a problem.

All in all, I have found that most people won't go into the swamps.  In Eastern NC most hunters are geared and oriented toward dog hunting, most of the compound bowhunters are just waiting for dog/gun season - the swamps are why they are running the dogs; but being from up toward Wilson, you know that.

One other thing, if the water is high enough and there are enough openings, you might try a small canoe ot a pirouge, they can be made easily and float on a heavy dew fall. You can ask some of the guys from Lousiana about them, plans can be found on the internet - I have fished from a pirouge and while "different" it will go place you won't believe.

Oh yeah, in the summer/early fall watch the snakes.

[Tom Anderson]

waterone,
I'm with ya' on that canoe thing - here's one I built about 5 years ago:  http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1154446908054848947seOWfg

I've fished out of it, but haven't floated a deer out with it yet.

[Bonebuster]

Deer, just like people have certain traits that are all their own. Some deer will not tolerate any human disturbance, and will do what they must to eliminate, or at least minimize human encounters. I believe these deer are afraid of their own shadows, and spend their days in secluded areas being fearful of everything.

I learned many years ago that there is alot of satisfaction to be had by going the extra mile, and putting forth the effort to reach areas that few people ever go. Through experience, I also learned that these deer are ULTRA sensitive to being hunted. You are literally invading the peace and quiet they need to be comfortable, and they are VERY good at detecting your presence.

My favorite places to hunt are all way back, and difficult to reach. After years of hunting these locations, I am still learning.

Don`t worry too much about the long drag, if you connect. If you are doing it correctly, the effort to get the deer will be much greater than the effort required to get it out.