Cherry trees in the deer woods. If you have them get on them!

[jonsimoneau]

I've been spending most all of my free time scouting public areas near my home.  Last week I came upon a wild cherry tree near a great bedding area that was loaded with cherrys.  Most of the cherrys were kind of shriveled up but it seemed the deer were pounding them anyway.  I assume this is because of the drought and food is more at a premium.  Anyway, the ground was torn up all around the tree.  I hung a trail camera there and got alot of pictures. No big bucks, but a couple decent ones and just overall alot of deer.  After finding that tree, I found quite a few more in other areas.  If you have them in your area, you may want to look for them and get a camera up there.  The deer are standing around in front of the camera for quite a while chowing down on them.  Good luck guys!

[oldskool]

The cherry trees on my land always get hit hard every year

[bornagainbowhunter]

One of my stand that ranks as one of the "good ens" is right beside a wild cherry tree.  It is only about 30 yards from a road, but it's a deer haven.

God Bless,
Nathan

[two4hooking]

Camera on public land.....pet peeve of mine....

[D. Key]

Jon:

Best of luck to ya.

tow4hooking:  Please explain.  I'm a bit confused with your post.  Why would placing a camera on public land be a "pet peeve" as long as it is legal?

[ron w]

Even in the Adirondacks when the Cherry do have fruit the deer and bear really hammer them. Grouse are rather fond of them also. The bad part is on any given year they may or may not produce, so a lot of leg work is involved to find the good ones that are.

[two4hooking]

Originally posted by D. Key:
Jon:

Best of luck to ya.

tow4hooking:  Please explain.  I'm a bit confused with your post.  Why would placing a camera on public land be a "pet peeve" as long as it is legal?

Is it legal?  Around here the regs. on most public lands prohibit portable treestands to be left overnight.  I know it does not say cameras, but why should this piece of private property be any different?  

I hunt very heavily pressured public land on the east here and having cameras every 20 yards is not something that is conducive to a "natural experience in the woods".  After all this is all public land....it belongs to all of us....would you be ok with someone hanging a camera in your private area...well these woods are all of our private areas.  

It is bad enough every other tree here has cat eyes stuck in them.  IMO one should not leave anything in public areas overnight.

I used to work part time as a park ranger and I would bet if you pointed out the location of a trail camera to a ranger or DNR on public land they would take it down.

Akin to someone’s treestand left in the woods, a trail camera kinda "holds" that spot.  Being conscientious I would not hunt right next to someone’s treestand or camera...not only because they might return and ruin my hunt, but they have something there already.  

Also why should I be subjected to having my picture taken without permission if I am where I have legal right to be.  Not that I have something to "hide" but why should my image be subjected to anyone’s personal agenda?


And then there is the issue of fairness on public ground...because you can afford to hang many cameras and risk losing them, why should you have that advantage on public land over a guy who does not have the extra money and must scout the low tech. way.

Don't get me wrong....I am not against cameras.  I have one and use one on MY property.  These arguments may not be that important out west where there is lots of land and few people....but here on the crowded east be are having a "tragedy of the commons".

Sorry for taking this thread so far off topic.

Food for thought anyway, happy hunting.

Greg

[Ray Lyon]

In Michigans upper peninsula, the black bears tear the trees apart getting at these little gems. When my buddy and I first saw the tops of these trees all broken over, we thought they had a severe windstorm, however then the local contact told us it was the bears. They will climb the tree and then just pull the top branches over until they snap and hang down where they can get them.

[ron w]

Yep that's exactly how the bears work the cherries.....beech nuts the same way. I really would love to watch at it sometime!

[rolltidehunter]

good luck jon!

[Missouri CK]

Guys....this is ridiculous.  He is giving us a nice tip. Lets not highjack his thread.  

Thanks for the heads up Jon.  I appreciate you insight and your post. Always quality.  I'm headed out to put up some stands this weekend and might look for some Cherry trees to get some late summer pictures. Thanks for the info.

Keep on scouting and going.  I got a feeling you are going to have a good year this fall. Just like you I've lost several places to hunt over the years and I always seem to be able to find another situation that turns out good. Keep pounding the pavement and knocking on doors.

Good luck to you!

Chris