What would you do?

[bear bowman]

I've been invited to hunt a piece of private property close to home. No one else bow hunts here. I was invited late and I only had a few hours to scout it a few weeks ago. I didn't want to keep going in there this close to season without hunting it. The season starts saturday and it look like the wind may be a major factor. This normally wouldn't be an issue but when I scouted, I was only planning on north, west and south winds not east. As I really don't know the deer tendencies yet, I was planning on hunting the east side of the property and let the deer tell me where to move. Saturday is our first day here and I'm only able to hunt until mid day because of a wedding I have to attend. That being said, if you were in my position, would you just wing it and try to find something on the west side of the property? Would you wait until daylight and still hunt it? Would you stay out of there the first morning and hit it later in the week in the evenings when you could see? This property looks like it holds a lot of promise. I want to get in there but I'm kicking myself for not scouting an east wind.

[pokeanhope]

Depends on size or property, as what I would do,  but I would go. Can't kill em at the house.

[sweeney3]

I'd skip the wedding and still hunt it.  There'll be plenty more weddings...

[KyStickbow]

Originally posted by pokeanhope:
Depends on size or property, as what I would do,  but I would go. Can't kill em at the house.

X2....maybe put a trail camera or two up and start getting inventory of whats on the farm....and how they like to move about.

[bear bowman]

It's a triangular shaped property. Small at the north end and widest at the south. It's roughly 75 acres.

[VA Elite]

let your instincts take over and see what the wind is for sure. If your wind is blowing into their face when they are heading to bed then stay out. If it is blowing in your face to where they want to bed, go for it.

[DanielB89]

i'd go.  never know what could happen.  I am going in semi blind this evening. I have scouted the area and have a few on camera, but nothing super consistent.  But I do know they are in the area.  Just trying to find out exactly where they are in that area is my biggest challenge.  I hope one of them messes up and gives me a shot.

[dirtguy]

Hunt it.

Do you have a climbing stand?
If so, go in and find a tree along and edge where the wind is also in you favor and just take your chances.

[bear bowman]

Thanks guys. As long as I'm not dealing with hurricane force winds, I'm going to go climb a tree and see what unfolds. Maybe I'll have a story to tell!

[Fletcher]

[Fletcher]

Scouting new ground during season is a delicate process.  It's easy to go too far and make some mistakes before you realize what is happening.  Google earth type programs will help you "see" what the ground looks like.  Pick an interesting area on the downwind side, sneak in a little ways and get set up, either in a tree of on the ground to study and observe what is going on.  I would wait until good light before moving in and not go very far in.  As the season progresses and you learn more about the property you will be able to go deeper in if you need/want to.

Good luck and enjoy.  New ground is always exciting.

[kevsuperg]

Just go, you'll figure it out
I'd go in toward the north end ( maybe a funnel there) as far as the east wind will let you and find a spot to hide , watch what the deer are doing

[highlow]

At my age I can't waste too much time so I would hunt it. Use it as a scouting trip since you don't where the deer come from. As you stated, let the deer tell you and without cameras you won't know unless you're out there.

[swamper]

I would look for fresh sign,then just hunt the wind till you figure it out.

[njloco]

What swamper said !

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I would make a  the best judgement and hunt it.  maybe you will be able to see deer that you cant shoot but be able to use that info for next time.

[Brianlocal3]

Use google earth and bing to your advantage!
Look for visible markers that will lead deer.
Im hunting new public land this year (I don't get to hunt much if at all due to scheduling) , I studied aerials, picked out good spots and did a stump'n'scout two weeks ago, I had deer all over me there.

Google maps can be your best friend.

[Producer]

I would just get out there and enjoy my time in the woods and not worry about nothing.

[Hud]

Not familiar with your area. But, if deer move before a storm and stay put during, I'd use it to base my decision. I wouldn't want to push them out. If the storm, or wind affects their hearing or ability to smell, they may stay in their bed and you may be better to wait. Good luck.

[bunyan]

If you're going in blind then google earth is your best scouting tool. But definitely hunt it!