Cattails and the Rut

[mibowhunter]

I feel I have a good grasp on deer bedding in cattail marshes thanks to Dan's DVD and feet on the ground. But I have one spot that I've noticed on a map, that I've never stepped foot on, that I'm wondering if it would be a good rut location? It is basically an island of trees and brush maybe 200 yards square... surrounded by cattails and a river. The nearest edge, whether it is the river or fields, is almost 500 yards away. I'm wondering if this would be a good spot to catch bucks cruising through or if anyone else has experience hunting a similar spot - would I just blow deer out that are bedding there and ruin my chances? Or is it a spot that bucks could show up at any time cruising around looking for does.

[Jackson Marsh]

Sounds like a great spot to me. Bucks will cruise in the cattails and will sometimes pop up on an island or cruise the edge of the island. I would hunt it.

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[Lockdown]

Sounds like a great spot to me. Bucks will cruise in the cattails and will sometimes pop up on an island or cruise the edge of the island. I would hunt it.

[ Post made via Android ]

Follow JM's advice. Even if you screw up you're still going to learn about that spot and your techniques. Go in with a game plan and confidence.

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[dan]

cattail marshes can be tough in rut... Bucks tend to cruise on the thick transitions thru the bedding areas on the edges. Find tight areas that offer you shots... Might sound basic, but they really stick to the thick and try to corral the does into the cattails.

[mibowhunter]

Thanks for the input guys. There is some pretty thick vegetation not far away from the island of trees. I might give it a shot and see what happens.... Worst case scenario, I get out there and it doesn't pan out, I can scout it out and determine if it is worth it next year.