The Hunting Beast

In the dry palmetto flats, if there is any roll in the terrain, expect the deer to use falling thermals to their advantage. Also, if there is any break in that stuff like a flag pond, old row of trees, anything they will use it. Back track old google earth photos and find old logging trails as well.

I’ve found some success in those cabbage palm hammocks during the rut phase. It’s usually wet and you can use the water to funnel the deer around.

Those palms can be loaded with deer depending on available food sources as well. The palmetto berries will get crushed and the deer feel safe feeding and bedding in them. The cabbage palms will drop a seed that is really a fruit and I’ve killed swamp deer with bellies full of them.

I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

So you are talking about dry palmetto terrain. Yea that stuff is not easy to nail down. But I have found generational bedding areas but you can’t find them by scouting for sign usually. Honestly I can’t find any sign in those spots at all. It is thru observed movement over decades of hunting the same area. Not the ideal situation for being efficient.

Shade is important. I’m sure pre-rut is pretty warm days even up your way. That’s why those big lone oaks hold beds. Sometimes you can see the actual beds under those oaks sometimes you just see a few scrapes or mangled licking branches around the edge of the canopy.

Buckshot nailed some key points too about tree lines, clumps, ponds, etc. basically if it is a sea of palmettos hunt it just like a marsh, any structure or cover will be a magnet.

The problem (and probably what you are experiencing) is when the palmettos are tall enough (stomach or higher) or there is enough other cover scattered throughout that the deer just have endless secure bedding options.

I am hearing some chatter of giant bucks and palmettos and you guys are kind of piquing my interest. Not easy hunting but there is something about killing deer in palmettos that I have always been drawn to.

Buckshot20 wrote:In the dry palmetto flats, if there is any roll in the terrain, expect the deer to use falling thermals to their advantage. Also, if there is any break in that stuff like a flag pond, old row of trees, anything they will use it. Back track old google earth photos and find old logging trails as well.

I’ve found some success in those cabbage palm hammocks during the rut phase. It’s usually wet and you can use the water to funnel the deer around.

Those palms can be loaded with deer depending on available food sources as well. The palmetto berries will get crushed and the deer feel safe feeding and bedding in them. The cabbage palms will drop a seed that is really a fruit and I’ve killed swamp deer with bellies full of them.

Appreciate it. Didn’t realize I could do the google earth trick

JakeB wrote:I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

Appreciate the response. I knew there were a few guys with experience on this terrain and thought I’d just get some general info. I have years to learn and have been more open to learning more on what the woods has to offer. Completely different experience all together last couple seasons.

Hogs you say !!???!!!??? Lol. Only been chased once this year!! Wasn’t the best experience for my brothers first ever hunting trip with me. The worst thing about them palmettos is walking through at night and stirring up a HERD of hogs

I’ve traveled more the last two years to hunt different public pieces than ever. Freaking awesome times. So yeah, that’s area isn’t the only piece I’m targeting. As the Beast teach, have many options

PK_ wrote:So you are talking about dry palmetto terrain. Yea that stuff is not easy to nail down. But I have found generational bedding areas but you can’t find them by scouting for sign usually. Honestly I can’t find any sign in those spots at all. It is thru observed movement over decades of hunting the same area. Not the ideal situation for being efficient.

Shade is important. I’m sure pre-rut is pretty warm days even up your way. That’s why those big lone oaks hold beds. Sometimes you can see the actual beds under those oaks sometimes you just see a few scrapes or mangled licking branches around the edge of the canopy.

Buckshot nailed some key points too about tree lines, clumps, ponds, etc. basically if it is a sea of palmettos hunt it just like a marsh, any structure or cover will be a magnet.

The problem (and probably what you are experiencing) is when the palmettos are tall enough (stomach or higher) or there is enough other cover scattered throughout that the deer just have endless secure bedding options.

I am hearing some chatter of giant bucks and palmettos and you guys are kind of piquing my interest. Not easy hunting but there is something about killing deer in palmettos that I have always been drawn to.

Very helpful info. Appreciate ya response.

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

JakeB wrote:I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

Appreciate the response. I knew there were a few guys with experience on this terrain and thought I’d just get some general info. I have years to learn and have been more open to learning more on what the woods has to offer. Completely different experience all together last couple seasons.

Hogs you say !!???!!!??? Lol. Only been chased once this year!! Wasn’t the best experience for my brothers first ever hunting trip with me. The worst thing about them palmettos is walking through at night and stirring up a HERD of hogs

I’ve traveled more the last two years to hunt different public pieces than ever. Freaking awesome times. So yeah, that’s area isn’t the only piece I’m targeting. As the Beast teach, have many options

The hogs aren’t what bother me, it’s the dadgum rattle snakes that lay on the fans. That’s above the boot if you know what I mean.

Buckshot20 wrote:

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

JakeB wrote:I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

Appreciate the response. I knew there were a few guys with experience on this terrain and thought I’d just get some general info. I have years to learn and have been more open to learning more on what the woods has to offer. Completely different experience all together last couple seasons.

Hogs you say !!???!!!??? Lol. Only been chased once this year!! Wasn’t the best experience for my brothers first ever hunting trip with me. The worst thing about them palmettos is walking through at night and stirring up a HERD of hogs

I’ve traveled more the last two years to hunt different public pieces than ever. Freaking awesome times. So yeah, that’s area isn’t the only piece I’m targeting. As the Beast teach, have many options

The hogs aren’t what bother me, it’s the dadgum rattle snakes that lay on the fans. That’s above the boot if you know what I mean.

Man I have yet to see one up on the fans !!!!

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

Buckshot20 wrote:

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

JakeB wrote:I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

Appreciate the response. I knew there were a few guys with experience on this terrain and thought I’d just get some general info. I have years to learn and have been more open to learning more on what the woods has to offer. Completely different experience all together last couple seasons.

Hogs you say !!???!!!??? Lol. Only been chased once this year!! Wasn’t the best experience for my brothers first ever hunting trip with me. The worst thing about them palmettos is walking through at night and stirring up a HERD of hogs

I’ve traveled more the last two years to hunt different public pieces than ever. Freaking awesome times. So yeah, that’s area isn’t the only piece I’m targeting. As the Beast teach, have many options

The hogs aren’t what bother me, it’s the dadgum rattle snakes that lay on the fans. That’s above the boot if you know what I mean.

Man I have yet to see one up on the fans !!!!

That’s the thing, you don’t see them... they just bite you

JakeB wrote:

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

Buckshot20 wrote:

CajunSwampStalker wrote:

JakeB wrote:I’ve hunted the area I’m pretty sure you are talking about.. as far as bed hunting it I think even the best beast would have trouble pin pointing big buck beds in it. It’s just so plain and boring. They have huge bucks in it for sure though. What I have found is “edge” is your friend. I’ve tried to make sense of the bedding out in those palmettos and it’s just so hard to really put the pieces together. So much cover. And just a general pain to scout.

Bed hunting works without a doubt but I think some situations it’s not the best strategy. Especially down here. It’s big woods but palmettos thrown in. Some places it’s physically impossible to get through. And there’s hogs thrown in.

Figuring out these deer can take years in a small area, making unsuccessful hunts then adjusting. The good thing is the deer seem to repeat patterns and travel areas year after year. You just have to put in the time into learning it.

I’ve pretty much given up on the big palmetto areas and focused more on places with more edge and changes.its really hard to find spots to setup on that aren’t just fingers crossed hunts.

If you want to spend years slowly moving around and learning how the deer move through these woods go for it, but I’ve found There are easier woods to hunt.

I’m not saying to quit hunting it because as I’m sure you know big bucks live there. Just know what your up against, no one is bed hunting that type of terrain.

Appreciate the response. I knew there were a few guys with experience on this terrain and thought I’d just get some general info. I have years to learn and have been more open to learning more on what the woods has to offer. Completely different experience all together last couple seasons.

Hogs you say !!???!!!??? Lol. Only been chased once this year!! Wasn’t the best experience for my brothers first ever hunting trip with me. The worst thing about them palmettos is walking through at night and stirring up a HERD of hogs

I’ve traveled more the last two years to hunt different public pieces than ever. Freaking awesome times. So yeah, that’s area isn’t the only piece I’m targeting. As the Beast teach, have many options

The hogs aren’t what bother me, it’s the dadgum rattle snakes that lay on the fans. That’s above the boot if you know what I mean.

Man I have yet to see one up on the fans !!!!

That’s the thing, you don’t see them... they just bite you

Lmao !!! I stepped on one last year while turned around in the abyss of palmettos !!That was the icing on the cake. Took me a month off from there before going back. Then harvesting a nice 8 made it all worth it

You’re still in LA ? PM me if you ever wanna make a hunt or just to shoot the sh**

I jumped a good buck out his bed this year in big palmetto flat. After inspecting the bed you could tell it wasn't random and used a decent bit. The bed was on a slight rise prob 1 ft or less and was bare ground around 10 ft in diameter. Old rub in middle of it with deer poo and heavily used trail with rub on it near by. With palmettos I think your going to waste way too much time finding a bed. Much better off keying in any sort of transition with sign around them.