KLEMZ wrote:Really good information Tim! It helps confirm some of the things I've been observing up north (I hunt northern Wisconsin near lake Superior). Those secondary logging roads are a big deal to the deer! Most of them are too overgrown to even notice, but, 25% of the length of those 100 year old roads are openish highways that the deer use (even the oldest bucks), with complete confidence.
They're just like the "corridors" that Stanely taught us about. Safe easy walking. When they are coursing near a bedding or feeding area, they are almost irresistible to the bucks.
Also, I love your observation (With buck pictures to prove it!) that scrapes in a strategic area on these logging roads are sign that "they are giving us to use"! Spots where daylight activity is expected. Super powerful information for a big woods hunter! Thanks for sharing that.
Wow thanks for the awesome words Klemz! To get that from you and hearing you mention Stanley means a great deal to me! In a sense, I was hesitant to talk about secondary trails because not all people have those in their areas. But I suppose the same principles can be applied to a lot of areas. Find the areas the bucks are moving where they feel comfortable to let their guard down. Many people might not find scrapes important, but as a bigwoods hunter if used in the right scenario, it could really pay off! I like to say, you only gotta be right once!