Spotlight/shining Tactics - no fields

[dyeguy1212]

I keep hearing how effective spotlights can be in locating big bucks. I've always overlooked it for my area, given the "big woods" setting with no surrounding ag fields.

What strategies have you employed in these settings? I'm considering setting up my stand on the edge of a clear cut or marsh, but I'm not sure how fruitful it'll be.

Tips?

[<DK>]

Id imagine the best bet is to just run cams in that setting. Otherwise I would just glass w Binos in the timber. Not an easy task..

One thing I like to do and had great luck w in the hills/timber , is scout on rain days and push close to bedding. Iv gotten very close to bucks. If I accidentally bump them, they are disoriented and not really sure what happened.

[Coalcracker]

I believe the best big woods tactic is boots on the ground scouting. Find areas with historical buck sign. Check back on these locations as the season unfolds. I would suggest “Tracking 200” YouTube videos. Big woods tracking 101 explained that involves a lot of scouting and makes reference to what I mentioned above.

[MichiganMike]

Its difficult to shine in big woods settings especially in summer, too much foilage. Ill try to find some kind of clearcut with some openings, or rows of pines you can get some visibility. I usually dont see much in these areas in the summer though, their all around AG. If its legal and you can shine into Sept and October, big woods will start heating up. Youll get some eyes on bucks when the foilage is more thinned out and their staging for the rut.