Logging companies

[hoganator]

My main hunting ground is the backside of a gravel pit containing lots of old oaks and lots of thick cover. Last year I was guaranteed deer sightings by setting up between the thick stuff and the producing oak trees. This year the gravel pit had their entire property logged, and I have yet to be back there since they did it, but every tree over 12 inches diameter was marked, including my oaks. I feel like I have to start at square one- Finding their main food source in the fall, their new trails, and finding their bedding areas, which could really be anywhere... (For those who dont know, loggers take the tree up to a certain height and leave the limbs, leaders, tops, etc. Leaving lots of deadfall for deer to bed in.) This land is hilly and between two bodies of water/ swamp.

I am new here and am thoroughly impressed by the knowledge shared by you folks. I'm trying to learn this beast method and would appreciate a little advice on how you would tackle my situation.

Thanks!

[Knute78]

Sounds like one of their primary food sources at certain times of year just became a prime bedding location with all the slash they produced from logging. Might have to dive in and take a look to figure it out for this year. The sooner the better I'd imagine.

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[PK_]

I think most bucks will continue to bed according to topography. Does/yearlings generally move into the new cover. That is what I have seen in the past anyways.

But that is just a guess without boots on the ground.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[headgear]

Being "married" to only a handful of properties will eventually backfire on you. I agree above you just got a new large bedding area to work with but I would spread out and find several new locations to hunt. Why have 4-5 good spots when you can have 25+.

[dan]

If its hilly land bucks should still bed based on topography. main Food will most likely be the area logged unless there is crops or other oaks in the area.

[hoganator]

Being "married" to only a handful of properties will eventually backfire on you. I agree above you just got a new large bedding area to work with but I would spread out and find several new locations to hunt. Why have 4-5 good spots when you can have 25+.

I have a few other spots to hunt, I am partial to this one as it is just down the road from me.

I am working ridiculous hours but plan on heading in this weekend to check it out. Thanks for all the responses! I will keep you all posted.

[DEERSLAYER]

I think most bucks will continue to bed according to topography. Does/yearlings generally move into the new cover. That is what I have seen in the past anyways.

But that is just a guess without boots on the ground.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

X2. The bucks will still bed up on those hills (mainly the points). Especially if they have some decent vision. The mast may drastically decrease, but there may still be a few acorns coming down from those smaller trees that will bring in some bucks.

[Redman232]

Logging will make the property better, even if they took out oak trees. It may make it more difficult to hunt but it will ultimately hold more deer. If the oaks were dropping acorns, I would assume they were pretty good sized trees. With the canopy opened up from the logging, the browse will explode, likely generating more varieties of browse and probably more quantity than what was provided by the acorns before. The land will have a higher carrying capacity meaning you should see an increase in all wildlife including deer. The tree tops left behind will create bedding but almost as important they create travel barricades also, making for pretty obvious ambush locations. Also there are likely oak trees that will be left that are mature enough to produce acorns but previously were not because they were not getting sufficient nutrients before with the larger trees around. Just my 2 cents. Good luck

[Southern Man]

That property will become a deer meca. I agree with the topography bedding and the food sources will multiply. At least from what I've seen in logged areas. It may be like starting over again but it sounds good.

[hoganator]

Sorry I forgot to check back in! I have been scouting the property extensively. I am beginning to apply some of my knowledge from the beast to my scouting trips and I am already excited for October first!

The property looks 100% different. I have located some oaks that the loggers left standing and have even found a small ridge of apple trees. Beds are everywhere,particularly at the top or near the top of the hills. I jumped lots of deer and found some sizeable rubs from last year. I am having a hard time distinguishing a buck bed from a doe bed. I will have to do a little bit more research here on the beast!

Also- just put out a trail camera (Due to my college budget I only have one) and will let you guys know what shows up on that!

Thanks for all your advice and suggestions!

[Florida]

Thanks for following up. Sounds like you'll have an exciting season.

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[Chuck-C24]

Any new info/updates/pics? I'm interested!

An area I scouted has the same thing going on up top. They are logging all the pine on the top of a mountain.