hunting trails parallel to a ditch

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jayhawk
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hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby jayhawk » Sat Oct 14, 2017 2:42 pm

I have scouted a wooded property that has a ditch running through it. The ditch is ~10 yards wide rim to rim and a variable 2-5 yards deep. There is no water running in it during the summer/fall. The ditch has trails running alongside of it on both sides for a ways. These are not always right alongside the edge, but might move inland for 5-20 yards, weaving around blowdowns, extra-thick spots, etc.

My question is - based on your observations/theory, will deer prefer to walk on one side or the other based on wind direction? You can assume its a straight north-south ditch with parallel trails.

Lastly - this property is not your typical elevated hillside with a military crest / funnel near the top, etc.

Thank you for your thoughts!


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Stanley
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby Stanley » Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:18 pm

I like to find a spot where they cross the ditch.
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby Ack » Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:51 pm

Which side they prefer to travel will most likely be determined by their bedding and destination. I would try to set up in the spot that gives you as many shot opportunities as possible....try to cover both sides and a solid crossing if you can.
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Boogieman1
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby Boogieman1 » Sat Oct 14, 2017 5:15 pm

I prefer to follow the ditch all the way up to the header which squeezes there movement down and creates a hunter friendly scenario
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby hunter10 » Sat Oct 14, 2017 11:46 pm

I agreee with Stanley and boogieman. I like crossing or going to the heAd of the ditch which in my area is often at the woodline. Sets up as a pinch where as setting up somewhere on the ditch may not give you the option to shoot across as these ditches are usually choked pretty thick
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby matt1336 » Sun Oct 15, 2017 1:57 am

Yeah...look for irregularities along either trail that would put them in a position of vulnerability...
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PK_
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby PK_ » Sun Oct 15, 2017 2:08 am

No. Try to setup where you can shoot both sides from the downwind side.

One of the properties I hunt has lots of ditches like you describe and I glassed lots of deer traveling them(especially bucks cruising during rut) and I literally have watched them go along one ditch on the upwind side then jump to another ditch and cruise the downwind side. There seemed to be no pattern to it.
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Net Guy
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby Net Guy » Sun Oct 15, 2017 11:23 pm

I've killed many bucks either on or running parallel to ditches. Like others have said, I like to focus where the trails cross the ditch. Many of the ditches I hunted were pretty high, so the wind acted differently in and around them. Make sure to use milkweed when you're hunting around ditches. I was shocked how much those ditches affected the wind.
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Re: hunting trails parallel to a ditch

Unread postby jayhawk » Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:51 pm

Thanks everyone for the observations / advice. I plan to hunt this spot on the ground, otherwise a stand would probably let me hit both sides. I do plan to walk the ditch in the Spring to make sure I'm not missing any no-brainer crossings/funnels. The spot in question is near several large oaks.

Thanks again.


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