Setting Up Your Property For Deer Hunting

Written by HLRBO| 3/17/2023

Deer hunting is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by many people across the country. However, in order to be successful in this endeavor, you need to have a well-prepared property that is conducive to attracting and holding deer. In this blog article, we will discuss some of the key steps you can take to set up your property for deer hunting. 

Understand the Habitat Needs of Deer 

Before you start making any changes to your property, it is important to understand the habitat needs of deer. Deer require a mixture of food, cover, and water in order to survive. They prefer to live in areas with a variety of vegetation types, such as woods, fields, and wetlands. Understanding these needs will help you make better decisions about how to manage your property.

Develop a Plan 

Once you understand the habitat needs of deer, it is time to develop a plan for your property. This plan should include things like food plots, stand locations, and travel corridors. You should also consider the layout of your property, and how you can create natural funnels that will help direct deer movement.

Plant Food Plots 

Food plots are a great way to attract and hold deer on your property. They provide a reliable source of food for deer, which can help keep them on your property. When planting food plots, it is important to choose a variety of crops that will provide food throughout the year. Some popular food plot crops include clover, alfalfa, and brassicas.

Create Cover 

Deer need cover to feel secure on your property. You can create cover by planting shrubs and trees, as well as leaving brush piles and fallen logs. This will help provide deer with places to hide and rest during the day.

Manage Your Timber 

If you have timber on your property, it is important to manage it properly. This can include thinning the forest, creating clearings, and planting new trees. By doing this, you can create a variety of vegetation types that will attract and hold deer.

Control Access 

Finally, it is important to control access to your property. This can include things like installing gates and fencing, as well as posting signs to let others know that hunting is taking place. By controlling access, you can help prevent poaching and ensure that your property remains a safe and productive place to hunt.

In conclusion, setting up your property for deer hunting requires careful planning and management. By understanding the habitat needs of deer, developing a plan, planting food plots, creating cover, managing your timber, and controlling access, you can create a property that is attractive to deer and provides a successful hunting experience.