Written by Katelyn Armstrong| 05/14/2025

Join Katelyn Armstrong, a self-taught bowhunter, as she embarks on a journey to lease, prepare, and hunt her own 80-acre plot of wild land in Ohio. In an original HLRBO content series, we’ll follow Armstrong’s every step—scouting trails, planning food plots, and sharing the triumphs and challenges of transforming private land into a hunter’s paradise.

As a hunter, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring a new plot of wild land. Thanks to HLRBO, I was finally able to put boots on the ground at my 80-acre lease in southern Ohio. After my first two visits, I’m excited to share what I discovered and how I’m preparing for the upcoming hunting season.

Mapping Out the Property: First Impressions

Walking the land for the first time was an incredible experience. With a fresh dusting of snow from the night before, I had the opportunity to scout and observe what the deer were doing.

I focused on identifying key features like bedding areas, rubs, and sheds. While deer movement patterns change throughout the year, noting the most-used travel paths now will be invaluable for planning my hunts later. 

Every sign I found helped me build a clearer picture of the property’s potential.

To make the most of my scouting, I used onX Hunt to mark all the deer sign and notable locations on the property. The app was a game-changer for me, allowing the mapping out of bedding areas, travel corridors, and the spot where a food plot is being created. 

I also noted the location of a box blind that’s set up for my use. With plenty of food sources and deer sign across the parcel, I’m feeling optimistic about this lease’s potential.

Trail Cameras & Surprise Buck

After observing the lay of the land and predicting deer movement, I set up a few trail cameras and a mineral site to confirm my observations. 

To my surprise, that very evening, one of the cameras captured a buck that hadn’t shed his antlers yet, even though it was March. This buck shows real promise for the upcoming season, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how he develops.

Another standout feature of this property is its well-maintained access trails. My e-bike will be put to good use here, allowing me to slip in and out of the property quickly and quietly. 

Taking advantage of the trails is something I’m genuinely excited about. It’s a small but significant detail that will make my hunting experience even more enjoyable.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Lease

With the initial scouting done, I’m already planning my next steps. The property has plenty of food sources, and the deer sign I’ve found gives me high hopes for a successful season. 

Next week, I’ll be focusing on the food plot, which should attract even more game to the area. I can’t wait to see how this parcel continues to shape up as I prepare for the hunting season ahead.

Author bio: Katelyn Armstrong is a self-taught bowhunter and outdoor content creator based in Ohio. Raised on a New Hampshire homestead, she took her first deer at 12, igniting a lifelong passion for hunting. Now leasing 80 acres in Ohio through HLRBO, Katelyn shares her journey of scouting, food plot planning, and bowhunting strategies on Instagram, YouTube, and the HLRBO blog.