Surrounded by pressure
Posted: 10 November 2009 11:06 AM   [ Ignore ]
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I have 130 acres in central VA. Lots of hardwoods and bedding areas as well as a lake and lots of creeks. The problem
Is I’m surrounded by hunt clubs that shoot everything and they run dogs during rifle season how can I give the deer on my land a chance to mature

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Posted: 18 November 2009 04:48 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 1 ]
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I think you are going to need to set expectations that shooting a 170+ buck is going to be very difficult with that much pressure.  However, there are some things which can help you to keep the deer on your land.  First of all try to make your property a sanctuary for deer.  Trust me if they are getting pressure around you and there is little or no pressure on your land, it will not take long for them to stay on your land and know they are safe.  You will need to keep heavy brush on the edges of your property so they are covered, but maybe plant a food plot or just open up some space with native grasses in the middle of your property.  If you have cover, food, and water, they will stay close.  The most difficult thing will be for you to be careful when hunting or on your land.  You can hunt, but you will need to make sure when you come and go you do not “wonder” around.  The amount of times you hunt in a specific location will need to be controlled. Again, the idea is for your property to be the one place they feel low or no pressure.  Just my thoughts.

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Posted: 19 November 2009 09:37 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 2 ]
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Well its not like im looking to harvest a 170+ Just a good size mature buck.  Ill take what you said and do what I can with it.  The brush around the property like will be tough.  130 is alot of land.  I dont know.  Just this first day of rifle season I saw no less than 4 deer taken off the surrounding area and none of them were over 2 years.  Its sad.  Take the little ones during BOW and Black Powder if you strike out with seeing a big boy.  OH well Ill keep Hunting its all I can do Thanks.

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