Btw, this just a fraction of the rubs. Had to be at least 20. Some go back many years too.
Thx. Pete
Pick you line based on elevation, typical wind direction, and when you plan on hunting (thermals). If you're putting on an hanger, do it two months before the season starts. Old bucks = no mercy scent and sign control.
GL
I could not locate a good tree down wind of these rubs but there were two great pines side by side that would work well on a southerly and easterly. They had a lot of branches at the 18 foot point and could provide great cover. I plan to use a saddle next season, so I can almost go in any tree. I also think I could go partially down the hill, away from the rubs, assuming that is his line of travel. There were some very huntable trees there. My concern is that he is in that nasty thick stuff. I can't even crawl through it.
I guess the thing to do is get a camera into the soft pines down the hill and see if he traveling there. I have plenty of time to narrow his route down to the right area :) Pete
Go get a machete and hack your way into the thicket area. Look for a lane prior to hacking away by bending down at the waist. The hole/lanes they use will be noticeable if you get your head down to about 3' off the ground, they kind of just appear. Hack your way along those lines, I would wait until June to do this. I guarantee you'll see more deer sign than you've ever seen anywhere else. That thicket area is their panic room if you get my meaning. Hack some lanes into that thicket, create some crossing lines, they'll be using your cut paths in a month. Use that area as your secondary hunting spot if sign dries up shortly after you start hunting the surrounding area.
If you can't get a stand in there, consider a blind, and or a tripod stand. I'd put the tripod stand in the thicket area, and a blind along whatever path you intend to use. Make sure you put both up no later than the end of July, then stay out until the season starts. You want them to get used to the sight and smell.
..the thick pricky stuff is MONEY!!
How high is it to the top of the ribs
What zone is it in
The reason for the questions is because it looks like those rubs are at least 4 ft off the ground. And they also go from ground to 4 ft high. Are there any moose in the area. Looking at the pic it looks like moose stripping the barn off of trees. Saw a lot of similar sign in areas I used to hunt in Princeton and always saw moose in the area. If the pic is deceiving and the rubs are only a couple feet of the ground. Take a look at what side the rubs are on and try and figure out what way the deer are moving when they make the rubs. If it looks like they are rubbing when returning from the field then Find a way in without going near the field and set up first thing in the morning. Way before light keep the headlamp on red hold it in your hand and pointed to the ground and make sure the wind is not leading uphill to the field. Thermals will carry your scent with the rising temps in the morning to the field and alert them before you even see them
I will so some more homework when I can get back out there again. I will crawl into the thickets and other areas to try and find the beds. I will take pics too so you guys can keep helping. Thanks a bunch. Having a lot fun poking around during the off season. It is a toss up who enjoys it more, me or my dog.
Worst case you may have one or more mature deer in the area... (I also had the moose thoughts, but the height, and lack of occasional little gouges that look like two chisels went up the tree 6-10feet up make me think you have a little honey hole).