Too tall. Yes, hunting related.
Wisconsin
Contributors to this thread:
This is my urban spot. Im 6”3’ and this shit is a foot taller than me. I did find a few beds but how the hell do I hunt this? I couldn’t help myself and took a quick walk yesterday. I hadn’t seen my spot since last year so I didn’t realize it had essentially grown into a giant bedroom. I’m heading out mid day to hang a stand but honestly, I don’t see how I’ll get a shot with it this thick and tall. Is it going to screw me up if I borrow a big lawnmower and cut trails? The entire ten acres is overgrown like the pictures show.
Cut trails past your stands, you'll be glad you did. The deer will use them.
Like casekiska said, I knock down tall weeds every year. Well mine were 4' tall when I did the trimming about 3 weeks ago. Use a good size lawn trimmer with about 8 teeth on on the blade. Beauty is that you get to put the trail where you want it to be. Sure it is a little late to do this but at this point you don't have much choice. It will also put the deer directly in line when your cameras take their pic.
Sit on top of a stepladder that is backed into some brush over looking bedding or trails coming in and out of bedding
If you can mow I'd certainly cut some trails. Plus the fresh growth will provide some food source. A little time pulling the brush hog now is very good investment imo
If it`s their bedding area I wouldn`t disturb it. Work trails leading to and from.
That tree is a natural pinch pout and provides easy access from my parking spot. It’s got excellent cover and because I had to cut my way in, I have a plethora of brush to fill it in if I need to after leaf drop. I’m not going to cut trails.
I brought my dog and wore my regular clothes trying to throw them off a bit so they don’t know I’m trying to kill their grandpa.
I know you said you won’t cut trails BUT you really should. On top of that cut an opening in front of your stand. When it greens back up it will be as good as a food plot.
I agree in cutting trails as well...they'll use the path of least resistance every time!
I like what Gusto said...an old trick hunting cattail marshes!!
I already have a stepladder out there. A 6footer with a swivel seat. It’s not tall enough to shoot down into.
I think I have a doe group living in there and I’m worried that if I go too crazy (cutting trails, moving/hanging more stands) they’ll move out. This is an urban spot so if I push the does out, the bucks are not likely to show up vey often. I’ll get more aggressive as the season goes on but for now my single hang on provides the right opportunity for me I think.
Urban and farmland animals are much more tolerant to humans and human activities as are their counterparts in more back country areas. I have cut my trails and then encountered deer on them as I returned to the barn, less than an hour after cutting them.
A mower will not bust them out, they might move on the day that you cut, but they will be back to check things out that night after dark. They will then use those trails to travel through that property. The mowed trails will lessen the scent that you will leave behind on your walks to and from your stand.
Yep, I did that in a thick thick patch of woods. The deer immediately started using the trails I made to my stands. Good because they were coming by you if they came that way, bad because your scent is on the trail.
I agree with everyone. Get in there and cut it. You wont push the deer out.
Actually, that dog’s scent will keep far more deer away than will cutting any path.
I agree with CaptMike - makes a good point about Urban deer...they are very much more "used" to human activity than their counterparts and more tolerant of encroachment.
Cut the trails....
Ok, that stuff is tall and pretty thick. Would my grandpas riding mower be good enough to cut it or would I just wreck the mower? It’s just your average riding mower. I’d rather not have to ask the landowner if I can borrow his tractor.
This was me 2 years ago cutting paths but it needs to be done.
Absolutely!
Run it first with out the mower engaged...knock that crap down and blaze your trail... I would then go back on the "Highest" setting and engage the blades....
Each pass lower the blades a little mower...and GO SLOW!!
I would think that would work....
Not a "mowerologist" and don't play one on TV, but I would think it would be a tad tough on the mower so SLOW helps....
That's what I would do....
If you have access to an ATV...rent a trail mower to do it would also be an idea....knock it down first by driving over it....helps!!
Take pictures!!!