Creating The Perfect Tiny Deer Hunting Parcel

Creating the perfect small deer hunting parcel takes a whole lot more than great deer habitat improvements. In fact, the perfect deer hunting land may not only take fewer overall acres, but it may be a whole lot smaller than you think. Tiny deer hunting parcels can carry huge neighbor impacts simply because they are the last location of safety and security that a mature buck calls home. Is your small parcel the only hunting land in the neighborhood that offers a true sanctuary to a mature buck? Then you can expect all of the bucks in the neighborhood to not only know it, but to focus on your hunting land all season long. Best of all, the best sized whitetail parcel won't break the bank when it comes to your resources of time, work and money.

[@courtofficermcilvaine7928]

Spot on Sir! Using your concepts over the last several years on my New Jersey 22 acres has transitioned the property from the poorest of the poor hunting locations to what my Wife rightfully now calls - Deer Paradise. Thanks Cris

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, "deer paradise"...I like hearing that Cris!! And I greatly appreciate not only your feedback, but hearing about all of your hard work that you must have accomplished. Thank you!

[@stevenwurtz7225]

Wow needed to.hear that.... Perfect! Bigger is not always better...... I would rather have smaller area and get better at management than bigger property left behind

[@thagingerninjer5391]

Great video, Jeff! What if you want to create the right environment for regular sized deer, and not just tiny deer? The tiny ones taste better, but I don't mind a trophy buck every now and then. Lol! In all seriousness, I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me this year, my first year really hunting myself. I've taken a really good size doe to fill the freezer so far, and have one weekend of gun season here in Arkansas left to get a buck or two, and it looks like the weather will be perfect. Couldn't have been as successful as I have been without the help of KZbin and creators like you. Thanks so much, man.

[@gregfuson1282]

Hey Jeff! Thanks for all you do man! I have learned so much that I (thought I knew) haha. you teach facts, not opinions...things like .... what deer do and don't. I would love to pick your brain out on our property.! We are hoping to have you out next year. I know you don't have a lot of time for questions but I'm so stumped on what to do with the very center of our land. It's a tricky situation . Every time I think about this particular area on our land, I get frustrated. It's almost two acres of low land or a water shed or something. Deer don't use it at all other than the occasional walk across it if dry. I would love if , (off the top of your head without knowing anything else about the property ) I know that's hard to do but if you could at least tell me what you've done in the past with areas like that. I would be in your debit always! But I really, just wanted to say thank you for all you do, since I found out about what you do .... I watch every video. Even if it doesn't pertain to my hunt or property. I try to sponge up everything you teach. Dont work too hard and good hunting Jeff! Thanks again Greg

[@jameszelinske6329]

The most thoughtful video ever for the small parcel landowner wanting to own his little piece of deer heaven!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you James that really means a lot to me! Most of all I hope that it helps a lot of folks out!

[@bronsonclayton7497]

Great video! I’m hoping to upsize my property to 40-60 acres in the next 2 years. Lots of good information here. Thanks.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot for watching Bronson!

[@Sandwichking-hikes]

I recently bought a 10 acre parcel surrounded by vacant wood lots and timber land. Land is thick overgrown and my corn, salt block, food plot draw all the surrounding deer in with deer on camera multiple times a day. totally enough land to successfully hunt on.

[@z06supervette13]

I have 47 acres and I'm working crazy hard to get it like I want. Im making my biggest improvements this year. Hope it pays off!

[@eddiewallace5272]

Dang good video Jeff, thanks for sharing your information and instructions ✅💥✌️

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much Eddie!

[@mhg437]

Thank you for your ideas! We started with a hanging vine and scrape w/human urine. Got pictures of over 5 deer coming to the scrape and smelling the ground and the vine since we installed it last winter. We also have the same deer returning. Next step is to dig a water hole. Be glad to send you some video clips.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That is very cool, that k you and you are very welcome. GREAT to hear the scrape is working and I bet you will live the waterhole. It is a great time to install a waterhole right now 🙂

[@randlerichardson5826]

Great video thanks brother for sharing GOD BLESS.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks Randle and you are very welcome!

[@huntwarbukz4117]

Awsome info jeff ..me and two brother n laws are now 40yrs old and dreaming of buying some Midwest land together hopefully within next few years -this helps - I like the smaller parcel idea once established ..less work less to posted and patrol etc but like you say structure it well to keep Deer happy

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That sounds great and I hope the info helps you narrow it down to that perfect parcel! Happy shopping 🙂

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

Literally on my way up to my 5.5 acres when I got the alert. Haha. Listening it to it now to see what great ideas to do while I'm up here! Almost too coincidental...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That is awesome Chris...I think you will appreciate some of the concepts and strategies...have a great day!!

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 you too!

[@austinbowden601]

Here I am with my 18 acres like.. darn wish I had 22 more acres

[@stevenwurtz7225]

And my buddy just told me I'm stupid for always buying 20 acres with a steam running through it.... He thought it was to to small.. I'm going to.sign.papers sun 👊👊👊

[@larrabeejl]

I just realized that almost all of my 35 acres is a bedding area for a lot of the deer in the area. I found a huge bedding area 20 yards from the trail I walk in on they were also bedding right next to my driveway watching me coming in. I'm learning every day😆

[@randlerichardson5826]

That’s the way my lease is. Pretty much in the middle of a lot of hunting pressure and the bigger bucks come straight to my lease. That’s why I’m using your advice and putting a plot in soon.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Randle sounds perfect! Make sure to place that food plot off to the side of the cover, so you do not cut into the amount of depth that mature bucks need when it comes to daylight holding cover...

[@donaldsweet5044]

I really enjoy your videos. I am a disabled Veteran but can get in a tree stand. My father-in-laws 40 acres is 650' East/West by 2650' North/South. It has a North/South path up the middle with bedding areas on both sides and a marsh/swamp at the rear. 7 apple trees in front and the neighboring property on the right has crops. That right side bordering the crop land is where I would like to cut a path so that I am East of the bedding area. If I cut the path will it ruin the bedding area?

[@normyoder2622]

Straight to the point! I see a bunch of thumbs down.really?

[@travisfox8054]

Another great video, thanks for sharing Jeff. it was great to meet you a couple weeks ago and pick your brain.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot and It was great to meet you too Travis!!

[@bedwards733]

Love your videos , thank you

[@FarmallFanatic]

Pennsylvania is loaded with 20 to 40s. The guy with the 500 plus is rare around here.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man it sure is!! They just about have to collect them, buying up small parcels to assemble a big one.

[@FarmallFanatic]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 yep

[@briandubroc533]

Love your videos. I try to implement your advice on my property,but down here in Louisiana, it’s a little hard,since I have sloughs and ridges and palmettos.

[@jeremysilcox9362]

I have 35 acres I can hunt, and the 40 acres behind it is for sale. The owner is not pushing hard to sell it. If it is still around when I can get some bills paid off, I will try and buy it. All 40 acres is natural regeneration and small creek drains. Only thing I don't like about it is that the road runs right through the middle. I would make roads around if given the chance.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That sounds great Jeremy and that middle road is great for working on the land and retrieving deer...maybe even for getting out of the land after dark. Hope it works out for you!

[@TheElementWild]

So practical!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you! Very powerful concept ☺️

[@randlerichardson5826]

Yep your exactly right brother. Makes perfect sense.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you Randle!

[@dustinjacks9087]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 did you say once that you can create a deer hunting paradise on five acres?

[@mikemitchell728]

I have 20 acres 7 acre lake. Its a cut through property for the farm fields around me. Its actually located nicely for having travel routes through the property

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sounds real nice Mike! Doesn't have to be very big...

[@mikemitchell728]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 nope. We found that perfect little corner with agg fields on 2 sides. Woods on the others. Got really lucky with it I have 3 stand locations and I'm about to put in a fourth. Each one having their time and their wind direction. That being said I love I love your content Jeff its extremely informative

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@mikemitchell728 that is great to hear Mike...sounds really like a perfect situation, especially located in the middle of AG! And thanks too...I will do my best to keep it coming

[@grr1483]

Excellent videos and very nice of you to share your success. I'm subscribed.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you grr...I really appreciate it!

[@richardspillers3103]

Love your videos. Helped me out alot this season in north carolina

[@weldermike7017]

Great thank you bud!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are welcome Mike!

[@togr824get]

This man is the jedi master of deer hunting..

[@billkerr2060]

Wis I have just over 10 acers and you can hold big bucks and big does yet you dont need 100 or 300 acres just need to know you land and what deer want and need and you will be happy and the deer will b happy oh your belly's will b full as well

[@outdoorfamilytraditions9352]

Great video again Jeff! I agree on this for sure! I’m actually looking for a 40-80 acre parcel right now in northern lapeer county or sanilac county MI. I live on 5 acres in southern lapeer county and even on this 5 acres believe it or not there has been some nice bucks pass through and we see ALOT of deer movement throughout the whole year! Great video man! Always appreciate the info you tell us 👊🏻

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you and you are very welcome! That is a GREAT deer area!! I used to drive that way to hunt the thumb up 24 and over to 53 either on North Branch road or 69...up 53 to Argyle Rd ☺️ Know the area very well. Good luck with your search!!

[@outdoorfamilytraditions9352]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions thank you! Ya we have a family farm we hunt over on mushroom rd a few miles north of 46 but the wife and I are looking for a piece of land to call our own! Lol 👍🏻

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@outdoorfamilytraditions9352 nice...that sounds awesome!

[@garrettcrocker5683]

Jeff love your videos it has educated me and changed my hunting tactics. I try to incorporate it on a deer lease in San Angelo TX and my home in north east OK. I wanted to get your review on the Exodus cellular cameras. I've been trying to contact them with no luck for the past two weeks. Makes me leery to purchase their product.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@garrettcrocker5683 I Garrett I really hope the info helps...thanks for watching! I know the Exodus cell cams keep getting pushed back...sometime in July now? Maybe one if them will chime in!

[@randlerichardson5826]

Me and my wife are goin to try to buy the place my lease is on one day. I’m praying we get the chance Amen.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man I hope you can Randle...would love to hear that for you guys!

[@randlerichardson5826]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions thanks brother we’re goin to try GOD BLESS.

[@smithhomestead1589]

So my 34 acres with mainly pasture but wood area is very thick. Around 460 acres behind me not hunted much and no agriculture food plots. Down fall mainly hilly area. Thought plant more chestnut trees n fruit trees on flat part of land up from our house.. Only part that is complicated for me because we live on land n will only run livestock on 5 acres. Rest I like to wildlife

[@haroldcallahan4887]

We have 160 acres of mostly mature timber with 25 acres in the middle of agriculture, 10 acres field, 15 acre strip of swamp about 200 feet wide and we are surrounded by almost 1000 plus acres of nature preserve or private no hunting allowed. We really hold no deer -We cant change the ag land

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Harold could you ever consider selling the ag and using the money to diversify your parent parcel with an adequate level of food plots and diversity? Also creating hardwood browse and clear-cut pockets in the woods is so critical. Sounds like the perfect situation if you can build your land to attract wildlife!

[@haroldcallahan4887]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I am a guest on the property - we cannot touch the agriculture section at all-- we can do food plots in the fields and we can also clear cut or hinge trees in the hardwoods -- we currently have about two dozen acres in three separate areas of blow downs and hinged trees created by last years storm. It seems that some of these sections are being used now as bedding areas so that is encouraging- also the blow downs created new funnels in to neighboring nature preserve so that also helps We have small but thick patches of high stem and Rusian Olive growth that the deer like - I wish I could cultivate more of that but it's not likely a practical thing we can do.

[@PogLife2171]

I started hunting on public land last year and I'm definately an amateur coming from sitting at stands with a deer feeder. The place I hunt now I've seen lots of does but few bucks. I invested in two budget trail cameras and left them up all spring and summer just to see what is out there. Was this a mistake just trying to get a feel of what is in the area?

[@bradroll7528]

Do you have any videos on how cattle affect deer herds? I have a small 25 acre parcel surrounded by hundreds of acres used for cattle. Any suggestions? I also have permission to hunt all the surrounding land with the cattle.

[@mikerowan1132]

cattle make good hamburger

[@suzmell1]

Hey bud been away from the iPad last couple days waiting on the books haven’t received them yet hope all is well have a great Memorial Day great video what else is new lol

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Paul hope you had a great weekend 🙂 Diane sent out the books within an hour of when we asked her too...they ship thru Media mail which takes about 5-7 working days. I bet they will be to you by today or tomorrow....still not too bad for books you didn't know that you were even getting ☺️ Happy to send them to you...

[@suzmell1]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions hey Jeff sue here thank you so much for the thought of even sending the books So very nice of you n Diane I’m sure we’ll get them soon Paul be patient !;-))) He’s eager to read them this all hehe

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@suzmell1 ha, oh of course Suzie...I totally understand. I can't wait for him to read them and you guys are very welcome. - thank YOU! Are you going to read them too? ☺️

[@suzmell1]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions but of course. Can’t wait !

[@adamsmith6542]

I just bought 40 acres. It’s a doe factory. Nothing to see 10-20 does a night in my fields and across the road. I have 7 acres of cleared ridge tops and the rest is wooded with a bunch of oaks and a creek that runs through the bottoms. I have no idea how to bring in the bucks when the neighboring properties only shoot bucks and leave the does.

[@the8point511]

Jeff, I just purchased 9 acres and it’s adjacent ag field and more forest. The whole property is mixed bush. Is this too small to crest a good deer habitat?

[@GatoradeLover11]

What would you recommend planting in a small 1 acre or less food plot on a 23 acre parcel?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Cody that depends on the location and what's around you. My own parcel is 25 acres and I am planting my normal mix...peas and oats with rye added later on one 1/2, and then a brassica blend on the other 1/2. Planting starting August 1st. BUT, I expect the deer to hit the ag after dark. If it was the only food around...then layered rye in the northern states will bring the best volume and withstand grazing pressure the best...

[@GatoradeLover11]

Sweet thanks

[@davidpetroski753]

After watching this video I feel pretty stupid about what i know. I have 33 wooded acres in PA with a stream running through, do you feel like showing me how to turn it into the 5% property?

[@groundpounder24365]

What would ypu recommend a really super small property owner do? Say 10 acres?

[@raegruder4626]

I have 36 acres in the mountains the ground is hard. It's only accessible by foot what should you do to plant food plots by hand.

[@eugenelaky1993]

Plant no plow

[@Miguel_Travels]

The Ag fields around me are bare. Almost June 1st and no seed in the ground. Too wet throughout the Midwest. Wondering how this will affect the deer this summer/fall?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It's tough to say overall...but probably not too much. This is the #1 time for the quality of the local Habitat. Also in most ag areas alfalfa is a HUGE source of summer nutrition and the timing for beans is still good. Corn doesn't help them during the Summer either so I would say very little if any noticeable impact on overall summer nutrition and more rain equals great better habitat in non ag areas too...at least adequate moisture and lush natural forage ☺️

[@Miguel_Travels]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I thought that beans had to be in by the 1st week of June, but I spoke with my neighbor and he said that they have to be in by July. Albeit a much lower yield.

[@mitchvaughn5977]

Great video jeff,can you do video on tagelder swamps in central Wisconsin

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That would be a great one to hit some day! Thanks Mitch!

[@flushot6513]

My cousin bought160 and its hilly with huge cotton woods about half an acer and like 6acers behind house they gonna leave but clean alot of it up the land has been in neglect for lots of yrs so the trees and cover that are on it nothing you could put a stand on but the neighbors have good lookin land from all around you think that cleaning some of that up might redirect more towrads me and again those cotton woods are hill side on 3 sides so they are hidden even when in the open i try. Telling them well why dont you just leave this and farm that but its not my place so they will do what their gonna do but cotton woods are stayin of course it wont all get tore down this yr

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Always consider the higher the stem count the better...more browse, more cover...a mix of hardwood regen, briars, food plots, shrubs, grasses. The best deer woods are pretty ugly if that makes sense 🙂

[@anthonymusso5282]

Anthony Musso So ideally look for a 40 acre with oaks, cutover, and a little agriculture? Down here in Southeast LA/ southwset MISS there is mostly pine acreage for sale

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Diversity is key...oaks do not mean much at all. Pines, hardwood Regen, junk timber (typically means FOOD/good browse). Edge, edge, edge. Different ages of timber, type of timber...think upland, old pasture growth. Finding a place without those conifers...or just a small % of them, can be golden!

[@williammoore9289]

I see you focus on an average of 20+ acres. But, is there a way to improve activity on an even smaller amount of acreage? I own about 12 acres in Southern Maryland that I hunt. Unfortunately it's not a perfectly square or round chunk of land, it's rather long and kinda narrow. Is there a way to improve activity and quality on my property?

[@richdemarco2906]

I have the same type of property - 17acres. Long and narrow would love to know the answer as well

[@cob9844]

What about five acres

[@seanlebourveau6598]

I've killed more nice bucks on 8 acres.its just the right spot.early late and rut.i have other people in and out and neighbors all around. Just a sweet spot

[@jackgould8906]

Great Video what county in southwest wisconsin do you hunt ive been hunting in iowa county for about 10 years

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much Jack...I live and hunt in Vernon County. I also just purchased 25 acres in Buffalo county...

[@scottwebber652]

Would u do one of ur analysis just by the arial ? What would it take ? I think u could make a lot answers for me. I'd give you the i d How much for just this ? Lmn

[@jeffsaxton2847]

Hey Jeff, unrelated but I frost seeded switchgrass this past winter, would it already be 12 inches high by now? Or is that bromegrass

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Jeff maybe in southern IN? But even there I would wonder. Around my location in SW it is just germinating now...maybe this week? It won't be 12" high around here until I would guess, early July.

[@jeffsaxton2847]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 yeah im just north of you a few miles so I didn't think it was switchgrass. Thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@jeffsaxton2847 OK I was wondering...not switch for sure then.

[@jeffsaxton2847]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 good thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@jeffsaxton2847 you will definitely want to mow down to the top of the switchgrass sometime in mid July to early August...

[@cyrusahlert4352]

How do I reduce my doe numbers when i cannot eliminate the food?

[@galehess6676]

Habitat for natural predators (coyote, cougar, bear)?

[@mbucklew0719]

Jeff, can a 10-25 acre plot with a home on it be an effective deer area in an ag area? I live in NW Ohiol. Do you see much success on similar sized/utilized properties?

[@CaseTeamAngel]

I know you asked Jeff but as a matter of fact (and since I can answer this question) it kind of depends on what features are available on your piece of ground. My grandfather lives on about 3.5 acres, and believe it or not we have been able to harvest an average of about 4-5 deer every year. That said, understand that the reason our harvest numbers are so high is that between myself my grandpa my cousins and my uncle all hunting it it is pressured pretty well... there is basically always SOMEONE in the stand we have set up at any point during the season. Not ALL of us harvest deer every year but as a GROUP we average 4-5 deer per year. The second thing you have to understand is that on the north side of the house there is a creek with a very steep bank that acts as a single side funnel. That creek runs along a field on the west side that cycles between corn and beans and has a small chunk of timber on the other side of it. On the east side the creek makes a slight turn toward the south and crosses under a bridge about 15 yards south of an intersection, and on the opposite corner of that intersection is a decent sized piece of ground that is timbered out. Basically what I am trying to say is that his property is just one big funnel between two good areas. Obviously you can't install a creek... but there are things you can do to develop travel funnels and/or feed areas and/or bedding areas. We got lucky in that our 3.5 acres is just in a really good spot. YOU are lucky in that 10 acres is plenty... IF you manage and develop it correctly.

[@montgomeryalred9485]

I have a 24 acer place that’s pretty much squared off pasture what would be best?

[@montgomeryalred9485]

It’s more like 20 that I could work with

[@nickarnold8417]

Sitting here typing and retyping a comment and wish I could afford your services lol. I'm trying to put the pieces together and can't come up with hunter access. Video link?

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey brother. My lease is 46 plus or minus acres.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

The perfect size Randle!

[@AN-jz3px]

27 people didn't like the instagram/facebook story line

[@wstepnout7215]

Jeff, Love the informative videos. Subscribed a few weeks ago. I have 3.5 acres in an urban setting. Any day of the week I have 5 or more does in my yard. My property is a travel corridor for whitetail. I have access to a fairly large piece to legally hunt with bow/crossbow. Although I have no ability to alter this property I plan on applying some of your ideas looking for mature buck cover/safe haven. These deer are accustomed to the noises of urban life. I just ordered the Exodus Lift ll. I soon we will see what is really out there. I plan on creating a mock scrape to watch the local activity. I am posting a link of a satellite view of the area. I hope you can see it and comment. Urban deer hunting might be a great Idea for a new video. Cheers i.postimg.cc/kMyDgNRY/MyPlace.jpg

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot for the feedback! Also man you will love the Exodus Lift II. GREAT for watching those huge neighborhood bucks that can come thru. I always say that those are hard areas to find permission to hunt, but they can be "easy" hunts because they get used to so many people sounds, sites and smells. A mock scrape can be killer in this spots...to hunt over and get pictures. Great pic btw...really shows how this bucks can work thru pretty tight areas between the homes!

[@wstepnout7215]

Thanks Jeff I’ll be putting in the mocked scrape and a water hole. The Lift II will be set up right there. Cheers.

[@patrickangle6718]

I don’t want tiny deer