Top 5 Fall Deer Habitat and Hunting Time Wasters

[@grdelawter4266]

Great ideas Jeff. I finally decided to subscribe today because I’ve seen positive results from everything you’ve describe in this video. Although I’ve deviated slightly, (as all men do) I used my bobcat to dig a tiny pond 10X15 at max depth but usually only 4X8 with a foot of water on the side of a heavily wooded valley and cut a couple swales to direct rain into it. It has held water all year so far! It is 40 yds from a stand. I have a big pond in the field that gets mowed around regularly and deer only drink at night as it is seen from my home. I cut a vine and hung it from a limb up high while standing on my atv 35 yds from my stand and started a scrape below. I’ve not been back to it yet. I also tried hinge cutting and was disappointed, so after a couple years, I collected the debris and stacked it. I then went into that area and planted late maturing apple trees and fenced each tree well. The following year I found the deer loved the piled small trees and bedded beside it regularly. Finally, I wanted my hay field to become their ultimate destination so I’ve planted everything, clover, alfalfa, switch grass, Micanthus giganticus rows for their privacy and now I’m completing a 6 year project of planting 150 fruit trees of every kind, each individually staked and fenced and protected! This year is my first year of fruit production. I hope it’s like candyland, the state fair, and a smorgasbord for the deer! My property was primarily a travel corridor and I’m changing it into a destination. When I bought this place, I’d only see a few does a day and occasionally a buck passing through. I’m already seeing lots more deer and you know the bucks will come looking for the ladies! Keep up the good work and great videos.

[@benpena2832]

Thanks Jeff. I had bought two 50 gal tanks and was excited. After watching your videos, I decided to return the 50 gal tubs and got $70 bucks back; I hadn’t realized that the price differential between 50 gal and 100 gal is only like $15 bucks.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh for sure Ben that is great to hear! Yes...not too bad at all. Right around $70 at TSC...you will appreciate the additional gallons for sure!

[@ChrisWilliams-nu1sf]

I installed a stock tank and wanted to keep water in it. I accomplished that by installing a catchment to keep it filled. Younger bucks used it the first year, by the third year, older bucks got comfortable with the set up. Great video, thank you.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man thank you so much for that feedback Chris...really happy to hear that!

[@TrehanCreekOutdoors]

Great tips in this video! I have a couple of food plots that wrap around a small seasonal wetland that used to drain off quickly and remain dry most of the year. But I created a retention basin by making a foot high levee that now holds back enough water to provide at least some water for deer and other animals nearly year round, unless we get a drought. It isn't intended to be a pond but only to retard the water run off temporarily. Since we got 75 inches of rain here last year, that is really all I needed to do to create a near permanent water supply as the basin will hold enough water to last from rain to rain most of the time. It's been amazing how attractive having water at the food plots has been. Everything comes there. Deer can't resist wading around in it as the water is never more than a foot high. In warm weather, they love bedding down all night in the exposed mud flats and marsh grass. There's nothing that has benefited my property more than making water available for the wildlife. Deer move into the plots primarily from the west and have developed well traveled trails, bedding areas, buck rubs and scrape locations back in the woods which they use regularly, all of which are within easy walking distance of the food plots. I've actually taken down and moved some of my stands that used to hunt over the food plots and am now placing stands in much more hidden locations back into the woods so I can catch them traveling in daylight hours. It's far easier to hide a stand in the woods than it is in a open food plot! I tried hinge cutting a little but gave it up as the results just were not impressive to me. This guy knows his stuff. It truly is a waste of time and resources to do some of the things many hunters traditionally do. Try his suggestions and see if you don't get better results. I have.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man that is all so awesome to hear...it's just enjoyable seeing all of it come together, let alone hunting it. Great feedback and I live all of the details...really appreciate the time it took you to write that up! I know a lot of other folks will benefit from reading this too. Thank YOU! Oh btw...I love when I hear or read that hunters are moving away from hunting their food plots ☺️ much higher potential for success in most land setups and locations...

[@suntzu5836]

Information such as this might keep a family from going hungry......Thank you very much Jeff!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's awesome...I like that thought! Thank you and good luck 👍

[@Roundawg]

I’d agree with most of what he says but I am a huge believer in box stands. I have some in open areas. The key is to give the deer time to get used to the stand. Additionally, the box stand helps with scent cover. My two keys to success has always been to stay away from deer bedding areas and scent contrail. On another note I never never never roam the woods. I use camera and food to find mature buck then use the rut to my advantage with long range shots. The box stands greatly help to do that as well.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Look at it this way...in KS or Iowa or other fantasy land states it doesn't matter to a point. But in the rest of the world it's hard to consistently kill your target bucks ..or even close to...by hunting out of unhidden box blinds. And I have 9 Rednecks. It would drastically hurt my land and hunt if I did. Look at it this way...bucks get spooked by the box of a trail camera, and most bucks shouldn't actually live on your land during the summer if you have great deer habitat. So never time to "get used" the blinds.

[@Roundawg]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 mmmmmkay……. Want some photos? Video? Alive? bachelor group? Fall winter summer spring? Targets on hoof and off?

[@jesseteick891]

Thanks Jeff. I have great spot to put in 100 gallon water hole, but not looking forward to digging that hole... another great idea with the hanging vine. The water hole is not accessible with an ATV. It will have to fill with rain water or carry water in. Take care.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Jesse those holes are not summer heat friendly - that's for sure! Several of mine we can only have fill with rain water, but at that size they seem to do quite well. You are welcome and the work is worth it!

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

Best licking branch trees in southern Wisconsin are 1. Basswood, 2. Mulberry, Apple or any fruit tree, 3. Red Oak, 4. White Oak, and 5. Red Cedar in that order. Basswoods and mulberry trees are also some of the best rubbing trees around here also.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

And you can beat all of those licking branches with a hanging, vertical vine in this area...all year long. They are awesome! Accounting for our B roll on this channel at a very high % of buck footage. AND, you can make them exactly where you need them to be, in front of a bowstand, with a trail cam on them. I actually cut perennial scrapes down in some locations to increase the usage and buck movement exactly where you need it to be. That way nothing is random, nothing is by chance, and you can create mock scrapes that last for decades... Truly an awesome power. I get to scout scrapes for a living...pretty cool career 🙂 But again...a mock vine scrape in front of a bowstand will best them all...not even close 😉

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions that is why I am going out be setting up a couple here in late July or sometime in August. I’m gonna try and set up three vine scrapes by three of our tree stands on our 60 acre property. We have had good luck with cutting 55 gallon barrels in half and using both sides for a waterhole not just one. They don’t really seem to dry up here there are usually full to the top all year long.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@wisconsinwhitetail9744 that sounds great...enjoy them! We used both halves back in the early 2000s...man they just ran out so fast due to deer use in October/November. Some years we got lucky...most years not. Something we moved away from about 15 years ago and I've had dozens of clients with similar results here and around the country. I actually would rather have 150 gallon tanks at the same depth. I think that is more the perfect size but more money, harder to transport and a whole lot more digging! I find 100 gallons total, at about 30" depth to be on the tilling point of appropriate. The shallowness of the split 55 gallon drums also leads to greater evaporation. Again you will get away with it some years but many years if they are used a lot in the Fall they dry out. I haven't had to fill a tank since 2016...but even then I have had years where I have had to fill the 110 gallon tanks 2 times. One year...maybe 2011...I spent $26 at the carwash to fill my tank to fill the waterholes...just one trip. I had to fill the 110 gallon tanks twice in 2015 and once in 2016. I would say on average I fill my 110 gallon tanks once per year. Those split in half 55 gallon drums side-by-side setups dry up quick in average years.

[@kelvin0689]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks so much for this info, Jeff! I've got three vines hung and counting and I'm excited to hunt over them this fall!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@kelvin0689 you are very welcome Kelvin...can't wait to hear about it! Have fun with them 🙂

[@stackzoverheaddoors454]

The best hunting advise I've stumbled across on KZbin alot of guys say one thing and then contradict what they said in last video this guy is consistently says the same thing more then once in a good way in many different topic videos

[@randlerichardson5826]

One of my timber cutting friends was cutting a limb off a tree bout face high the chain broke and hit him on the right side of his face. It messed his face up very bad DO NOT CUT STUFF AT HEAD HIGH PEOPLE please. A new chain can break. Jeff is right on the head high stuff DO NOT DO IT. If you could’ve seen his face you would not do it. Listen to me and Jeff. We’re not claiming to be experts but I cut timber for 20 plus years. I’ve had my pockets on my pants cut off by a mistake. Anybody can make a mistake NOBODY IS PERFECT. BE SAFE USE YOUR HEAD AND THINK PLEASE. My friend still wears them scars today. He was very very lucky THE LORD WAS LOOKING OUT FOR HIM AMEN. Jeff knows his stuff. I’m goin to use a lot of his advice this year I have complete confidence in what he’s saying and telling us. He deserves a big thanks he don’t have to share with us but he takes time out of his busy day to share his info. Thank you brother I really appreciate every word be safe GOD BLESS.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Wow Randle very scary...I also had a client's hunting buddy with a wound on the back of his neck for doing the same thing. Very scary...really appreciate the feedback!

[@buckwild2474]

You are 2000% right on all this! This is one of the best tip videos out there. Bucks are gonna be where the doe's are come rut. Own land in Kentucky and sometimes would not even get a single pic of a trophy buck on my land but the doe's were there and when it came rut those big bruisers would show up too.

[@colejames9715]

Agreed

[@deercamp3479]

Hey Jeff! Another awesome video! This spring I created a mock scrape exactly as you have recommended using a vine and having it hang about waist high. I set it up on a travel corridor in great funnel on my property next to bedding. I absolutely could not believe how well this works! I set up a trail cam on video mode and within 24 hours Deer were using it. In fact every deer that walks by sniffs it or rubs on it including a couple of nice bucks! I will be setting up more of these! Thanks again!!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's is so great to hear David! They are a lot of fun aren't they? You are very welcome too...it's an enjoyable process for sure!

[@jimboice1453]

Just spent a good portion of my weekend doing habitat improvements. Thanks for the tips Jeff!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's awesome Jim... very rewarding work! You are very welcome Jim

[@courtofficermcilvaine7928]

Another 5 ***** instructional video. Please keep them coming. Cris

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much Cris! Hoping to help some hunters save time and money...and in the case of head high hinge cuts - their face!

[@mercytoday]

My first season bow hunting starts in 2 weeks! This is amazing information!

[@stevenmiller7964]

So glad I watched this video. I was just ready to put in some licking branches and mock scrapes. Was considering the rope kits. I will be using natural branches for sure. Keep up the informational videos Sir.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Steven natural is always best...not sure how someone could argue that!? People have been buying hemp rope for years and making them...now kits!? Really appreciate your feedback and you are very welcome! I hope you check out my mock scrape playlist too...a ton more info! Thanks you...

[@dougcounts3383]

I've seen deer hitting ropes and marking tape over scrapes my whole life. All season long. I have cam pics to prove it. I do believe natural is always better. I've tried mock rubs and mock horizontal rubs and location means everything with these.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@dougcounts3383 oh for sure a kid kills a Booner sitting on a bucket in Iowa every year with his farm chore clothes on...but we are talking consistently proven methods, not the outlying fads that in general are huge time wasters. Give me thousands of video clips from a dozen mock scrape setups of the oldest bucks in the neighborhood over the last several year and you will have my attention for sure (we have done that on the channel) Then work with 100s of clients over the past 15 years while scouring and analyzing every mock scrape setup AND natural scrapes imaginable in a dozen states...and I mite follow that line of thought. But until then, I can strongly and conclusively recommend that if folks use unnatural licking branches they are wasting their time compared to an unnatural immitation...no doubt, based on a huge dose of experience 🙂 Something better may come along some day, but I haven't seen it yet...

[@turdferguson8227]

I really appreciate you sharing your valuable deer advice, Jeff. I have 293 acres in Northeast Louisiana in the Mississippi River delta that I’d love to hire you or one of your guys to take a look at and advise how we can improve it. Thanks

[@Kurtdog63]

I have a ground blind visible at the edge of a clover plot. It has been there for four years. I have a trail camera there. Once deer season comes in, it is rare to ever get a mature buck pic from there during daylight hours. In four years, I have NEVER shot a mature deer at that location. The mature deer avoid it like the plague. Side note: There is no way to slip in or out of this ground blind location due to the large open fields around it. Totally re-thinking my hunting strategies this year base on Jeff's recommendations and others. If you do the same thing year after year and get little or no results, time to change it up and do something different.

[@matureddeer2522]

Was helping a friend in Kentucky and running short on time made a ground scrape on a walnut tree and they used it hard until the walnuts fell off.friend came back later that year and it was 10' off the ground.didnt give it a thought to tie it down.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Very cool! Yes, important to tie down, lol. But the great thing about a mock scrape is that you can manage it for many, many years if you have the right pieces in place

[@zzz7zzz9]

A cow broke the licking branch over the scrape i found. Have had a tcam on this for years. I picked up the branch and attached it back in place with two plastic zip-strips and then added some string also later. Didn't slow them down at all. Every buck that was in the area would visit it.

[@zzz7zzz9]

And i made a rub post by cutting a smaller sized tree at about 4 feet high. Not one deer has ever even sniffed it. The cows sure love it though.

[@deerhuntingdadstv9278]

Much appreciated. Lots of good tips and tricks!

[@suzmell1]

Ty again for your input gonna be getting busy real soon re property will keep you posted Suzie says hello

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sounds great Paul can't wait to hear from you guys about it!

[@z06supervette13]

Great advice! I just made a food plot and a lot of what he said makes since. So much time and money wasted on ineffective tactics

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Brian thank you so much...it's like a game in the hunting industry! It's more what can I sell hunters that I think they will buy...rather than what can I sell hunters that they actually need. I have a large enough whitetail company in general...clients, books, KZbin and extremely high quality partners...that I don't need to or ever would want to, pimp junk, trinkets, fads or time wasters...

[@z06supervette13]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions right on! I really enjoy your videos. Keep posting!

[@igotajopamerica3040]

Hinge cut is a good Idea if used properly. First time I seen this was on a friends property in Michigan. Reason for doing this was he had low lands surrounded by swamp. Middle of his property he planted with food plots and small pond. then he strategically hinge cut one or two trees on high ground opening the canopy to let sun light in causing grass and weeds to grow around the hinge trees(very small area). Have about a dozen throughout his property. Deer use them special bucks. Looking at the video you just showed doesnt really look like it has a good purpose. He also even cut holes in the brush on the edge of his food plots even tying the tops together almost like a door way for the deer to walk thru entering the fields cutting some trees to naturally funnel the deer out these doorways especially for bow season. Works well. Always get nice bucks.

[@mainenorthwoodshunter3265]

Great advise, thank you. God knows we do not have any time to waste these days.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome and many that is so true! Thanks a lot for the comments...truly, time is so valuable these days

[@bigben9242]

Please try a horizontal rub this year ted miller (The Godfather) introduced this for whitetail deer after observing elk out west and it works I tried it myself for the first time in 2018 and had up to 10 different bucks use it on a 40 acre property use it with a mock scrape .... if you’re truly trying to help other hunters shoot get pictures of or just see more bucks please try a horizontal rub and provide a video on it

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man I wish I could say something different...but not a chance. Just seen too many of them around the country to know they would be a waste of my time...let alone the time of my viewers, readers and clients. I have experienced them to be a huge fad with really no clear strength or purpose. I've seen enough to know to not waste my time with them 😉

[@wareaglejf]

Great video from Sean Spicer. I hope you advance to the next round of Dancing with the Stars this week!

[@pensnut08]

If you come across vines... Cut and grab all you can!! I drill a hole in one end to run my paracord through. I just put up a mock scrape. I did not have a vine.. So I cut a thumb sized sapling and BINGO. Mock rubs... You can make the mock scrape in a 1/3 of the time.

[@rickbaker5559]

Is it better to put a scrape in the woods or on edges of timber i have one 4 acer pond thick cover nerest notetisable water sorse 1 mile maby besids small creek one way in one way out from ether end or middle thanks for telling truth sometimes the truth herts good job hope you had tick spray out a here

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Morning Rick! I rarely create a mock scrape unless I can shoot to it from a bowstand and have a good camera tree nearby. Nothing ever random. If it isn't by a bowstand it could be pulling deer away from your stand...I've even cut perennial scrapes down before to maximize the use of a mock scrape exactly where I want it to be... You can definitely have too many as well. I often have fewer scrapes than stands. My ratio is typically more like 1 scrape per 2 stand locations. That way I maximize the value of each scrape. For example if you have 20 on 40 acres you have exceeded the balance of value so that each scrape is worth less per scrape. That's not a good thing... So the same reasons you would put a mock scrape in a location are the same reasons that you would place a stand in a location. Funnels, natural movements, convergence of trails, etc. I hope that helps?

[@twal5299]

I've been a bowhunter for 40 yrs, if you have land even if it's just a couple acres plant native persimmon and Kiefer pears. Persimmons produce fruit in 7 yrs pears in 4 or 5. You can plant all the food plots you want and it'll be a waste of time if your neighbors have a persimmon tree patch.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Unfortunately any fruit tree is just a portion of the season. Food plots are the only planting that you can make, to establish consistent deer movement all season long, during the daylight on your land. For example if you were my neighbor and had persimmons and I had my plots, the deer would establish their daylight deer season movements based on my plots, beginning in August and extending into the Winter months. Then, they would go hit your persimmons after dark when they are available during the season. They would do that because their bedding, daily movements and feeding patterns are already established during the daylight...and they do not change that unless hunter pressured...or the food runs out...or the bedding habitat for Fall/Winter is poor. In fact more mature bucks stop by throughout the middle of the season no matter what food is available in the area. Consistently unpressured food available over the entire season is what sets the table of daily movement, no matter what fruit tree or mast crop in general, is available periodically on the neighbors land. Not to mention persimmons can't be grown for the bulk of whitetail hunters in the US. I hope that makes sense!

[@twal5299]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Persimmons grow from Texas to Nebraska over to NY and down to FL. Persimmons are like crack cocaine to deer. My neighbor can have the deer the entire summer but when the pears start dropping in Oct and persimmons start the 3rd week of Oct thru Nov 15 they'll be at my place. I'm not against food plots but I hunt all day when the persimmons are dropping and see deer all day with higest activity from 11am to 1pm. Bucks cruise through all day checking for does during the rut.

[@johnwunder3521]

@@twal5299 My yellow lab loves persimmons,even b4 there ripe.

[@johnnycostner6806]

Mock scrapes with licking branches within food plots actually work very well. I would agree that buying one is unnecessary you can use a small cedar or pine 3-4" in diameter, wire tie or drill a few holes in it and add some pin or red oak branches...Just one of many examples...If your bowhunting ,lets say a 3 acre food plot or so with many entrance and exit trails, a mock scrape within the plot increases your chances of getting a closer shot opportunity..Both bucks and does will often gravitate to it..Also and especially traveling bucks during the rut that are out of there familiar home range will very often go to those scrapes when entering that plot...It's like a natural information center for them within unfamiliar territory and they can't resist checking it...They work !!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh for sure they work to draw a buck to a spot in the plot when the buck was already going there...no debate on that. BUT, he was already going to the food plot in the first place. It's typically a waste of attraction. 95% of hunters over hunt their food plots and destroy their small parcels anyways...so by getting that mock scrape...a hanging branch or vine is the branch is the best I have come up with in nearly 2 decades of doing this and working with hundreds of landowners across the country...then you separate your attractions. That creates a non-food plot point for defining buck movement. You will find that point gets hit several times more during the daylight, defines a line if deer movement and helps to preserve the food plot movement because then hunters don't overhunt their food plots. It also offers more stand locations and taps into the greater number of mature buck that circle the plot...instead of enter it, into the daylight. So many other reasons to separate attractions...but not enough time to write 🙂 Folks have to ask themselves, "what does this accomplish?". Adding mock scrapes and food plots away from food plots can take 5 deer trails entering a plot on 1 side and direct those trail into 1, highly pinpointed stand location for both a bowstand and s camera location. That is an improvement with a purpose...

[@johnnycostner6806]

Yes I would mostly agree ,except for the potential for over hunting that one pinpointed stand location still exists..Especially one that is back in the woods where the deer are way less tolerant of human intrusion and getting to and from stand is more difficult.. I've found ( in farm country) that deer are more tolerant and expect to encounter human activity, scents etc.in and around agriculture fields and food plots, Within Reason.. I do not disagree that mock scrapes off of food plots when done right can and do work as well, but putting them in your food plots are not a waste of time as you stated and can be the difference between a 20 yard shot and no shot..This can happen even within a small half acre plot...If you have ever watched a mature buck feeding just out of bow range as the light dwindles you might change your mind and take the few hours it takes to put one in....and once it's established and there all you have to do is add a new fresh branch or two every season..No guarantee's just like everything whitetail, but it increases chances of a shot and is a proven tactic...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@johnnycostner6806 actually mock scrapes are just a pass thru of a minute or less...they aren't there typically when getting in and out of stands....WAY less chance of spooking deer and often you have the opportunity for multiple stands. In farm country deer do not expect to encounter human activity at blinds, treestands and food plots - that is a huge falicy. I use mock scrapes for census purposes on scrapes and even then that camera is checked 1-2 times per season. Ha, don't need to try seen them dozens of times on client lands. I've designed the setups on nearly 900 client lands in 25 states since 05...always learning but kind of got this situation nailed down. Just trying to help folks out with a level of experience they could never find on their own. Trust me, I've already learned from my own mistakes when it comes to these tactics...also success and failures of hundreds of other folks I've seen first and...many years ago. Most of those small attractions sites you can hunt 1-2 times a week without spooking a deer...most food plot setups you spook a deer the first sit and ruin the plot and land for the next 2-3 weeks if a mature buck was coming to that plot. It's that critical.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's great to hear and you are very welcome 👍

[@danplanck2896]

Real good info Jeff! Thanks for vid. I see alot of people doin high hinge cuts. My buddy showed me a stand he built and alot of hinge cut shootin lanes. I asked him if he was on crack? He cut alot of hardmaple and cherry head high,the logs wud have been quite a chunk of change lol

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh for sure Dan...and thank you! I do like hinge cuts...they have their place, but man not at head level. "On crack"...lol that's funny

[@matthewmiller7333]

Thanks for the great video

[@randlerichardson5826]

I’m goin to figure out how to show you them huge rubs I told you bout last season brother. He’s a hoss now and my niece and nephew in-law are moving from that spot. I could cry but I’m checking with the guy that owns the place and see if he’d lease it. I’m praying he will. I’ll let u know. Be safe GOD BLESS.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Good luck with that Randle I hope that you can!

[@libertyBuilders]

I like your videos but in my experience the main reasons for my success is time in the woods, hunt the wind the best you can, and hunt the food sources. When I was younger and couldn’t take off work a lot I would hunt a week out of the year and didn’t have a lot of luck, now that I work for myself I hunt everyday from oct 1st until late December in four different states and spend a lot of time in the woods and I have way more success killing giant deer. I also used to just go set in my tree stand no matter which way the wind was blowing. When I started locating where the deer were bedding and hunted the wind I had slot more success. And third is if there’s food that the deer like the deer will be there. I know everything you are talking about would help tremendously but I don’t own the land I hunt I only lease it so I’m limited to what I can do but those three things really helped me be successful. It also helps that I hunt some of the best big buck states in the country.

[@whitetailrealityoutdoors958]

You can try and hide a boxblind all you want. If they are going to be within bow range they will know it’s there. No way around it. It won’t take them long to know you are there as well. Whether you hunt it 2-3 times or 10 times. I’d rather have one in the open year round that the deer are use to access in and out and wind are the most important when hunting boxblind Especially homerange bucks in archery season.

[@HNXMedia]

Thumbs up for calling out the fad of hinge cuts. Peace.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh for sure...been calling out those head high hinge cuts for sure. Side cover is king 😉

[@hesutton]

Yes Sir.... Hinge cuts are overused and overrated!

[@JerseyMiller]

Excellent lessons that you only learn after many years in the deer woods

[@want2boutdoors274]

Here in Northern Arkansas since I started using trace minerals and natural minerals for a mineral site, I seen increased numbers of big bucks. Unfortunately the neighbor land owners seen it to and put there stuff right on the fence line facing me. I hunt from a ground blind only because of my military injuries so it's very frustrating..

[@backcreekcabin4994]

Thanks for the great information Jeff!!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome! We are getting into the habitat and hunting work busy season so I hope it helps some folks out for this Fall!

[@backcreekcabin4994]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 All ypur videos help Jeff!!! Thank you for your time and effort!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@backcreekcabin4994 I love hearing that and it greatly adds fuel to the fire! I hope that you can see I have a real passion for this...ha, or I wouldn't be setting my alarm at 6:30am on a Sunday morning to publish a vid and answer questions for a few hours today 🙂 I am lucky to do what I do...thank you very much for the feedback!

[@raegruder4626]

Great videos, I'm putting in a water hole. The spring drys up,what about a hole and a pond liner in the hole?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Rae...not a fan of liners at all. Most end up having from ice trapped underneath and make one giant mess. A LOT of work to do it right. We had just as much work or more to clean one up before. If one is used it needs to be a rubber roofing liner or something tough, and dug at least a foot under the ground with the edge under the ground by a foot or more as well. More skid steer work...larger scale. If you create one with a shovel you would want to dig a hole that is tapered...2' deep on the edges...4' in the middle...maybe 6' in diameter. Late the liner, then throw a foot of soil over it all, round and seed the edges with grass after you tamp it all down. It can be done for sure, but you really want to lay it at a level that will never see daylight or deer hooves, which requires an extensive amount of work! You may find a liner for free...but you will need roughly 3-4 times more digging to do it right.

[@raegruder4626]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 thank you, I didn't think of that.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@raegruder4626 you are very welcome! I've seen a high % of those fail over the years...including my own 🙂 Like I said there is a way to do it right...just a lot more work than folks realize. Enjoy your Sunday!

[@stevestarkey6183]

exactly right jeff.let those guys hunt 40 acres that are shot at yr round by poachers n see how many 180 inches they kill.fantasy land and real hunting two diff.entities.i agree with you 100 %.keep em comin.great info

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot Steve and great points - "fantasy land", ha I like that! There are many areas in some of those other states that the publicly land has several times more potential than the private land in the high pressure states. Appreciate it tho...will do my best to!

[@shannonherb2048]

I use muscudin vine, and crepe myrtle for my moc scrap. I only have two because the deer make their own on property that I can only small game hunt.

[@gentlben04]

Hey Jeff. I have a pond on my property that is about 75-100 yards away from my food plot. Should I place a water hole a little closer to the plot or will the pond do the job? Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks Ben! Really there are a lot of layout balances to figure out? But 75-100 yards is not a bad distance. But, if the pond is too large...really open and larger than 40-50 feet across it may not be something you can count on daylight movement for. A very hidden pond is great...kind of like a small waterhole. Just depends on deer movement and type of pond and how it lines up between bedding and feeding. I like hidden small locations not only on the way to food from dry bedding, but in an area that features consistent cruising for the rut

[@Range-X]

Is there any value in putting a water hole on a 50 acre parcel that already has a 1 acre pond in the center?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

There site is! Especially if the rest is dry. Focus on dry movements between bedding and feeding as well as between bedding and bedding. Even on and off your land! Deer don't regularly drink from large ponds during the middle of the day...so a waterhole or two can be the perfect offering for a daylight cruising buck.

[@ryansoutdoors2635]

Um what about on my 20 acre piece of land my neighbor always fills all 3 of his buck tags and we only see bucks during the rut do u have any advice to attract them because I’ve been to his spot all he has is a pile of corn and rye grass but we put out quality protein and have a huge acorn crop and plenty of bedding areas also a creek runs through our property do you think the number of does and feral hogs are spooking the mature bucks to his property

[@taylorbokshowan5713]

Try corn if it’s working for him

[@TVCJohn]

Interesting vid. A couple of thoughts from what I have seen. One is to be careful with the size of the water tank and how it's set up. If the water level gets too low, small animals (chipmunks, mice, etc) will get into the tank, can't climb back out and then drown and contaminate the water. There is another, older habitat planner doing KZbin vids who recommends head high hinge cuts vs low ones. I'm not sure which is correct, maybe a mix? I like the hanging stick idea when I seen it last year in another vid and will experiment with that one.

[@alexlindekugel8727]

id love to hunt over water but i got a lake on the protorty nextdoor and its huge!! then there the swamp witch with how wet it is been this year has had standing water all year. so hunting water sounds great but not pratical.

[@royguidry1311]

Great information again. I was totally a put all my attractants at the same spot guy. Really can’t believe the common sense factor didn’t kick in but now it seems so obviously silly. My direct question to you is the “October Lull”. My brain tells me the deer can’t have disappeared or quit moving like people say. After watching your videos I am becoming convinced It is because I am trying to force hunt early season and late season spots like Plots and fields. My guess is that I need to find that daytime source where they actually are. I would appreciate any feedback as Oct is basically the only time I seem to be able to hunt.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Roy I really appreciate your comments. The October kill is certainly a myth! It happens just because folks hit their stands too much, and burn them out...deer react and leave. Also a lot of hunters have great Summer food and Summer cover, but they do not have great cover and food for Fall (high stem count, fall food). Bucks typically move about a mile on average to their Fall ranges the end of September thru October so that accounts for October lull symptoms as well. Fall food plots are key...Fall cover too...but for sure the lull is a reaction to hunting pressure and relocation of bucks to their Fall range... This may help you out more Roy... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5PbqKinpclmgbc

[@jimh7015]

Jeff, I’ve found several buck beds in southern MI heavily pressured area where both were very little side cover and I can’t understand it. Rubs going into and out of a fairly open hardwood area, the bed was in a 30 yard diameter sapling cluster. So there is cover but not super thick, I believe he liked these spots because he can see minimum 100 yards out and he has great escape routes with heavy cover a few bounds away. Any thoughts on how to mimic this?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

The 30 yard diameter of sapling cover is the side cover. I like creating that with hinge cutting...timber harvest...mature timber cutting. Hardwood regen is so important! However, deer need to be able to see when bedding. The bigger the cover, the more that they like to be able to see a greater distance. Much of buck bedding is by positioning...not necessarily the cover. It is a myth that you can create a certain type of buck bed and it will automatically attract a buck. Think food, doe bedding and the remote cover that is left over is where bucks bed. It is a layering effect. Food, does, and then bucks. The cover just has to be adequate...not perfect. Doe bedding is actually the most important because without doe bedding you do not have buck bedding. Doesn't matter the direction...you just have to have those layers. So focusing on the positioning of potential buck bedding is far, far more important than the actual type of bed itself.

[@scottstillwell9799]

What do you put on the vine for a smell or do you just hang it as natural as it can be

[@bruceturner7880]

Like your videos If you don’t mind I was wondering where do you get your water tubs for supplemental water for deer thanks a lot ,Bruce

[@russellscara7684]

tractor supply/feed store

[@sjoutdoors5255]

I always find scrapes on my property under holly trees I think is wierd because of the sharp points but I can go to a holy tree during the hunting season and 80 percent time there's a scrape

[@murdered1415]

Being an upper peninsula property owner, there's lots of water holes in the cedar swaps, would a water hole like the one you recommend attract deer better? Btw I absolutely love your channel, no nonsense just where to, how to and when to, thanks for sharing your year's of knowledge.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Morn brother I pray your doin great and your family Amen.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Morning Randle you too...it is a beautiful day and I hope you can get outside 😊

[@randlerichardson5826]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions yes I’m planing on getting out some today brother. Be safe out there GOD BLESS.

[@huntfish2906]

If your property already has multiple ponds a large wet meadow and a crick running through it do you think that deer will use more water sources? Thanks for another great video.

[@wbsurfer123]

HUNT! FISH! RIDE! If you already have a natural water source I wouldn’t waste the time of putting out an artificial water source. Focus more on maybe food plots or TSI? (Timber Stand Improvement)

[@huntfish2906]

Liam Diffee thanks but we already have multiple food plots and are harvesting timber again this winter to create more diversity.

[@wbsurfer123]

HUNT! FISH! RIDE! Maybe look into control burns after you harvest timber for next spring for more native browse for deer to eat in the off season. There’s a difference in having a good area bucks vs having a quality property for deer year round. Look into whatever type of property u want and work in those type of improvements but like I said earlier I wouldn’t waste my time on providing water sources if you already have some

[@jeanpierregagnon229]

Super merci. What tree type attaching please.

[@RayEvangelista70]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Info.

[@williamlittle2814]

Thanks for another informative video Jeff!!! Here in SC we have lots of vines also so it makes good sense to use one for a vertical licking branch. Im curious...what are your fees for evaluating a property? Ive been at it for 3-5 yrs now and have started to see some huge successes. But time and money are my enemies! The property is 135 acres and my folks live on 3 acres to one side of it. I live learning about management techniques and have several books written specially for the Low Country of SC. This year we have a very nice buck who has stayed all yr on the property. Its very difficult to track deer movements on our property due to thickness of growth and seasonal swamping. Thanks for all the tips.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi William you are very welcome! That's great all of the success you are seeing...very cool! You are in a fly in area. I fly out early day #1 and then I return home late on day #3. I charge $4950 + airfare, and my wife Diane handles all bookings thru [e-mail]. I think the next opening is February or March? Either way I hope that all of the free information helps 🙂 I will try to keep getting it out there as best as possible...

[@ormandshillinglaw3588]

William Little what are the books called that you have and where can I get them ?

[@backcountrysurvivalists]

Great idea for a video!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you! Hope it helps hunters keep from wasting time and money...

[@want2boutdoors274]

When you say side cover, were you meaning basically one way in and one way out? I've fell trees around spruce trees, just 2 trees, so it creates that and I started seeing rubs and scrapes all around it. Crazy to me.

[@crazylikeafox1000]

How are you filling up the water holes? Do you have a special tank on your truck?

[@justinprice8832]

I really like the idea of a watering hole. There is a pond close to 200 yards away from my stand (on someone else’s land) and a creek maybe 150-200 yards from my stand. Would it be a waste to install a watering hole with different sources of water around me?

[@kevinkohls979]

The height of your 100 gallon tank is thigh high-ish. Why so deep? How will the deer access the bottom of the tank? Wouldn't a more shallow tank or tanks be a better method and less effort to put in the ground?

[@Yaboifootchie]

2 years late but it’s mostly to fight evaporation. The deer only need a place to drink, not a huge pond. By making it deep the average temp of the water stays lower

[@zander_outdoors5349]

Would this be useful if there is a creek 50 yards away

[@nicschaalma3508]

So let’s say we already got a big box blind in place we invested into. Edge of a food plot. How would you go about hiding it ? Plant milorganite around it ? Or sorghum or trees around it.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Nic...the bottom line is that it has to be hidden from deer and you have to be able to get in and out without spooking deer. Always think the investment is one thing...spooking mature bucks for as long as you own the land is another. I would move it, cut the food plot size and plant switch for future...a quality screening blend for temporary, use a tree spade to bring in quality sized conifers to block it. I think you are referring to miscanthus grass...that's a poor choice because it's expensive, would take quite a few to plant and take several years to establish. It's one thing if you stand on the plot and you can see it from 100 yards away but it blends in with a hillside or back drop. BUT, if it is right on the plot it can be the death of your land on that area if it is used more than a handful of well timed sits throughout the entire season. Even then when a buck comes thru from another parcels during the rut and hasn't gotten used to it...they typically don't even come into the plot, let alone revisit the plot within a couple of weeks during the daylight. The blind itself isn't the problem...it's the shape of it that mature bucks know is bad, just like a trail cam...and then the constant use on a food plot where hunters let deer know they are there either on the way in, the way out or both. Great on the fantasy land properties in KS, Iowa, etc...but not on most of the rest of the country. And even on those parcels hidden is always better than not.

[@nicschaalma3508]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions it’s at the point of a hill that overlooks a lot for gun seasons. Access to it is all uphill and no deer can see until I’m at the ladder and walking up. Then it’s a casual downhill slope for 50 yards to the woods. Food plot in between and crops behind to the side. I get in no problem other than the time or two deer are out feeding already when I arrive. If I had some sort of grass or green screen In front of me entry and exit would be golden. However the deer still can see the muddy bull from every spot in the food plots. However I can see them too. So my question is can I plant a bunch of Stuff around the blind. Considering it is in the perfect spot. In hopes to hide it enough so big deer feel comfortable feeding in daylight. I see lots of deer out here. But like you said more of a doe factory and the occasional mature buck.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@nicschaalma3508 sounds like it could have just been placed on the ground? Or just a few feet high? Definitely you could still get some Egyptian Wheat planted this year from John at Northwoods Whitetails...maybe his screening blend? Some switch would be great and then some conifers for long term like Norway spruce...would all be great too. Even add some red lines around because they grow fast and the spruce will fill in later. Switch and EW for short term....conifers for long term. Sounds like that will be great! Trust me it's not about seeing them first in any way...because if the setup is poor, you will have a very hard time seeing a mature buck. Not that you setup is poor...but if you can easily see it from along the plot - or bowhunt from it because it is that close, then it has to be hidden. You can NEVER spook deer from the plot...unless it's with a bullet.

[@want2boutdoors274]

Do you place anything on the vines when you hang it sir?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

No not at all...but the deer do ☺️

[@want2boutdoors274]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 😂😂😂. Very true

[@nathaniellarson8]

If head high hinge cuts were good my woods would be full of deer. I have all these bent over trees that actually would be great fort building poles for kids. Some of them are even crossed in the middle and look like tent poles. I will remove some, fell some, and hinge some.

[@kennethbailey2616]

Great video. You know your stuff!

[@devouring2772]

Jeff i have a large creek on my property. Will a waterhole do any good for me or no?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Billy...it really depends on if you have dry bedding, and then dry travel...on the way to food or not. If you have natural water that is out of the way of their afternoon movement...then a waterhole can be a great choice. But, if deer have water in their bedding area or on the way to food...in line with their movements then I wouldn't bother adding any.

[@devouring2772]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 just worked my tail off opening my first food plot in the woods. Downed a few trees. And opened up an area. Sprayed it. And put lime on it. Cant wait to throw some seeds...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@devouring2772 sounds great Billy! I'm throwing some seed in a few days and can't wait either...

[@fritzdreyer3748]

Jeff. Is there a reason you never Mention Missouri in any of your talks, you will name every state around us but I think I heard you say Missouri 1 time. Did we do something to cause this. Sure enjoy your videos, thank you for all your work. Fritz Dreyer Warrenton, Missouri

[@normankaster917]

Nice job once AGAIN 👍

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much Norman!

[@DustySmalls]

I thought the hinge cuts were for food and not cover.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

They are most definitely before both...very important that if they are made ever...they are made for both. Side cover and hardwood browse...

[@ckaitken9735]

Fall food plots central Wisconsin plant now with 5 days of rain coming? I usally hold off for another 2 weeks.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I would think it is still early but I am actually getting mine in the ground around 7/22 just because I have a book writing trip coming up soon...It won't hurt to wait...it might hurt to get them in the ground now. If you get great germination and then the next rain isn't until 8/3...your plots could be duds. If you plant closer to 8/1 and we get decent rain into hunting season yu will have great crops. I am taking a little risk planting when I have to this year...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh btw...Lions! You know you've met a true sports fan when you meet a Lion fan 🙂

[@bigracer3867]

I hunt clear cuts, lots of side brush, no canopy. New growth all over. So wish there were open woods left in the East. Everywhere like jungle. So have to be creative.

[@papatriots3529]

Great info as always thanks 👍

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Your are welcome PA...hope it helps a lot!

[@johns8240]

Starting around 16:51 it appears that there are a number of head high (or higher) hinge cuts. Were those 'rookie' mistakes?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi John...hillside cuts done by a professional. I would not recommend in public! That's for sure. The brush pile bedding at the end of the trees was perfect...but at that edge the deer had to be able to move freely and not be blocked. It's where I shot both my bucks last year, right on that edge..facing this cuts uphill. Probably should just axe that footage...no pun intended. Good point!

[@zebj4638]

Would hinge cutting work with pine trees

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

No...not at all, they die completely and dry out pretty fast.

[@kennethbailey2616]

What do think about the round bale shaped blinds?

[@jerrylittle8922]

Thank you. 👍

[@mmiles55]

Great video What else is a waste of time?

[@calebscott1175]

Would it be werth it to do a water tank if a creek runs through your property?

[@rydaddy2867]

Maybe; deer prefer stationary, or nearly stationary, water. If the creek has "dead spots", then probably not, but if the whole thing flows all the time, then it would be worth it, IMHO.

[@donaldploger5630]

Jeff, Hey boss, I just found your channel and the first thing that caught me was the water source ..... Do you ever clean it out? Add any type of anti-algae type stuff or do you just fill it up and leave it?

[@sackingsjw55]

Donald he has replied to a similar question on another video. Do not add anything to it, they seem to prefer still and stagnant but if you add algae killer or something to kill mosquitoes they won't use it

[@donaldploger5630]

@@sackingsjw55 thanks

[@edwfd356]

Can I use pond mat to make a water hole ??

[@lordkodie6891]

i have a 14 point and 6 point on my land. and about 15-20 does a few smaller bucks

[@RagingMoose45]

I do not think that deployable ground blinds are very effective at all without any other cover in front of it. The shape of them, to me, looks very unnatural to the surroundings and putting one in the middle of a plot just makes it worse. I believe the best way is to add additional cover in order to break that unnatural box like shape away. I learned this lesson this past season.

[@WilloughbyDroneTracking]

Hey Jeff, So are you opposed to hinge cutting trees for bedding? You said side cover is preferred to create bedding. Any videos you recommend to explain?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Logan! Hinge cutting is appropriate for roughly 20-25% of the lands that I visit and head high hinge cuts at face level are appropriate on zero. Check out my bedding area playlist...lots of stuff in there! kzbin.info/aero/PLmV8Ilexgmhc22FJJNrBPi-BIpcOZRMLT Side cover can be created by hinge cuts, hardwood regen, switchgrass, shrubs, briars, timber harvest thru regen, tops and logs, a hill side, low value timber cuttings...so many ways to create side cover but it depends on someone's goals, abilities, size and variety of timber, resources. Many factors. I hope that makes sense? But s lot of videos in their for you to take a look at. Let me know what you think!

[@silentassassin1108]

Do you use any kind of scent in the mock scrapes?

[@frankwestland9732]

Thanks for all the great info.Recently decided to start looking for property to purchase. Have watched the videos on what to look for. Any recommendations on websites or agents to start the process?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great question Frank! Whitetail properties is always a good place to start, but there are some county specific agents like Weiss Realty in the Buffalo County and SE MN areas of WI that specializes heavily in their perspective locations, and dominate the market. I personally like to make an offer thru the listing agent...more % of commission to potentially negotiate thru offers and counter offers.

[@joshrowe2275]

What are your thoughts on scent drippers for mock scrapes?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Josh...man I can't stand them! You really don't need to use them in any way. I do not use any scent and have not for years. Check this out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5uWnI1jgLuFd68 That's my "best mock scrape" scent video 🙂 Natural is always best...

[@csemrau]

Another great one Jeff. Thank you!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you Craig...really appreciate it!

[@TheNotad1]

over time, do your water tanks become mosquito haven? im seeing this and thats all i can think about is how many mosquitos this would attract. what advice do you have to prevent that?

[@airbornetrooper2452]

One question are you a sporty or are you a big M fan go Blue!

[@victorybeforecombat5783]

good stuff, thanks!

[@blountfarms3660]

I do very little to my property beyond pastures. I believe God set me on this 40 acres for a reason. I'm not a big habitat changer. I will feed and seed and create nutrition. Hunted public land for years after my Grandfather passed. I've owned large as 96 acres and as small as 8. Love these videos, except I've started talking back lol

[@ericraybon3366]

do you think it's possible to attract bucks to a 3 acre property in northern TN? I have 3 acres right off of Norris Lake which is north Knoxville and there are 3 does that come across pretty regularly but I can't seem to attract any bucks. do you any advice?

[@suzmell1]

Hey Jeff do you think by gathering brush I will be able to hide my box blinds that will be 8 ft high or don’t bother

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Morning Paul! One is next to that old beast of a tree that Suzie will be in...the other should be on the downhill slope and next to that conifer adjacent to the graveyard. Both should at least have their profile hidden. Also, when creating that food plot near the graveyard, make sure to have the dozer operator pile the brush on the deer blind side of the food plot. That should work really well! Say hello to Suzie for me...hope you guys are having a great weekend 🙂

[@tommythompson3487]

What is your opinion on Hodag licking stick?

[@micahvenable92]

do you have any tips for hunting in north carolina?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Any time that you hunt deer...hunt as if a deer had a gun. Sorry not NC specific but any time you hunt deer, being quiet, not being smelled or not being seen seems so basic, but those 3 things are not followed nearly enough... I apologize Micah wish I could be more specific. If you are hunting the hills or mountains..thermals can be your friend! They take your scent up in the morning and down in the last 1/2 hour to 45 minutes of light.

[@micahvenable92]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions thank you! I watch every video you put out! Iv tried some things that I’m able to I don’t really have a lot of land. I hunt on about 8 acres lol with neighbors that hunt as well

[@phillong8591]

I hunt my 16 acres in Randolph county NC. In your same situation. Been hunting it 25 years. My big Buck secret is apples. All the neighbors bait with corn. Seems the bucks disappears when the apples do. Keep apples out and you'll see bucks. I love watching them munching apples with their mouths dripping foam Smells good walking in to your stand too, you know everything in the woods smell those apples.