Top 3 Deer Hunting Improvements For Small Parcels

If your goal is to create the most powerful deer habitat attractions for next hunting season, then you need to seriously consider these 3 HOT deer habitat improvements. With over a decade of experience for each of these deer habitat improvements on hundreds of deer parcels across the north 1/2 of the country, I have found that these improvements are Incredibly powerful. You will not be disappointed! Unfortunately there is an enormous collection of very poor and unproven online information for how to use these improvements. However, if you make sure to follow the step by step details for exactly how to create these habitat improvements in this video, you will stay on the straight and narrow path towards deer habitat and hunting success. From waterholes to mock scrapes to browse plots, here is the how and why for creating the 3 best deer habitat improvements correctly, for this hunting season.

[@mdotson9496]

Jeff, I'm in Mason County, Mi with a 20 acre and 60 acre sections of land. After watching your videos, I've realized I've gotten lazy with my management and hunting. I have a new plan for my lands and started implementing changes this week with my boys ages 6 and 8 by my side. Creating great memories and priceless time together. I would even say it's been even better than sitting in the stand. Thank you for all of your tips and experience. I also have your books but these videos are great. We added two mock vine scrapes and put up cameras. Within 24 hrs both are all ready being actively used. Lots more work to do and I can't wait for October to get here!!!

[@robertseromik7040]

Jeff we all appreciate you giving out info like you appreciate us subscribing. I tell every deer hunter I know about your channel. Your channel has literally changed my life because hunting is my life. Since I started watching your videos and applying it out in the deer woods I have become wayyyyy more successful. Thank you very much!!!!!

[@marknewman6281]

Didn't read all the comments but I had good luck by double stacking kiddie pools before I could afford any thing substantial. Worked well where I couldn't dig. Just leave a branch for little critters to get in and out. Keep up the videos. I appreciate your ideas.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

I started my first (using your strategy) mock scrape/licking branch last fall. Put a camera up right there too. This is no joke! 1 1/2 hours later I received my first cell cam pic of a doe using the branch. 22 minutes later a nice buck came by and used it. Still getting pics from this and have been all winter. I can’t believe it. I have made dozens and dozens of mock scrapes in my lifetime and they never worked! Using your strategy is the very first time it’s ever worked! Unbelievable!

[@Just_in_time_outdoors]

Watching your videos is like going to deer hunting school. Love it

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, I love to hear that! I truly hope that they help you out a LOT!

[@Just_in_time_outdoors]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 more than alot Jeff way more......

[@WHITETAILKINGS]

I love this comment! It is so true. I feel like a better hunter/ wildlife manager every time I watch a WHS video. Currently implementing all 3 on the new property. Great video Jeff!

[@marshalllaw6541]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions I have alway thought that hunting was more or less a game of luck but after watching your videos I’m very much looking forward to the season yet to come. You put out these videos and ask nothing in return but for us to improve our own hunts. Thank you for your time and most of all you knowledge.

[@Eastky23wildlife]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 how Far from the bedding area should I hunt in the morning?

[@TRGarza-rv8pk]

Hi Jeff! I'm Tristan Garza, from Nuevo León, México. You truly are a teacher in the "Gurú" level! I'm going to try as much as I can to implement your advise!!!

[@amsbaugh8198]

I make a mock scrape using your hanging vine method in the middle of October. The first 2 weeks, the deer didn't touch it. Ever since then, they have been steadily visiting it. I am quite impressed by this method.

[@richardkramer1094]

Excellent explanation and advice Jeff! What I can be witness to is all three improvements as they have helped hold deer on my land. Just one strategically place waterhole on 151 acres and four licking branches combined with travel corridors to woody browse enabled me to hold a 196 1/8” buck on my property. Many people have informed me that they caught him on their trail cams earlier in the season and they have been seeking that buck. QDM for me was trial and error.I stumbled upon this channel this fall but my improvements had already been made long before. That does not underrate the value of the issues presented, it only reinforces those issues. I Enjoy all your videos Jeff.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Richard...wow, what a great buck and I really appreciate the feedback. I believe professional deer management has really evolved over the last several years. From more of a QDM do everything for herd and habitat that you can, to smarter improvements designed to compliment a high degree of hunting strategy and true, Fall herd building, high level quality herd and hunting potential. Basically from random and expensive to highly calculated and effective. Very cool to hear tho. It doesn't take much land to control and compliment the daylight movement for mature bucks. Thank YOU and happy New Year!

[@richardkramer1094]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions Jeff, I believe the less invasive QDM can be the better to hold a fall herd. I see anywhere from 8 to 24 deer every time I go out to my hinting parcel. I can spot the ones I desire to shoot and wait until that opportunity presents itself from 5 different stand and blind positions. I have also created mineral licks which have been in the same location for 5 years now. The mineral lick locations are now dishes out from the deer and other game animals eating the dirt. I have seen a great improvement in deer health and a lower attrition rate of fawns. Keep up the great work and if you need any help in the Kansas area don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Deer hunting here is a little different due to low density of hunters.

[@johnkerby7434]

Holy crap! Jeff.Best video yet!!..Appreciate your content & info..

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot John...really appreciate it! You are very welcome 😊

[@scottmckenna9164]

Thank you for being who you are. A very giving Father figure you are!

[@travisethridge4062]

Using most of what I learn from you and dr. grant woods on my 20 acres. What a gift to have people drop knowledge and actually care about what they are teaching. Thanks so much. P.S. dr. Ken Nordberg is another that is gift for us. Keep kicking butt Jeff!!

[@joshford7828]

I got your whitetail by design book for Christmas. Half way through it and love it. It contains a lot of the nitty gritty detail to then apply to a property. I guess next Christmas I need to ask for land....

[@williambaker2441]

I can’t stop watching these videos it’s like crack to a junky. I just recently purchased land like to talk about but I’m located in different regions then you speak of for the most part. Maybe 2/3 of what I purchased is old pasture land thick sage grass and I’m wanting to plant tree. The other 1/3 is hardwood. It’s already has a nice bedding area on one side but I don’t know what tree would be best to plant. I’m located in north Mississippi everyone around here always plant pines but I purchased this solely for deer and turkey. And from what I can see on cameras in the 2 months I’ve owned it. There is plenty moving thro. I just want to help contain what’s there

[@roughcountryoutdoors4486]

Excellent, excellent video.great advice for every landowner, thanks jeff

[@Lake-Dennis]

Just made my Monday better!

[@williammarkert3461]

Thank you for presenting information at a higher level. I've been dear hunting for many years. I've harvested a 152 class buck on low fenced 20 acre tract with neighbors in the brush country of south TX. I don't know it all and try to keep an open mind for new ideas. Hunting smaller tracts of land appeals to me. I've gone the 'larger lease route and don't like it due to limited control you the hunter have over the land. This article and why I subscribed is that the information given is at a higher level and more logically presented, however it is largely northern states it's geared to. The region of the country I hunt has allot of brush and big neighbors with big fences. The challenges I have are lots of hogs and coyotes. Also corn is the main source of food dispersed by spin feeders here. I keep two feeders going at opposite ends of the property, not to hunt both but to allow the deer to walk through freely and have alternate options. I have good ranch neighbors who share harvest specifications which helps too i.e. no younger bucks and 8 point or bigger. I count the doe to buck ratio realizing that though the herd is transient in nature harvesting an early season doe might help keep the buck numbers up during the rut. I would like to consider buying a small tract in a state up north too but there are barriers such as cost for non resident licence (has to be low), OTC tags available, and land access. Public hunting land scares me due to the fact of controlling safety and heard health. I keep looking for that northern damond in a rough property. Anyway great article.

[@jeremiawillert4605]

We Love your videos! I'm learning so much watching your channel. And so are my kids. We have totally changed our way we look at our land and are going to apply your information to create heaven. Great job.

[@threek2d434]

I love your channel! Great honest tips and practices with evidence to back. One point I’d like to make is that hunting in neighborhoods or cities where there are a lot of homes and only small tracts of land creates a whole Nother ball game for hunting deer. Strategies and tactics for the most part are quite different than open area hunts!

[@steveaveryrafteraranch5408]

Just bought my 95 acre parcel. Already ordered the switch grass and clearing for plots and trails. It has red osier dogwood in several small spots. Great video.

[@ChilcoteForestryServices]

Thanks for sharing this valuable advice. It really is basic and simple common sense...no fads needed

[@briancunningham9975]

Thanks for the confidence of my habitat management. I own a swamp and I am currently working on habitat management. I am making a natural browse plot and am cutting all my red osier dogwood, cleaning them up, cutting down to browse level, etc. I am so glad to see that you agree that it is a good management move. I post under swamp plotter if you ever want to see what I have to deal with. Thanks again for all the advice as well

[@alienf9998]

Love your insights. Thanks for sharing, definitely helps me.

[@suzmell1]

Hi Jeff I agree with dan it’s hard work at times but fun to say the least when doing improvements to your land trying to pattern them don’t get me wrong must be fun to shoot a mature buck based on what you’ve done to improve the land hopefully we will be able to talk about that in the very near future but for now will be concentrating on improving the land for the deer GO GIANTS

[@randlerichardson5826]

Yep I’m putting a waterhole in at my stand this year

[@rfb7117]

As you know, with your help, we have had great success with licking branches and also with water holes. I will have to look for browse patches or maybe plant something in the very small food plot north of the house that you suggested converting to switch. Not sure what to plant for natural browse, but will think about it. Thanks, Bob

[@thomasprice1760]

White oak acorn tree is a deer magnet in South West Georgia..

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Definately a great, limited attraction compliment to a diverse habitat. Unfortunately not a season long attraction in most whitetail woods...and too many can destroy a lands ability to hold and attract daylight cover movement, or use.

[@E3fieldservices7144]

The ranch I hunt in south texas our water holes are round galvanized troughs under a windmill always deer around it

[@mainenorthwoodshunter3265]

A lot of great and helpful information. Thank you!

[@miikesternberg6947]

Always look forward to your videos. Thanks.

[@Grizzlife]

Very good stuff Jeff. I implemented your tactics and had great success this year. Thanks

[@jacknorris9591]

Thanks for the videos, I'm going to try some water holes and mock scrapes this year.

[@chuckneely8168]

Jeff can you comment on mountain laurel thickets and how to incorporate them into a mgmt plan? I have 200 acres here in the VA mountains, and about 60 acres has laurel thickets with oaks mixed into them. Lots of dry bedding in these, but unsure how to compliment with hinge cuts, openings, water holes etc. Maybe a whole video on laurel and strategies for using it! Love your channel.

[@travisethridge4062]

Awesome info

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much Travis ☺️

[@alexanderboulet6824]

Hey Jeff! Really appreciate these videos! we've got a 180 acre property, ag/woodlot mix, with a large river along the back of it. The south slope down to the river is an old orchard. I am wondering if you could direct me to resources about how to work with river boundaries when planning parcels.

[@TS-nb9ko]

Jeff when I was watching I noticed that you might have that some clients have a pond a creek and that by adding a water hole in the right spot.that I can define the movement with it.is that right.because we have a pond and a creek on the property.but we have plenty of ground with no water.so I am gonna buy that 110 gal.tank and install it.to define there movement.jeff I absolutely am learning alot off of your knowledge.i can't thank you enough.Happy New Year and I can't wait to use more of your methods to make this ground the best that we can.thanks again

[@rukakiryu3595]

Hi again, my small property its mostly oak, but we do have plenty of brush in between. Basically the area its virgin land. I know you have recommended food plots for micro properties but I was thinking maybe use some hinge cutting parallel to property boundaries with around 5 feet of switch grass to hide the food plots? And last, food plots parallel to boundaries or middle of the land? My property its a long parcel 220x 2282 surrounded by thousands of private land. Maybe one water hole and one or two scrapes?Thank you in advance.

[@robbielong7356]

Hello, Love the channel! Your mock scrapes have really grabbed my attention and I am slowing going through your content. Do you ever use your mock scrapes on public land with the hanging branch? I hunt in the national forest in North West PA. It seems to me that using the mock scrap how you describe may work in the big woods. Just curious of your thoughts when it comes to using mock scrapes on public land. Thanks!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Robbie, thank you! If legal...they can be incredible on public land! Well, really anywhere they are used...

[@MrChrisaltman]

Great confirmation in the direction I'm headed! Your Saturday and Sunday videos go great with coffee, keep up the great work Jeff! Implemented my first vertical licking branch this season and the whole deer neighborhood started using it the next day. Does and fawns did things I've never seen with it, almost dancing around it, contorting and twisting their heads, standing on their rear legs kicking at it with their front legs.. The doe would do it first, then the fawn would mimic. I don't save many doe/fawn videos but those are in the vault.

[@michaelbrackett644]

Thank you for your videos! This is my first year hunting in so. IL. 40 acres of hilly woods with wildflower CRP. I really wish I could figure out where the afternoon meal is so I can plan my water holes and mock scrapes.

[@kevinwilganowski9298]

Liking the videos Jeff. I hunt 100ac in east Texas. What would be some good options for browse plots. I am not sure if the ones you mentioned in your video would be good options with our summer heat.

[@goaskmymom1350]

Happy New year Jeff! I just subscribed to your channel and boy, am I glad I did! Such invaluable lessons for sure! I've got land between Viola and the Township of Liberty, near Viroqua. Are you out that way? Anyway keep up the great work and I look forward in learning more from you!

[@kenwallechjr.6326]

Hi Jeff, First, thanks for all the great info. I hunt strictly high pressure public land in Pennsylvania but your tips have allowed me to narrow my choices of where to hunt significantly. Second, your comment regarding the use of a mock scrape without some type of attractant like preorbital gland or a doe in estrous scent in them has me somewhat confused. What makes the deer stop at your limb and rub it and not choose another limb or a real community scrape to communicate? Thanks for all the great info! Ken

[@1alexcody]

I think what makes the deer stop is the location of the stick/scrape, along a run, and its easy access by the deer that's my take on what he said

[@ChilcoteForestryServices]

Ken, I also live in PA and hunt public land. I have found in the past that deer are attracted to any exposed fresh dirt as it has an odor and deer are curious. The licking branch is a visual they can't help but deposit scent upon. Just like a fire hydrant and a dog. The way the branch is situated makes them want to rub their forehead and lick it. Once some scent is on it, it becomes more popular yet. So, bare dirt, licking branch located in yer best guesse of a travel route of bucks and you should be set. Put a camera on it and see what comes up. If you have that kind of time and money, you can find out where there is a good buck existing out there with a bunch of cameras out.

[@kenwallechjr.6326]

@@ChilcoteForestryServices Thanks, that makes sense. Think I will give it a try and see what shows up

[@kelvin0689]

@@kenwallechjr.6326 , I'm from Southwest PA. Check out this video of a buck hitting a mock-scrape just nine minutes after I hung it up last summer! The vine had no scent added to it. Just hanging it in an existing trail (or where trails intersect) where they can't miss it will prompt them to use it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIuaq5KOotV-i5o BTW, this year I killed a nice buck and two does this year, all very near a mock-scrape near where this video was taken.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Great video brother very informative as always. Be safe out there and GOD BLESS you and your family brother Amen 🙏. Happy New Years GOD BLESS.

[@Sharpshoot3r5]

What differentiates a hinge browse plot and a hinge bedding area? What’s stopping them from bedding in a browse plot

[@ctarmsoutfitting5735]

Love the info. Great video.

[@jimjohnson2131]

Thank you!

[@coreykrinkie6993]

Great video! What is your take on mineral licks? Are they worth anything on a small parcel?

[@primal_inc]

so even if thier is a creek. it good to put a water tub out around a known bedding spot and feeding

[@rcagle123]

I've done this here in Tx and find coyotes visit it a lot and deer get shy of it from all the coyote scent around it.

[@dougbarber3400]

Great video Jeff. Have you tried to hing cutting beech trees. If so how did they do after the cutting ?

[@phishstyx]

I’m in south central PA and my land was just added to a CWD management area. Game commission discourages waterholes like these because they say they promote the spread of the disease. Wisconsin and Michigan have had CWD for a longer than PA, yet these don’t seem to be a problem. Thoughts?

[@JustMe-999a]

What is that sticking out of Jeff's pants? Is that woody browse?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, lol

[@toddfletemier8119]

Hi Jeff, Another great video, we plan to add 2 water holes next year with licking branches. Question on when to cut aspen, we have a 15 acre section that was select cut around 20 years ago. We are in northeast section of the lower peninsula in big hardwood timber country. We have high enough deer numbers recent clear cuts have been browsed off. The poplar is well out of browse height, should this be recut and if yes how would you recommend it? A forester recently said to wait for 40 years but that seems to be more focused on timber value than habitat to me. Thanks for everything I site! Todd F.

[@jerrytompkins2808]

Hey Jeff love your info. Do you put anything on the vine that you use for your mock scrapes to "get the party started" so to speak? I know that you don't use anything after the deer start using it but what about when you first hang it?

[@OrthoMadison]

I appreciate for the advice-great as always. Are you accepting new clients for land management? I am in southwestern WI, about an hour from you. I bought a new 63 acre parcel last year and have questions. Thanks in advance.

[@billlivezey1013]

First off,THANK YOU!! Been watching your videos since August of 2019. Very,very helpful! I grew up hunting in southern Michigan and now own several hunting properties in East TN. TOTALLY DIFFERENT hunting here lol. No crops here just hayfields.. Anyway,what Sitka outfit would you recommend for my area? Any input from the rest of you guys and gals would be appreciated as well! BTW the mock scrapes have worked fantastic!!

[@weirdmood8102]

Fanatic for the cold days, and stratus for early/mid season. Definitely go with the fanatic hoodie, too.

[@weirdmood8102]

Your base layers will typically matter the most, too. I am a huge fan of patagonia Capilene ( level 3 and thermal weight). Smartwool and icebreaker both make great stuff as well.

[@owens35351]

Jeff, The water hole is basically standing water and that gets stagnant. How often do you find yourself having to freshen up or doing a complete change out of that water? Or is it a non issue? Thanks

[@JustMe-999a]

He's said in the past that he basically never refills them. He just pulls the leaves out a few times a year

[@chapmanenterprises3428]

If you have ponds on your property would you even put water holes on your land?

[@christhompson7151]

Jeff when are you pulling down your mock scrapes or do you leave them out?

[@benbearkiller]

I have a weird scenario that you have not covered in any of your videos. There is some public land a small plot probably about 300 acres in the riverbed area that had a 500-year flood this past summer that completely submerged it. Growing up I had always seen decent bucks and deer in the area. I have been scouting just this past month to hunt for future years. I found only old activity will the deer return to the area? It is Hardwood with good bedding areas but also has natural Lanes where it's not so thick with good Forge.

[@TheMws1]

I own and live on 70 acres in the Piedmont in Georgia with multiple draws that have dozens of water holding spots with many much lower than surrounding land as in deep ditches .With all the water available would water tanks be a waste of money ?

[@underdogoutdoors]

Do you ever put those mosquito prevention crumbly things you can buy at Tractor Supply in the waterholes? I know deer will drink funky water anyway, I use them in watering bins- otherwise I'll have clouds of skeeters in the summer months.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I am so glad you asked...never, ever add them to a deer waterhole! Deer will typically not drink from then after. Also...deer don't mind the mosquitoes at all. The more stagnant, warm and dirty the better...

[@scottacre9621]

If you put four small fish in the water tank, they will keep the mosquito larvae wiped out. If your state regulations allow, feeder goldfish work great, just replace them each year with new small ones. Too many, or too big, won't have enough food too survive. If your local regulations don't allow goldfish to be used, substitute with small bluegills or sunfish. These are hearty species that can handle adverse water conditions well. Best part: no additional mosquitoes! In fact, will reduce the mosquito population in the area, as all of the eggs laid in the tank; won't survive.

[@KDawgKy]

underdog outdoors I have read that placing pieces of copper in water can control or kill mosquito larvae.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey brother I’m late watching videos as usual

[@Penguin32880]

Is there a strategy to where to put a mock scrape? I mean I know, close to bed and food. But closer to one than the other? Does it need to be right in between? I have like 5 acres. Does bed in the corner of the property and there is a field on the opposite side. Im thinking they use my woods as a travel corridor and maybe for water sense there is a small creek in it

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Lots of strategy to use with mock scrapes? I answer mock scrape questions extensively in my mock scrape playlist....29 videos to check out ☺️ kzbin.info/aero/PLmV8Ilexgmhee-6E06udW874E3ZoYWRfz

[@Penguin32880]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 whats the best way to get a hold of you? Like an email maybe?

[@copedipper7654]

I made a Mock Scrape last year, I tried to make it as close to yours as I could. It’s been very active, I’ve got a camera on it and a few weeks ago I checked the camera and I noticed my licking vine was broke and laying on the ground. I fixed it back but it’s about 6 inches shorter now. I looked at the card and a big rack buck had broke the vine with his horns. But since I put the vine back up it hasn’t had as much activity, do I need to get a new longer vine and replace the shorter one? Thanks for all your knowledge!

[@chadfey2363]

I've used a buried Rubbermaid 100 gal water trough. When it froze, it blew out where the side met the bottom. I've never tried it since. Are you using more of a rubberized water trough so it doesn't break?

[@Engbyrne]

Thank you Jeff for your informative videos , I'm going to try the mock scrap attraction with a piece of hanging vine I can get from one of the properties I hunt , I would also like to do the buried stock tank for a water source however I hunt public land on long island and not sure if it is legal to do so ... would you know if this practice is legal on public lands ?

[@Chalz108]

Hey Jeff what would do about some neighbors who ride their fourwheeler right by your fence lines when you're trying to hunt? Just ask them nicely to fuck off? Ruined like 4 of my hunts this year cause of that

[@corywaddell680]

I hunt in north central Arkansas in the hills. It’s about 270 acres of woods, and corn feeders are pretty common practice in the area. What is your opinion on using them?

[@kurtcaramanidis5705]

Have you planted serviceberry or nannyberry?

[@chrisboyd1408]

I was hunting in Indiana after Christmas and was surprised by the number of cleared, clean, active looking scrapes. Is it too late to place mock scrapes? Can they be created year round for camera/deer tracking?

[@robertskillings864]

On a mock scrape, do you use a scent to attract them first to get it started?

[@HuntTrap13]

Hey Jeff, I have a question. We had a neighbor hunting right on the property line opening morning shoot onto our property and wound a deer, track onto our property before giving up. He is on the edge of big hardwoods, and looking onto our big browse/bedding field. We've got a bit of hardwoods near the property line. My question is, would hinge cutting on the edge of our field be the most effective screening method. Or would it encourage deer to browse, travel along the new cover, putting more deer in his view? We have a food plot about 180 yards from the property line if thats of any concern.

[@bwana3006]

What about a creek running thru a property

[@Pwrcritter]

Autumn olive is taking over our retired pasture field. Any ideas?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Amen to that! Exceptional early successional wildlife bush, with a high value for small game, nesting birds and deer. You can easily remove blocks of AO to plant diversity within if you would like. AO gets a bad rap because it is not native and doesn't produce boards per foot. Everything else about it is exceptional. Count yourself lucky tho because without it you likely wouldn't have anything else. It very, very rarely outcompetes native growth. Instead, it is simply the last thing standing. Diversifying with patches of switchgrass is a great practice, as well as the promotion of briars, poplar, box elder and scattered clusters of highly protected hardwoods and conifers. GREAT cover for many species...

[@Pwrcritter]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks, glad to hear that it's a good thing. I'll look into adding switchgrass as well..

[@warrenlilly6244]

Add kudzu, cover that's edible and in the north controlled by the weather. Plus 30%protien makes 🦌 come to you 😁

[@jjhoran1273]

Hey Jeff, I notice a lot of your water holes have a log sticking out of them, is this on purpose? Also no water on the food plot, but what about mockscrape by water hole combo? As always thanks for the knowledge!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi JJ! I love the mock scrape/water combo. Mostly because the mock scrape is more powerful than the water...typically. the compliment each other well in a very small area. The food plot is the afternoon destination that is the foundation of all movement. Scrapes and water are the pinchpoints that help to funnel deer movement to the afternoon food source, between bedding areas, etc. The stick in the water is for squirrels, mice and other critters that fall in and need to get out. Unfortunately have made the mistake of not having one in...I believe maybe 2008 or so? It is a nasty, rotten mess when you get to a stand location with a rotten waterhole.

[@jjhoran1273]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions Ok, I’ll check out the playlist more extensively, thanks so much sir! Really appreciate it!!!

[@dennybirchfield]

How often do you go hunting and see absolutely nothing cause it's a problem I'm having

[@thehangout4583]

Great video, who do you purchase your red osier dogwood through?

[@stevemorgan9932]

Hi Jeff is it possible to introduce box elder to a property with much success? If so whats best way to go about it? Thanks

[@Quinn4999]

I have about 150 acres of red osier dogwood... how do you suggest managing all that? I also know what a good portion of my bedding cover cause it is thick!

[@dandegueisippe5369]

Back to your muzzleloader video, what grain Barnes bullet are you using?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Dan! 250 grain. Love those T EZ Sabots...seems to be the perfect balance between loading them easily down the barrel and being so sloppy that accuracy suffers.

[@jasonc794]

I feel like I need to learn how to identify a bunch of trees and shrubs. Is there an app or other resource that everyone uses?

[@davidmyers1671]

Can anybody answer this question that I struggle with? If you have several does come by which one do you shoot? The lead doe, the middle, or the last? Same question if there are only 2.

[@b_lamont]

Northern Minnesota, what kind of browse should I plant?

[@mikemellon80]

My timber is being marked by a logger this week. I was planning to cut the walnuts only but he said he would mark all the hardwoods. Would you leave the oaks, maybe just a coupe per acre for acorn production or cut them for the $.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Mike! I would remove the worst oaks...the subordinates leaners, forked...but leave the best mast producing trees. Typically when you think them that way, you take a large %. I would not typically recommend removing the giant, old, best mast producers. Unfortunately many of those are the best dollar oak trees. Definately getting rid of the walnuts will be a GIANT improvement! Truly worthless trees when it comes to wildlife habitat.

[@mikemellon80]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions As always thanks for the reply. I’m logging for the deer so I’m not too worried about losing out on some oaks. Great advice as always

[@wolfpack4128]

@@mikemellon80 glad to hear you are taking an active role in the forestry of your land. Too many landowners let the "experts" mark the trees and get high graded. It's not the end of the world as whitetail don't need old growth hardwoods to thrive but it's still always sad to see when the landowners think their forest has some how been improved.

[@bcpfarmandtrucking6560]

How do you keep the water from freezing?

[@charlesalmond8026]

What's your opinion about Allegheny Chinquapin for a browse plot?

[@swostillwateroutdoors]

In the big woods, have you had good luck doing mock scrapes?? We have no vines in NW wisc. Any other good alternatives?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Very good luck! Just use whatever the deer love rubbing. You still should use a 5-6' stick, 3/4" to 1" in diameter, hung from about 10-12' in the air and the bottom of the stick at waist/belly level. In your area beech is great, oak, Jack pine is excellent...aspen in a pinch. I hope that helps!

[@swostillwateroutdoors]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions thanks Jeff!! I appreciate big woods tips and videos!!

[@marshalllaw6541]

i have 600 acres that i unfortunately share with a couple guys that have the if we dont shot them someone else will attitude. i have shared your channel with them over and over again. it is a beautiful habitat and have great pics of traveling bucks i believe i could hold on the property. how can i get this through there thick heads that they are doing it wrong?

[@markmark1078]

25 years on 200 acres in upstate ny and not one of the 5 yahoos that subscribed to "if its brown its down mentality" ever shot anything with 100+ inches of antler on its head. M y buddy's 1st year of hunting was with them, he took my advice , got as far from them as he could, waited while bunch of small bucks and does went by, and finally around 11 took a 115inch big-bodied eight-point(not bad for 1st deer)-they were so mad that they demanded money if he was to hunt there anymore so his third year he went to another friend's 35 acres and employed same strategy abd took a 135-inch gray face 10 point. Moral of the story: try to avoid YAHOOS-they 're stupid and dangerous to hunt around

[@marshalllaw6541]

mark mark great advice one day I had to get home early and I’m glad I did. One of the guys can’t set more than 30 minutes and jumped a year and a half old buck about 60 yards through thick cover from where I have my stand. He shot 8 30-06 rounds at this tiny little deer and one of the rounds I found hit my stand tree about 6” below where my feet would have been if I were in my stand. I asked the lease holder if he could ask him to stay put and I was told that’s just how it is out here if your scared then you should find another place to hunt. I will be knocking on every door in the county this year in hopes of getting my own lease.

[@markmark1078]

@@marshalllaw6541 yeah buddy, try to avoid Amish also-plenty of "wayward slug" stories surrounding them also-a police officer i talked to quit hunting after almost being shot by Amish hunters on private land next door

[@myronlaidler8034]

What is your opinion on Multiflora rose? Box elder bark is also eaten by fox squrills here,

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's a great point too Tex! Not a fan...would much rather have berry bushes! That stuff is nasty and other than rabbit cover...not sure there are many other benefits? What is your opinion of the stuff?

[@eliburkholder2957]

Here in central Ohio deer browse mutliflora rose pretty hard from my observations.

[@robertboston9778]

@@eliburkholder2957 Agree for a semi woody browse - here in mid-Ohio it and XX-Olives (both invasive species) green up 7-8 days before anything else, if all you have is woody browse. There are much better bushes for browse.

[@myronlaidler8034]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Wondering if they eat it?Have seen bucks bedded in it on several ocasions . thinking the hips(seed pods) would be easy to plant..

[@kelvin0689]

@@myronlaidler8034 , I wouldn't plant multiflora rose anywhere. It's a invasive species and once it's established it'll take over any other native vegetation and you'll have a very hard time getting rid of it if you change your mind.

[@ryanlehan1030]

what would be your management approach for a small parcel in the high and dry Appalachian mountains, with some springs, creeks, and small clearings?

[@ryanlehan1030]

already dug a deep waterhole pond along one of the creeks, but that’s the only change i’ve made to the property. there are spots where there could be an opportunity for some small food plots, and a bunch of logging roads.

[@markbishop1161]

So when would be the best time to hinge cut? Have 63 acres in Arkansas.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

With the lack of freezing temps you guys get...anytime before spring green up and leaf out, is perfect!

[@markbishop1161]

Thanks very much Jeff.

[@reesmccullough8773]

What you you recommend to plant on two first time food plots.... one is 1.5 acres and one is 1 acre... we have ag north and east of us and timber south and west of us???

[@weirdmood8102]

Brassicas.

[@ethanjarvis5587]

Can you explain your strategy of hunting 1-3 year old clear cuts? Are you hunting that as a funnel because it’s open/too thick or browse?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Ethan...those first years offer the best food in reach of deer. In locations like southern OH, KY, Southern IN, IL... the habitat grows so fast that deer can't even move thru the cuts, let alone hunters. In northern areas ..upper Midwest...clear-cuts last longer for usefulness. On private lands you can use a forestry mulcher to go into the cut after a few years and create open pockets and trails where deer can move, feed and live in. On public land, just move to the next young clearcut in the area...because the deer will 😉 You can hunt them like a corn field.

[@ethanjarvis5587]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions-Thank you for the information. I hunt public in norther-lower peninsula where they have heavy forestry management. I wondered if that’s where deer bed because of think saplings, but figured no big buck could get through. I’ve heard not to hunt over standing corn. So you’re saying I should find a better spot?

[@mhuddoutdoors1058]

Will the rain keep it full? Just wondering about evaporation

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It has the last 3 years...for the years before, some years I have filled some not. You definitely want it in the shade, and the 30" depth keeps the amount surface area down per gallon, so less evaporation. I haven't filled mine since 2016 I believe...

[@nickrouse5092]

Is there any chance of the water becoming stagnant in the heat of the summer?

[@gocubs3655]

Hey which paints are those? Sitka what?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sitka Dakota...fleece lined. Awesome! I wear on a LOT of my client trips Dec thru May. Comfortable and warm...

[@teshagustafson1821]

These are the top 3 on my to do list this year. But I'm wondering when is the best time to do each one? I'm assuming spring for water hole for easier digging and better chance of rain to fill. What about the scrapes and hing cutting?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Tesha! Now thru the end if winter for browse plots so that you achieve maximum summer growth. May is officially whitetail waterhole month ☺️ Mock scrapes I personally install and spruce up around the end of June, which is also the same time I am adding my trail cameras...

[@teshagustafson1821]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thank you so much for your input and for sharing so much great information! I love watching your videos and I can't wait to get out in the woods and make these improvements! I've been hunting for 17 years with little or no strategy and little or no success. This will be a very different year and I'm excited for the opportunities I might make for myself thanks to your great tips and advise! ❤

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@teshagustafson1821 that is great to hear...can't wait to hear about your experiences!! Have fun too...this is very fun stuff...also very rewarding. You are very welcome!

[@teshagustafson1821]

I know your a busy guy but if you could do a video on tips for hunting with youth that would be awesome! I have several kids that want to start hunting with me but not sure the best way to go about it and still have a successful hunt.

[@davidhickenbottom6574]

What's a trail

[@219garry]

You'd need a 4 wheeler to get water to it.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Actually, not really. Some years I have had to fill them. BUT, I haven't filled them since 2016. Been plenty of rain and why people HAVE to bury them below ground level. Also built into a hill s big helps collect water too. But again... haven't filled mine for 3 full years now. Haven't had to. Nice if you can if needed, but not necessary... That's also why I go with 100-110 gallon minimum. Anyone reading this...make sure that you do not use 30-50 gallon tanks, no matter who recommends them. We found 15 years ago that size was too small...

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

How the heck can you lose a password? Doesn't it give the option to send a new password to your email? I'm still hunting on the right wind days. The snow is too crunchy to sneak around and I might have to parachute in.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, parachute in...include video of that ☺️ It was set up by someone else originally...crazy. They lost it...we tried extensively to recover it.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I think I'll hinge cut my dogwood...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Best to mow them down...they regenerate very quickly.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I believe you, but I want to try and see what happens.

[@dennybirchfield]

Help jeff