How To Fix A Nocturnal Deer Hunting Parcel

Nocturnal deer hunting parcels are everywhere; in fact they are the norm, not the exception. Less than 5% of all deer hunting lands are daylight mature buck parcels, and there are several concrete reasons why. If you have nocturnal bucks on your land have trouble seeing bucks during the daylight most of the season, you can easily fix the nocturnal deer herd problem in just a few months. Here is how to turn a nocturnal deer herd into an incredible daylight deer hunt ASAP...in fact, by this season...

[@kelvin0689]

Wow, Jeff! This is one of my favorite WHS videos yet! Basically a blueprint for so many dedicated landowners who aren't getting what they could from their land because of "fantasy-land" techniques that create nocturnal parcels.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you so much Kelvin! There is so much poor information out there...a big disconnect from what folks see on TV...and what actually works. Really appreciate this hitting home for you!

[@billcretens6743]

Bravo Jeff....another great property in the making. I'm sure your client will be thrilled with the results.....just like I am thanks to you.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot my friend...really means a lot to me! I was just showing someone the bucks that you shot this year...do happy for you! Hard work rewarded ☺️

[@Chalz108]

At the beginning of the 2019 bow season in October, my uncle gave me advise to just go right to my blind and not worry about being quiet because "the deer already know you're there before you know you're there" well I tried that once, hated it. Didn't see anything. Now I creep to my stand one step at a time and it works great. He really gave me some awful advice.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, well...great you picked up on that😁 He isn't alone, that's for sure!

[@bch5513]

elon musk please you're our only hope my dad told me that when I was young as well. Not sure if it was just because I was too slow being young or what. Stuck for a while too. I learned better. I know he sneaks around and is a good hunter too so it must have been it. But be careful what you tell new hunters is the lesson...

[@travisethridge4062]

will say there is time and place for that method. I do that when cutting into leafy litter area on way to stand and there is no other way to avoid making noise. Stopping and "looking" like a predator slowly moving about and scanning area in dark whereas if you just stroll to where you are going ie. a deer or raccoon/possum and disappear into distance is less threatening. I sneak around too, but sometimes 4:50 am pitch black in forest there is no sneaking around, just getting there.

[@underdogoutdoors]

I watch most of your video's, particularly enjoyed this one, only wish I had access to some of your knowledge 20 years ago.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you very much! I liked putting this one together...really hope that it helps some hunters!

[@sambilhorn9282]

Thanks for sharing another property design... these are awesome! I get something out of every video, but these really help put the pieces together. 👍

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome Sam...I truly hope that they help! I will be sharing many more ☺️

[@huntwarbukz4117]

Great info Jeff .. we are building a hotel in Greece ny .. & on the cabinet and room assembly crews I met a guy named chuck from Michigan..we started talking deer ..etc ..turns out he’s good buddy’s with Anthony ..and he had great things to say about .. how you helped Anthonys land to become great .. he’s gotten some Nice deer last few years ..it’s really a small world .. god really puts us in some great spots with great people ..I showed him your 40 acre parcel recent vid he was like yes ..that’s Anthony Awsome .. we are. ..we All brothers... guys 👍👍

[@stevequisenberry8338]

Thanks forsharing your wisdom and experience. I’ve planted plots since 1993 but you’ve radically changed they way I do things. I’ve killed a lot of really nice buck, but if I had known your secrets I would have killed a LOT more! A few years back when I focused not just on food, but on undetectable access, it changed everything. Thank you!

[@LivingFullyLoaded]

Great video! One of the properties I hunt is about 200 acres and my target buck on it was very nocturnal. I actually eased up on that farm and focused on another. I had a ton of neighboring pressure around me. Letting my place rest, as difficult as it was, actually created somewhat of a sanctuary and he actually started coming out at last light. I was able to take him several days before the end of the season. My stand is very easy to get to without blowing deer out and I attribute a lot of the success to that.

[@ericandrews8524]

One piece of info I didn't get or missed was when you mention summer food plots, what plants, grasses, etc. Would be in a summer food plot. Thanks for posting these videos.

[@nathanlester5054]

Fantastic, informative video! Jeff, thank you for sharing, and showing, how to improve one's property. I picked up a couple of things that I will incorporate into my own 51 acres.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you so much Nathan...really happy to hear that you picked a couple of things up! Great parcel size too 😉You are welcome!

[@xtremehunter8597]

Another fantastic video, thanks for all you do. It is truly appreciated. Your knowledge helps us to develop better grounds. I've taken the knowledge from your videos and seen dramatic changes to my hunting grounds. Keep making these awesome videos. 👍👍

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man that is so awesome to hear...really appreciate it and I will do my best to keep the coming!

[@thomastaylor3419]

I will be prepping my little 15 acres for switchgrass frost seeding a year from now. You have convinced me. Lots of box elder on my little chunk. Love your channel. JEFF

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Nice...sounds great Thomas! Enjoy☺️

[@joshford7828]

Great video. I love these breakdowns to see how all of the puzzle pieces come together. Would love a follow up report when they shoot a big buck

[@fattroutlounge]

Jeff, this is brilliant. This guy got his money worth.

[@bubcat54]

More vids like this please. Having visuals really help get the concept across. Maybe a video on how to pick a property.

[@Nhrocks-oe6yn]

Please do more videos where you show an example property and how you would set it up!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I sure will! I have one coming up that used another example and a doe factory warning that goes along with it...

[@seanc77339]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 love the property planning/management videos. So full of info for the poor man that can not afford to have you fly out to see their properties in person. Thank you and God bless you.

[@jamesgillies3710]

Really enjoy your insight Jeff on deer habitat.

[@HuntNorthEast]

One of your best videos yet, good access info!

[@AUTOMANJOE]

So I hunt a super small parcel maybe 25 acres max. Public land, it's only me and one other hunter. Who thinks he owns the woods lol. Hes put food plots planted cover hinge cuts destroyed the environment I grew up in. Anyway I just wanted to thank him publicly for setting up one hell of a deer spot for me and my climber😘 and the walk through his spots toget to mine are gorgeous. I don't spray until I get to my spot lol.

[@brianlenneman5032]

Great video Jeff!! Can’t wait To see the follow up video!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks Brian...me too!!

[@richardwaters8677]

I love your videos man, always informative. I learn something knew from each one I watch

[@jtowne85]

Love watching your videos. I have a small 20 and am excited to use your knowledge from this video (among others) for next season!

[@christpherwilson3151]

Love to hear the follow up on this property Jeff!

[@patrickmcdaniel8770]

Totally understand your hunting outside in concept. I will try but still limited on accessing entire farm without infringing in middle a tad to reach my back 7 acres.

[@kristyrenkema855]

I really appreciate the visual map!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's good to hear!

[@FrednDeeDee]

I learned to find the thickest most tangled chunks of territory I can find. What I found was 1. No other hunters because they seem to prefer much more open spaces to hunt and 2. Deer trails and deer sightings at any hour of the day. I hunt no more than 60 yards into the thick stuff and always a location that I can guard a well-used deer trail. I see a lot of black bears and even turkeys in the thick stuff. I don't see monster racked bucks, but I see enough does and legal bucks to put venison in the freezer every year. I am an ambush hunter and take the first opportunity that offers itself instead of holding out for a big buck. The wind is always from west to east making it easy for me to slip into the jungle.

[@RayEvangelista70]

I love this new series!

[@jonnykilroy2345]

my family stomps through like buffalo on potato chips or cruising around on atv's and turns our 80 acres into the largest nocturnal doe factory known to the north woods ...lol...trying to change the "family traditions" ... thanx for the info

[@Clake52]

Love your videos. This one was from a year ago. Wonder how things went for that landowner this fall after implementing the changes.

[@maplebrew]

Jeff can you provide insight on how to develop deep hardwood perimeter access. You spoken previously about needing 20-30 yard separation but does that mean clearcut trees and stacking then to fence them in then planting switchgrass? I live in N Ohio

[@strikeforcek9149]

I live in Northeast Ohio too (Lorain county) and I'd really like to know the answer to this as well. Where abouts are you in NOhio?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hello! It really depends on how well the land has been developed to create a daily afternoon food movement, with adjacent bedding and secure travel. If someone tries to skirt their land and improvements are random, then any form of cutting will invite bedding in the location of the cutting. On the other hand if everything has been set up correctly...then no cutting is really needed the majority of time. I do recommend to a fraction of clients tho, cutting parallel timber walls at a very thin level, just to hide behind. In that case if everything else is completed on the land first...food sources, adjacent doe bedding, secure travel, then buck bedding, etc....then it is a safe practice. Again tho, cutting timber that falls parallel to the border, openings for deer at least every 20-30 yards so pinchpoints are not crested for your neighbors. Depending on the age and variety of timber, these would be straight cuts or hinge cuts. I hope that helps ☺️

[@docpoco]

This was great Jeff! Thank you from Tennessee.

[@dswish1730]

That was some great stuff Jeff.Thanks for the sermon..

[@Lake-Dennis]

Loved this video, people are gonna look at me weird for this, but could you make a video on exactly what a mock scrape is and explain it? I’ve seen your videos on why mock scrapes are good and mock scrape tips, but I don’t exactly know what it is. If you explain it that would be great.

[@gpax-6197]

Hello Jeff. Been binge watching your videos. Picked up your books as well. This is great stuff. We’re doing our “first year” of food plots. Have you been to East Central Missouri?

[@markheidema3699]

Jeff, great video. The property already has a pond. I assume the blue dots are man-made watering holes near the red dots (stand locations). Why the watering holes when a pond is already there? Is it to pull the deer away from the Sanctuary and toward the Stand Locations during daylight hours? Thanks, Mark

[@trevorharbin3851]

Some great information what would you recommend about a land over ran with hogs had good bucks on camera early season but seems as the hogs have pushed all the deer off the property

[@poimy]

Great info as always Jeff! Have you ever broadcasted switchgrass or other y’all cover variety over a burnt area of crp? Thinking of doing this in March. Western IL. Thanks!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Bowhunter! I haven't or I haven't instructed clients to do so just because there is typically a HUGE see bank that can take over quickly. That being season if you can get the seed on the soil because of the burn, then you can create a viable stand of switch if you practice appropriate weed control or thru extensive mowing over the next 2-3 years. You mow down to the top of switch in August, the during June, July and August in 2021 and 2020. You can use Simazine prior to Spring green up and then a Roundup/2-4D combo roughly 3-4 weeks after Spring green up. You still may need to mow but the chemicals will greatly assist in cresting a solid stand this first year... You are very welcome!

[@paulcrave3112]

I’d sure love to have you look at a coupe properties where I hunt.

[@travisethridge4062]

A+ Jeff, great info. I have been making a utv/walking trail to sneak around perimeter of jungle and crazy topography. Deer have small trails though they seem to be does more than bucks. I am surrounded by Ag in 3 directions among some neighbors too. Should I maybe go through some really thick parts and thin out some vines to encourage buck movements or let it be?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Travis! The perimeter trail is awesome! I like making them as long and straight as possible...deer definately avoid them then. Paralleling travel corridors are awesome...inside the jungle and defined by treestand trees. The just need to be 2-3' wide, meandering and you only want to encourage mock scrapes in front of a treestand. Definite tho and thanks a lot...really appreciate the feedback!

[@neilbygd4228]

Good stuff again. Any suggestions on switch grass that lays over easily with any snow? It's a weed free clean 7 acre field of cave in rock.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Neil that is really unusual! The only time I see that is when water crushes it over due to flooding and ice, or when the switch becomes damaged due to excessive 2-4D damage. Heavy wet snow and ice is something too...the kind that bends over small conifers and strips white pine branches. Not sure?

[@loganracer16]

“There’s a smiley face on there now.” 😂

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Crazy how I draw my client designs and something takes shape...good this time just a smiley face 😁

[@Homesteadyshow]

😂 I was thinking it as you said it Jeff!

[@justinboehler7060]

Great video Jeff Have you every used common reed for bottom land screening

[@eddiemolebash3792]

Thanks for the info love your videos. When you talked about road splitting parcel. Are you saying it's better to treat each parcel as a individual parcel?

[@stevoky]

I understand all of you methods and have applied them. but in a mountain area how do you get those doe to bed low next to food when they want to bed close to the ridge? They will Bed in open timber on the ridge before bedding low in a thicket except when it’s cold and the wind is blowing like crazy. Which is when I find my best t success,because the bucks will bed first flat down from the ridge then doe will move next to the food. Bucks maintain that separation and if the doe are on the ridge their going to be even further away.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Steven...the does want to bed as close to their afternoon food source as possible. Often within 50-100 yards...very, very easy to predict. Then bucks behind them. In this case their is no cover adjacent to food, so after the clients add it they will be their with 100% certainty. They do not want to travel 200 to 300 yards to their afternoon food source every day. In big timber areas with mostly cover/wilderness areas they routinely travel 200-300 yards to food...heavy at areas not more than 50 yards. There is a balance. Mixed ag 100 yards at most. Most don't get to see that this because they spook out their food sources, or have poor screening around their food souces. Or don't have bedding available where deer need it...

[@randlerichardson5826]

Is it to early to put a mock scrape on my lease brother????? Do I need to wait for a month or two if it ever dries up some here I’m goin to turn the ground up for my plot. Do I need to actually turn the ground or just disc it??? I’m thanking if I turn it the sage grass won’t come back be safe out there and GOD BLESS you and your family brother Amen 🙏

[@brandonragsdale5547]

And that 40-acre partial has a small River on one side and a few creeks throughout the property so water is not the issue and a lot of mature oak trees

[@Grizzlife]

Excellant video Jeff..

[@ajburns9915]

Man Jeff, I’m having a tough time figuring out good access. Our forty is rectangular and only 150 yards wide. We only have access to the south with hunters all around us not wanting us to spook deer walking through their property. How should I go about creating good stand access like this while still keeping a sanctuary?

[@normyoder2622]

Good video Are you doing any seminars in n.e. Ohio at any sportsman shows Love your time you share with us

[@PutEmInTheBox]

Alexander Burns that’s a good question. My property is long and skinny also.

[@ajburns9915]

Puteminthebox I’m telling ya.... I’ve just found Jeff on KZbin and it’s been a game changer. I’m buying all the stuff for me food plot currently including the seed from Northwoods which Jeff recommends. Just having a tough time trying to decide if I put the food plot in middle rectangular, the same way the property runs or in the back and have the chance the deer bed off my property. Tough decisions to be made this season 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@PutEmInTheBox]

Alexander Burns sane situation. Same toils. Good luck!

[@sambilhorn9282]

@@ajburns9915 This might help answer your question... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoXJmoqobLOXb7M It was eye opening to me when I first heard Jeff talking about how a 20 would be better than a 40 if setup right. Hope it helps.

[@jimkindle3563]

I like the smiley face strategy!

[@Savage-xl5hq]

I just stumbled up on your channel great advise I leace and hunt a 65 yard Parcell in s.e louisiana it's acorn rich somehow wind I assume from ajesent property's mostly pine and palmetto a few hardwood scattered alot of tracks .weve been hunting about three years three of us weve only harvested 1 good buck and a seen a few yearlins and doe . To the south is the comite river to the north is a hwy property is shaped like a triangle at our entry point is only 50 yards wide I feel we push everything to the river upon entering and this is are only way of entering like I said the property is track rich and have seen some good bucks on cammera but due to us only having one acces point I feel it may be a waste of time . What would you suggest as far as a property like this ? S

[@ShochCustomCalls]

You should do a follow up with them and show success if they had any

[@dish797]

You mention water holes in dry areas. What do think about water holes on property that has seasonal wet areas? Worth it? Thanks.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Dish! It depends on if there is seasonal dampness in the Fall, or not. During the summer deer get most of their water requirements met from green vegitation and do not need to take drinks if water for days or more at a time. During the rut is when the need really pics up...

[@ikerapt6702]

should switchgrass be burned or cut every so often? or just let it go?

[@bradbrockhaus633]

I cut mine yearly and burn every 5 or 6 yrs...I believe my stand is just as good today as it was 10 yrs ago...just what I do

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great advice Brad... definately burn as needed. If thick and weeds are not present it is very maintenance free...

[@timothyparros1987]

Can you please tell me the website to go to for the screen plot you suggest. I've tried to find it but can't. I love your videos and have gained a lot of knowledge. Thanks for all you do.

[@timothyparros1987]

I found it!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi yes... www.northwoodswhitetails.com 👍 Also, you can call John Komp at 9068639383 directly...he loves getting calls from you guys ☺️ Thanks for asking Timothy!

[@timothyparros1987]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I'm always on your channel and have learned so much. I can't thank you enough! I'm buy 1400 white pines and also buying the Caven Rock (12 acres) along with screen plot seeds.

[@whtlhntr100]

do you worry about your scent blowing into your sanctuary when you are accessing your stands

[@cobrasavi2300]

I'm on 27 acres with no ag fields anywhere close just outside a national forest but only have access from 2 sides with the logging rd through the middle. We live on the edge of the property

[@cobrasavi2300]

Still not sure of the best course of action

[@suzmell1]

Great info as always

[@motomizfit2892]

Just curious how much would it cost me to hire you to scout out my property. I’m pretty sure I have pressured the deer since I’m only getting night time pics and very few daylight pics. This year I plan on making a food plot and some cover for next season but I feel overwhelmed and I don’t want to mess it up more than I already have

[@bluelineoutdoors2726]

Thanks Jeff! another great video!

[@Quinn4999]

Do you ever see deer bed in the middle of swaps like red willow? I know I have a nocturnal 150 acres as well with 80% swap

[@blazeice111]

What if you ARE trying to build a deer herd? What's the suggested summer food plot layout?

[@khayes-ik4lu]

I think you said this. But I have standing (some knocked down) Egyptian wheat/sorghum mix in WNY right now. Should I frost seed switch grass right into it?

[@Habitatacres]

Awesome video really enjoyed this one.

[@philipbarry8799]

What drawing app are you using ?

[@kennybuelterman1743]

Jeff do you recommend some type of screen for access trails

[@5throwdown]

@whitetailhabitatsolutions I just bought and moved into a house on 6 acres in Central North Carolina. What would you recommend with such a small plot of land?

[@operatorcobra1._298]

i only have nocturnal bucks and i don’t know how to turn them over to day light, we don’t know what to do but do you think grunts would bring them in? maybe some rattling, but i don’t know i’m trying my best

[@kevinpatrick5733]

Jeff, I hunt a 400 acre parcel that is not well supported with food. What’s an estimated amount of acres I need for food to support these deer?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Kevin! It depends greatly on big woods, mixed ag, light ag, neighboring food, total browse, climate, deer numbers, soil quality...so many factors! As a guesstimate, anywhere from 10-20+....5 would generally be way too little...30 acres likely more than needed.

[@kevinpatrick5733]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions I knew that was a broad question when I asked. Your videos have helped me greatly. I’m looking forward to implementing your knowledge you’ve shared here in North Alabama. Keep up the great work!

[@jacelee2202]

Just out of curiosity what do you charge ? To visit a property and is there another option to an actual visit?

[@MegaBucky007]

Who makes and sells the screening you recommend?

[@jordanhudson5075]

We have 388 acres of private land right around the hardy Arkansas area, we have 8 trail cams out and we get hundreds of pictures but the majority of them are at night, we have a lot of bucks on camera but we’re not seeing anything, let the food plots go a few years ago we have put out tons of sweet potatoes and they literally have went through around 3,000 pounds so far this year, do you have a email I could contact you and see how much you charge for your consultation or some tips

[@59pigman]

What switch grass seed company are you recommending?

[@sambilhorn9282]

Stand location on food plot... your recommendation or client request? High risk or is there great access?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great access, fully screened, road or ridge. I wouldn't even draw it in if not low risk...

[@sambilhorn9282]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Got it. Thank you

[@randlerichardson5826]

There’s always goin to be skeptics brother no matter what you or me does

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh man for sure Randle ☺️ Haters 😁 thanks man!

[@kaspersol1188]

"Oh, there's a smiley face on there now". XD bahaha

[@theroughandtoughhunter2429]

Starting on shed hunting soon?

[@gd3160]

Any tips for controlling Japanese Knotweed? Its can be good screening, but way too invasive.

[@robertboston9778]

kill it all. no mercy. spray a mixture of Gly + 24D June and Aug - I cleaned it off 100 acres in 3 years, went from 2 25 gal sprayers full to one 4 gal backback sprayer a year.

[@theroughandtoughhunter2429]

Great vidio

[@benmicheau6046]

Does anyone know what mapping service those Arial pictures were taken with?

[@sambilhorn9282]

The app is OnX Hunt. GPS location with property lines is very useful in the woods, particularly on lands you may not be familiar with... also shades public/private for ease of use. I also use it to map my stands, and improvements like corridors, mock scrapes and waterholes.

[@Brandon-uo1rv]

It would be interesting to see what the neighboring property has to hold bucks vs this one. It seems that one can design a parcel a certain way and the neighbor is likely hunting the way the current landowner is, yet has success killing bucks year after year. Do you think some parcels are just better than others even with habitat manipulation?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

The neighbors don't have food plots and just have average cover. The problem with habitat improvements is that the more thry are created incorrectly or in poor locations as they relate to the flow of the land, the more they turn the land into a nocturnal parcel. Very easy to correct and nearly any parcel can be created in a way to outcompete the nighbor or overcome habitat shortcomings...the improvements just have to created in a way that doesn't create doe factories and nocturnal herds. Average land hunted correctly without habitat improvements, will trump highly managed parcels completed incorrectly...

[@randlerichardson5826]

Wish I had the money 💰 I’d like to have that spot of ground youns have for sale

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Amen brother 😁 someday...

[@brandonragsdale5547]

I watch a lot of your videos I'm a new Hunter been hunting for 3 years going on 4 I've killed two nice bucks I have permission to hunt a 40-acre partial in alabama it has Hardwoods 2 hayfields it hasn't been Hunted in 6 years I've been hunting on it this year I have a good bit of does on camera in the hay fields and corn piles I just recently put a new camera in the smaller Hayfield and got a nice dual main beam buck all at night I don't have a lot of money I'm very limited equipment I haven't planted anything could you point me in the right Direction to making a great daytime deer hunting partial

[@baitcastersbroadheads2594]

How much does it cost for u to come look at a property in North Carolina

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That is in my fly-in area...which is really anywhere outside of MI, WI, IL, OH, IN and portions of MN or Iowa. I fly to 1 or two clients per month from Jan/Feb to September...fly out early on day 1 and then return home late on day 3. This year the cost was $4950 + airfare...next year $5950 + airfare and my first available month is March/2021, I believe.

[@mr.mackinaw1401]

Sent 2 emails and left 2 phone messages over the last three months and haven’t yet received a response, how does a potential client reach your office and get on the list???

[@travisstephens4762]

I've done the same thing and gotten no responses... Guess you have to be special to get their attention... From my perspective, it's their loss. I was going to spend money on them.

[@lakestatebullies7391]

Is Anthony's last name start with an h.

[@jamesbernard4566]

You cannot eat the horns

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey brother