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Edge or Deep timber

cityboy

New Member
Curious as to which of my stands would be better. If the rut is on, do you think they will run the timber or edges more?
 
I like to hunt edges, but that is mainly because i like to use a decoy.....
but thats what i like!!
 
From what I've seen, the does like to hide in cover when the bucks start pressuring them. They get skittish and avoid all buck contact until they are "ready". When a doe is in heat a buck may push her to the open or smaller cover so he can watch for intruders and keep her for himself. I've seen a ton of action the last few days in the larger timbers.
 
I saw a ton of running on saturday when i was out. The deer were running in the woods but not in the real thick area. Seemed to be following the local trails but i havnt seen any in the fields this week.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THA4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like to hunt edges, but that is mainly because i like to use a decoy.....
but thats what i like!! </div></div>

this is half of why im hunting edges in the afternoons now. the other half is simple: i see more deer on the edges. go for it and kill 'em dead!!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> From what I've seen, the does like to hide in cover when the bucks start pressuring them. They get skittish and avoid all buck contact until they are "ready". When a doe is in heat a buck may push her to the open or smaller cover so he can watch for intruders and keep her for himself. I've seen a ton of action the last few days in the larger timbers. </div></div>

Well said, I prefer large timber stands for cruising bucks during the morning and midday hunts and the edge for evening action. In the evenings does tend to hit food sources and this time of year is a good time to catch a buck pestering them at those food sources.
 
Tough question because both can be good. If you're truly in search of a large buck, my theory is to move in from the edge as some of the others have mentioned. Many times, it seems the big boys like to "stage" just inside the timber edge until dark. I like edges more for morning hunts during the pre-rut and even during full rut. Seems like there's more bucks running scrape lines at this time. If you are real serious about scent control, you might consider setting up somewhat downwind of a good scrape since the big ones will often wind check a scrape from a distance unless they decide to tend it on that particular occasion. I like to be set back about 10-15 yards from the edge and about 30 yds downwind if I'm trying to hone in on a trophy. I also like to be a minimum of 20 feet high with around 25 feet preferred. Just my .02 though.
 
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