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JeffH
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 Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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A quick background - been hunting 7 years, all on private land with
only 2 kills so far - one not much bigger than my dog, the other a
button-buck - yes, exactly what I shouldn't have shot at. But I
continue to learn, but it is difficult since I'm the only person in my
entire family that hunts. Also the private land I've been on is very
small and has limited access to deer - but it's all I have had
available to me.
Recently met another hunter who has only hunted on private land as
well, and to maximize my hunting face-time in lieu of hectic family
schedules, I want to try and use some of the public land in lower
Michigan, in Jackson county or SSE of there.
I don't want to be that turd that everyone talks about on public land,
but I still want to have a decent experience of my own. My friend has
good luck tracking deer and walking around, with is new to me. I
always just sat in a stand.
So using public land - what time do people generally head out? I mean,
if you are going to sit in one spot, you'll want to be in position
before sunrise. If you want to get away from everyone, you'll want to
go a half mile in or more - that's a long way to travel in the dark on
foot over rough terrain, isn't it? Considering the distance - do most
stay out all day rather than come in for a bit mid-day (in the past, I
tend to come in at 11 and go back out at 3)?
The other issue is time - my wife is having back surgery and I have 3
kids - it's a very busy couple of months. I'm concerned that I won't
be able to get out there before the season starts to find a good spot,
but I'd still like to go if I get a day or two to do so. I don't want
to cause problems to other hunters who have put in the time and effort
to scout around - which brings me to the etiquette question - can
anyone give me some basic rules on how not to be "one of those guys"
considering my constraints, or should I just bag it for the year and
try for next year?
Thanks,
-Jeff |
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Steve
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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On Nov 6, 8:22 am, JeffH <jjhe...@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
| Quote: | A quick background - been hunting 7 years, all on private land with
only 2 kills so far - one not much bigger than my dog, the other a
button-buck - yes, exactly what I shouldn't have shot at. But I
continue to learn, but it is difficult since I'm the only person in my
entire family that hunts. Also the private land I've been on is very
small and has limited access to deer - but it's all I have had
available to me.
Recently met another hunter who has only hunted on private land as
well, and to maximize my hunting face-time in lieu of hectic family
schedules, I want to try and use some of the public land in lower
Michigan, in Jackson county or SSE of there.
I don't want to be that turd that everyone talks about on public land,
but I still want to have a decent experience of my own. My friend has
good luck tracking deer and walking around, with is new to me. I
always just sat in a stand.
So using public land - what time do people generally head out? I mean,
if you are going to sit in one spot, you'll want to be in position
before sunrise. If you want to get away from everyone, you'll want to
go a half mile in or more - that's a long way to travel in the dark on
foot over rough terrain, isn't it? Considering the distance - do most
stay out all day rather than come in for a bit mid-day (in the past, I
tend to come in at 11 and go back out at 3)?
The other issue is time - my wife is having back surgery and I have 3
kids - it's a very busy couple of months. I'm concerned that I won't
be able to get out there before the season starts to find a good spot,
but I'd still like to go if I get a day or two to do so. I don't want
to cause problems to other hunters who have put in the time and effort
to scout around - which brings me to the etiquette question - can
anyone give me some basic rules on how not to be "one of those guys"
considering my constraints, or should I just bag it for the year and
try for next year?
Thanks,
-Jeff
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Hard to know where to start to try to answer your questions but I'll
give it a try.... First of all, you send a very positive message that
you are asking for advise. There are others who would just barge out
on opening morning with no thought or regard to who else is also
hunting in this same vicinity. It is always best to try to scout out
a new area at least to find a trail or trails to walk and look for
deer sign. Of course having a good map of the area and compass or a
good GPS would be almost a necessity for me. I'm sure you already
have these things in mind. If you have not had a chance to scout your
intended area before actually going out to hunt I would suggest you
wait until it starts getting light so you can at least see where you
are walking and maybe even see a deer while quietly walking in. Also,
other hunters can see you and you can see other hunters if they are
nearby. If you see another hunter on your walk in, I would suggest
quietly walking away from them so as not to interfer with their hunt
already in progress. If you plan to go deep into the woods I would
also suggest you pack in a healthy lunch with whatever you plan to
drink and stay out. Deer are known to be pushed around by hunters
leaving or going back into the woods at midday for lunch and it may
pay off with a shooting opportunity for you. It also depends on the
weather and if you are dressed accordingly. It isn't very much fun to
be out there if you are cold or getting wet or hungry. I suggest you
take a backpack and extra clothes / rain gear, whatever you think you
might need to be able to stay out all day. These are just my thoughts
and others might have different suggestions but THANK YOU VERY MUCH
FOR ASKING!
Good hunting!
Steve |
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Steve
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:33 am Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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On Nov 6, 8:22 am, JeffH <jjhe...@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
| Quote: | A quick background - been hunting 7 years, all on private land with
only 2 kills so far - one not much bigger than my dog, the other a
button-buck - yes, exactly what I shouldn't have shot at. But I
continue to learn, but it is difficult since I'm the only person in my
entire family that hunts. Also the private land I've been on is very
small and has limited access to deer - but it's all I have had
available to me.
Recently met another hunter who has only hunted on private land as
well, and to maximize my hunting face-time in lieu of hectic family
schedules, I want to try and use some of the public land in lower
Michigan, in Jackson county or SSE of there.
I don't want to be that turd that everyone talks about on public land,
but I still want to have a decent experience of my own. My friend has
good luck tracking deer and walking around, with is new to me. I
always just sat in a stand.
So using public land - what time do people generally head out? I mean,
if you are going to sit in one spot, you'll want to be in position
before sunrise. If you want to get away from everyone, you'll want to
go a half mile in or more - that's a long way to travel in the dark on
foot over rough terrain, isn't it? Considering the distance - do most
stay out all day rather than come in for a bit mid-day (in the past, I
tend to come in at 11 and go back out at 3)?
The other issue is time - my wife is having back surgery and I have 3
kids - it's a very busy couple of months. I'm concerned that I won't
be able to get out there before the season starts to find a good spot,
but I'd still like to go if I get a day or two to do so. I don't want
to cause problems to other hunters who have put in the time and effort
to scout around - which brings me to the etiquette question - can
anyone give me some basic rules on how not to be "one of those guys"
considering my constraints, or should I just bag it for the year and
try for next year?
Thanks,
-Jeff
|
One last thought to consider....... Don't be surprised too much if
you should happen to cross trails or encounter "one of those guys" you
mentioned while venturing out on public lands. There are one or two
it seems almost everywhere you go on public lands. My advise in that
case is to just avoid contact as much as possible. It's not worth
getting mad or worse over a deer hunt.
Again, have a good and safe hunt!
Steve |
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Del
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:46 am Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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Hey, on small acreage, with limited shots, you have to take what you
can get! Meat is meat. Don't feel bad about it.
I know quite a few people,(myself included at one time), that hunt
very small plots, 3-4 acres. Usually get a deer or two a year. Big
monsters?,...nah. Healthy, inexpensive, tasty meat for the
freezer?..heck yeah.
Since you asked how "not to be a turd", I doubt you could be one if
you tried. The "Turds" you speak of, already know all the answers.
Of course we all stumble across someone else as they hunt on public
lands from time to time. Thats just the way it is. Once you see the
other hunter, throw up your hand in a "sorry jesture", and quietly
move away. If anyone has hunted public land before, for long, they
are accustomed to this. Thats part of the deal. Who knows, sometimes
it might work to your favor.
Sadly, as mentioned, you will likely encounter one or so "turds"
sometime on public lands. Some get mad if you are in "their" hotspot
from last year, and stomp out like a rhino. Ive had some climb up a
tree within 20 yds of me, just trying to make me get mad and leave a
good spot.
If I could make some suggestions, I would have you do what I started
doing.
1) bow hunt. Get an early jump on the larger group of hunters.
2) avoid the first week and last week of centerfire/shotgun. Too many
boobs in the woods.
3) If you just can't help yourself...like me...follow step 4.
4) Hunt mid-day. 11am-5pm then get the hell out of there. Wear orange
all the way down to your drawers.
5) Buy maps, and look at all available public hunting areas. Look for
those PL's off the beaten path.
6) Think outside the box. Where could you find deer, that would be
too difficult for someone else to attempt, or just too easy to think
about.
Ie: taking a canoe up somewhere, or walking down a RR track as
laws allow, etc.
Good luck in the woods, plenty of deer on public lands!
Del |
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Gary Kubat
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:23 am Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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On Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:22:19 -0800, JeffH <jjhenze@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
| Quote: | I don't want to be that turd that everyone talks about on public land,
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Not likely you'd be that guy, given you're concerned enough to ask
already. Apply some common sense and ask how you'd like someone else to
behave if you were in their boots and you'll do fine. When I'm in public
woods, usually I know before heading in if others are there...often
there's limited good parking on public land, so rigs will congregate at
usable parking. If I walk up on someone, I let them know with a
slow/quiet wave that I see them. Then I try to guess how I can minimize
my impact on their hunting site...pay attention to wind, likely deer
travel direction, direction other hunter is facing/hunting, etc. Then
I'll gesture to him/her my intended plan (point at self, then motion my
intended movement) and then ask with alternating thumbs up/down if other
hunter is okay with it. Generally, I'll get a nod of approval. Once in
awhile I'll meet "that guy" who is just mad I'm there (public land is just
that...public) and I do what I can to just get out of sight and avoid him..
| Quote: | So using public land - what time do people generally head out? I mean,
if you are going to sit in one spot, you'll want to be in position
before sunrise. If you want to get away from everyone, you'll want to
go a half mile in or more - that's a long way to travel in the dark on
foot over rough terrain, isn't it?
|
That depends on you. Rough in the dark for me is a walk in the park for
some spec ops guys. For me if I have any moonlight I'll head out an hour
before twilight and let my eyes adjust without white lights, and slowly
walk in the dark by moonlight. If I come upon a challenging thicket,
creek, cliff, etc. I break out a filtered flashlight to look for an easy
way around it. Haven't hurt myself or spooked many animals this way.
Even whenI don't find a good place to sit or set up a stand in a new area,
at least I'm a good ways in the woods by dawn, and I still hunt until I
find a good place to stop. One year I bagged a deer with the stand on my
back; never found a place to set it up before pulling the trigger on a
nice freezer doe.
| Quote: | Considering the distance - do most
stay out all day rather than come in for a bit mid-day (in the past, I
tend to come in at 11 and go back out at 3)?
|
Do yourself a favor, pack a lunch and water and stay all day. Those are
prime hours on public land to let others heading to lunch move the deer to
you. If you must get out of woods, do so between 9-10 and be back in
place over lunch when the lunch bunch and road hunters drive the animals
to you.
| Quote: | The other issue is time - my wife is having back surgery and I have 3
kids - it's a very busy couple of months. I'm concerned that I won't
be able to get out there before the season starts to find a good spot,
but I'd still like to go if I get a day or two to do so. I don't want
|
If nothing else, use technology. Satellite imagery on web is amazing.
You can pre-scout by examining water flow/creeks, where timber/trees are,
where food is likely at, likely bedding areas, etc., all from online
pictures. Then guess where best funnels or deer routes are, and where
deer may head once the pressure builds. On private land I tend to leave
those "safety" holes alone so deer stay on the property, but on public
land I go ahead and hunt those dense thickets once the pressure is
on...usually from a tree stand looking into whatever small hole may be
that comfort hiding spot for Mr Buck. Usually someone will come tromping
through the thick stuff, move deer, and while they're avoiding the other
hunter they expose themselves to me. Taken a few ok bucks in a few states
this way (military makes me move a lot).
| Quote: | ... or should I just bag it for the year and
try for next year?
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Heck no! That's a recipe for "dang-it-I-missed-the-season!" syndrome.
Your wife wouldn't like the twisted shell of a man you'd become. She's got
enough challenges already without having to baby you with a year's worth
of grief therapy. If you really love her you won't put her through that.
C'mon, man, do it for her.
Gary |
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mark & kelly moberly
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:36 am Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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----- Original Message -----
From: "JeffH" <jjhenze@GMAIL.COM>
Newsgroups: rec.hunting
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 8:22 AM
Subject: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie...
| Quote: | A quick background - been hunting 7 years, all on private land with
I don't want to be that turd that everyone talks about on public land,
but I still want to have a decent experience of my own. My friend has
good luck tracking deer and walking around, with is new to me. I
always just sat in a stand.
So using public land - what time do people generally head out? I mean,
if you are going to sit in one spot, you'll want to be in position
before sunrise. If you want to get away from everyone, you'll want to
go a half mile in or more - that's a long way to travel in the dark on
foot over rough terrain, isn't it? Considering the distance - do most
stay out all day rather than come in for a bit mid-day (in the past, I
tend to come in at 11 and go back out at 3)?
Thanks,
-Jeff
|
Great questions you pose.Some of my 2cents:
I lost my best private land to hunt about 3 yrs ago, so now hunt some public
land.
Most go out during gun season here about a half hour after sunrise. Legal
shooting is 1/2 hr before sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. I go out same time
as I do for bow season- 1 hour before sunrise.
They tend to go in groups with some getting dropped off near stand locations
and the rest driving to near the drive starting point. Few travel any real
distance from the roadways. If you can get a 1/2 mile into the woods before
they get there they will push deer to you during shooting hours. Definitely
wear all the orange you own.
If someone gets stupid and wants you to move, it's better to move than get
shot.
Some groups if you meet them when they are setting up for a drive are nice
enough to allow you to help either by pushing or standing. Most new guys do
the driving instead of standing on the first drive or two. If not find out
where they are pushing and standing so you can stay out of there way and set
up where you feel the deer will run from them.
Almost all public hunting here is deer drives. Since it's just my wife and I
we do mini drives or set up where we can ambush.
I drive much slower than most.
Sneak hunting works if the walking is quiet.
If you can get out before season walk through and find four or five good
spots. Figure out how to get there in the dark. Then on opening day pick the
one that looks best. Reflective tabs on trees work great for finding your
way. I like to put them very low on the tree so I don't have to shine my
light in deer eyes. If the tabs shine with a red lens on your flashlight use
it, your eyes will love you.
Hunt during the lunch break. Most huntiers leave the woods between 10:30 and
12, then return between 1:30 and 3. Cover these times and in between them
and you will see many deer. |
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JeffH
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject: Re: Public land usage etiquette - Michigan newbie... |
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Thank you all for the suggestions and information. My friend has also
been working toward this end and he has found some of that land
privately owned that he reserved to hunt on (a program through the DNR
- forget the name of it). So we will try that out at least once - he's
going the week before and I'm going with him the 2nd week - his wife
says she'll help out my wife while we are gone (very cool). I don't
know if we will end up on truly public land this season now, but maybe
for black powder. At any rate, between private land hunts up north and
public/private land down south, my dance card for rifle season is
filled, and I'm happy about that.
Thanks again - I appreciate all the great advice and it's eased a lot
of my concerns about using public land.
-Jeff |
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