atltrafficisterrible
Member
When I lived in Gwinnett County I hunted almost exclusively public land for many years. When scouting, what I looked for were places that other hunters would not be. What I have observed is most public land hunters do not stray far from roads, trails, creeks, etc. They also mark where they are going to be with flagging or reflective tacks. Find areas where other hunters won't go because it is thick, swampy, or hard to get too. That is where deer will be or go to when the shooting starts.
Also, hunt all day on public land. Most hunters leave for camp or their truck at 10 am and come back at 4 pm. All that movement will bump deer to isolated areas where you should be. Also, hunt until legal shooting time is over and learn to be able to walk out in the dark. I can't tell you how many deer I have killed at last legal shooting time. Most public land hunters walk out while it is still light so they don't get lost.
That's good info thanks. I only saw 1 flag on the edge of a clear cut in the past 4 times I have gone. Im assuming i will see more the closer it gets to rifle season. I will stay late as well thanks for that info. I got a headlamp and an inreach so I can find my way out.
My only annoyance is the millions of orb weavers I have to battle. If you guys see someone in the woods waving a stick in front of them that's me lol.
How far are you going past main roads and blocked roads? I went past blocked roads by about 250yds in. Most of what I can see from google and onx is at any point you are maximum 350yds from some road or trail. For reference I'm talking about Lake Russel WMA.
I’d much rather walk out of the woods on public land after dark with a light than before dark without one .
Yes, i agree. I'm hoping I don't have the same experience I had on my first WMA. Someone let off 6 shots about 100 yards from me. I stayed in my stand for a while after that.