Blacktails and clearcuts, what's the "ideal" clearcut?

[tbrady]

So, I've heard that Blacktails can best be found in clearcuts.  Well I've hunted clearcuts of all shapes and sizes and miles from the nearest gate and I haven't even seen a doe in several days.

Is there an "ideal" clearcut these apparently mythical creatures prefer?  E.g. I've been concentrating on ones that look to be 1-3 years old (regrowth just a few feet high) and usually ones 10acres or larger.

[fishngamereaper]

3- 5 years old for feeding, 5 years plus for bedding, and along the edges next to thick cover for quick escape.

Ive walked the middle of cuts and found no sign, move to within 20 yards of cover/timber and tons of sign. Its just how they are.

And I like small secluded cuts.

[deerhunter_98520]

 
 3-5yr old cuts...provides lots of cover and feed....dog hair and/or tall timber surrounding it

[Blacktail Sniper]

 


Don't overlook the isolated "Islands" surrounded by clearcuts either.  These patches of brush, trees and patches of cover can be deer magnets.

This a not so great example, but it shows what I am talking about:

[tbrady]

Can you describe (or attach a pic) a 3-5 year old clearcut?  I've tried Bing'ing and Googling it but I'm getting a huge variation in how they look...

[deerhunter_98520]

[Moose-head]

Good thread! Is steeper better?

[deerhunter_98520]

It keeps other people out...just make sure there iss no roads through the timber in the bottom...they have to feel safe....the one i hunt now is steep to get down into the cut but basically the whole thing is flat

[deerhunter_98520]

I would post a pic but theres a few things that would stand out and i dont wanna give away my honey hole 

[grousetracker]

3-5 years old and has steep side so you can have a vantage point, away from vehicles and an alder bottom if possible. watch the edges and draws. i love to side hill big clear cuts just high enough to see the bottom or the most area. goodluck

[Clancy]

make sure you got a good view of the lower points. the deersies love to take 1 jump into that little draw and just vanish. look for ears and horns sticking up

[deerhunter_98520]

 :yeah:Good advice

[tbrady]

This is great info guys, I really appreciate all the responses.  deerhunter_98520, you can PM or a pic or just give me the coordinates and I'll stop by and take a look. I promise not to hunt it; it will be for educational purposes only.   

[deerhunter_98520]

You drive right past c post and take a right then go up the hill and  you cant miss my spot 

[billythekidrock]

3- 5 years old for feeding, 5 years plus for bedding, and along the edges next to thick cover for quick escape.

Ive walked the middle of cuts and found no sign, move to within 20 yards of cover/timber and tons of sign. Its just how they are.

And I like small secluded cuts.

I agree.
 But sometimes, depending on location, I find that first year cuts give up the bigger bucks. That is until the hordes find the cut.