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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: JasonG on June 01, 2019, 09:11:20 AM


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Title: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 01, 2019, 09:11:20 AM
Just been doing some looking on Onxmaps as well as google earth to look at potential spots for blacktail hunting this fall. This is my second season so I'm still very new to this. I started a bit late in life but Im loving every time I go out in the woods, scouting, hunting, learning. Anyway, what do you guys/girls think the Ideal age Reprod is? A lot of the spots I have been to are 8-9 years old and very thick. Thanks Jason
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Crunchy on June 01, 2019, 09:14:23 AM
I would say 7 years or so gives them the right amount of food, and cover to feel comfortable in.  At that age you need an elevated position to really see the deer because the cover is taller and thick.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Ricochet on June 01, 2019, 09:54:19 AM
Depends on the elevation.  I've seen low elevation clear cuts and burns showing lots of deer activity after only 3-4 years.  Like Crunchy said, you need enough browse to attract them and enough cover for them to be there in daylight.  Here in Oregon I gravitate toward units in the 4-7 age range, unless they are at high elevation.  After a certain age the reprod crowds out the browse and hides the deer, which is a lose-lose situation for hunters.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: opdinkslayer on June 01, 2019, 10:14:31 AM
Depends on what the reprod is but generally 3-6 yrs. After that unless it’s fir at elevation it gets tough to see in them & hemlock chokes out even quicker. Don’t overlook 1-2 yr old units however because I’ve seen many deer in new looking cuts. :twocents:
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Humptulips on June 01, 2019, 11:34:46 AM
Now days almost every unit gets sprayed after harvest and it takes until the third year to recover. Deer really like that new growth so don't overlook even a two year old unit but Imo it gets better after three years.
IMO deer are so scarce anymore you have to look at deer sign and decide where they are at. All units are not equal. The best unit will be where the most sign is so hunt there what ever age the reprod is. You just have to hunt differently depending on the age class.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 01, 2019, 03:13:14 PM
Now days almost every unit gets sprayed after harvest and it takes until the third year to recover. Deer really like that new growth so don't overlook even a two year old unit but Imo it gets better after three years.
IMO deer are so scarce anymore you have to look at deer sign and decide where they are at. All units are not equal. The best unit will be where the most sign is so hunt there what ever age the reprod is. You just have to hunt differently depending on the age class.
Ive been concentrating on 454 and 460 . I might be screwed
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Westside88 on June 01, 2019, 03:34:49 PM
Don’t discount favorable topography, creeks, travel and bedding areas. In my experience the deer seem to be in the same places year after year. As my friend the fisherman told me don’t leave fish to look for fish. I think that applies to black tail too
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 01, 2019, 03:57:37 PM
Don’t discount favorable topography, creeks, travel and bedding areas. In my experience the deer seem to be in the same places year after year. As my friend the fisherman told me don’t leave fish to look for fish. I think that applies to black tail too
I got find them first ! Ha
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Angry Perch on June 01, 2019, 04:21:00 PM
Now days almost every unit gets sprayed after harvest and it takes until the third year to recover. Deer really like that new growth so don't overlook even a two year old unit but Imo it gets better after three years.
IMO deer are so scarce anymore you have to look at deer sign and decide where they are at. All units are not equal. The best unit will be where the most sign is so hunt there what ever age the reprod is. You just have to hunt differently depending on the age class.
Ive been concentrating on 454 and 460 . I might be screwed

Definitely not screwed. Lots of deer.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 01, 2019, 05:40:29 PM
Now days almost every unit gets sprayed after harvest and it takes until the third year to recover. Deer really like that new growth so don't overlook even a two year old unit but Imo it gets better after three years.
IMO deer are so scarce anymore you have to look at deer sign and decide where they are at. All units are not equal. The best unit will be where the most sign is so hunt there what ever age the reprod is. You just have to hunt differently depending on the age class.
Ive been concentrating on 454 and 460 . I might be screwed
Just have to keep looking!!

Definitely not screwed. Lots of deer.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Westside88 on June 01, 2019, 07:41:05 PM
Every hour you can spend this time of year will pay off later. The deer are so much easier to spot and they’re most focused on eating. Find em now and you’ll know where to hunt them
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 02, 2019, 07:48:14 AM
Im out looking every weekend!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JakeLand on June 02, 2019, 12:02:44 PM
IMO scouting bucks this time of year is pointless unless you’re scouting farmland or semi-urban areas . Higher elevations between now and September the bucks will be in different terrain and elevation from my experience! I start really scouting my areas in September
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Born2late on June 02, 2019, 01:04:03 PM
IMO scouting bucks this time of year is pointless unless you’re scouting farmland or semi-urban areas . Higher elevations between now and September the bucks will be in different terrain and elevation from my experience! I start really scouting my areas in September

100% agree. My cameras don't go out till sept also. My scouting now would be looking for lots of rubs, beds and sheds from previous years. cameras won't reveal hardly anything in my area.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 02, 2019, 01:11:14 PM
IMO scouting bucks this time of year is pointless unless you’re scouting farmland or semi-urban areas . Higher elevations between now and September the bucks will be in different terrain and elevation from my experience! I start really scouting my areas in September
good to know!!Like I said Im trying to figure this out.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 02, 2019, 01:15:10 PM
I also thought that finding a good amount of does will = bucks in the rut?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on June 02, 2019, 09:14:02 PM
Find the does now and the bucks will show in the fall
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on June 03, 2019, 12:49:18 AM
Here's a couple of threads from last season.  You might want to re-read them.  I think there's some good information in these. 

Most of the reprod hunters tend to like cuts with trees that are X-mas tree size or a bit lager.  Too large and you can't see jack.  Size of the trees differs depending on fertility of the soils and elevation (in the very high areas).  A five year old replanted unit might have trees that are four feet tall or twelve feet tall, depending on the soils, so you've got to put your eyes on them in person. 

This time of year, the deer are done with breakfast well before I awake.  The does and small bucks seem to come out to feed again around 11 AM and again around 5 or 6 PM for a quick feeding.   They will be bedded the rest of the day.  When you scout, I suggest you just look for fresh sign and be happy knowing that the deer are there, even if you don't see them.  You might want to buy an inexpensive trail cam and put it where you're finding good fresh sign.  Check it every two to four weeks and you'll feel better about your scouting efforts.


https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234313.msg3139653.html#msg3139653

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234615.msg3136092.html#msg3136092
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 03, 2019, 05:03:03 AM
What area will you be hunting then when can point you in a direction?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on June 03, 2019, 07:26:57 AM
Fishnfur hit the nail on the head about tree size being a more reliable indicator than age itself. I also tend to look at the unit in its entirety, units with varied browse, terrain and edges, I make extra note of over units that may be prime size/age class but have limited swells, similar edge cover and limited food sources.

As far as summer scouting IMO its highly dependent on how well you know a given area, AND how much you will be relying on trail cameras. Right now is bar none the best time to see a buck in daylight outside of peak rut and in some cases the best time period.  So if you don't know an area well, or will not have time, money, or inclination to set out cams in late Aug/Sept then right now is a good time to find bucks. Don't expect the bucks to be hanging in the same spot, and they will have adjusted their habits by rifle season. But you will know they are around.

   
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: boneaddict on June 03, 2019, 08:35:08 AM
THeres no answer that is correct.  Does that help?   
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on June 03, 2019, 09:52:01 AM
I find that being a deer whisper helps too.  Here's a vid from about 10 days ago.  Notice I'm trying not to laugh as I bleat at these five deer. 

Edit: I forgot to add that this cut is 18 months old and the deer use it a lot.  It's all relative, depending on how much hunter pressure there is in the area.   A lot of pressure keeps the deer inside the edges and they often only go out into the cut in the cover of darkness (outside the rut).

Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Angry Perch on June 03, 2019, 10:47:22 AM
Find the does now and the bucks will show in the fall

... 1 day after the season closes!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 03, 2019, 03:32:29 PM
🤔
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Greg Mullins on June 03, 2019, 05:02:27 PM
5 years just enough so you can’t see them and they got their super Highway of tunnels finished
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 03, 2019, 05:22:03 PM
Here's a couple of threads from last season.  You might want to re-read them.  I think there's some good information in these. 

Most of the reprod hunters tend to like cuts with trees that are X-mas tree size or a bit lager.  Too large and you can't see jack.  Size of the trees differs depending on fertility of the soils and elevation (in the very high areas).  A five year old replanted unit might have trees that are four feet tall or twelve feet tall, depending on the soils, so you've got to put your eyes on them in person. 

This time of year, the deer are done with breakfast well before I awake.  The does and small bucks seem to come out to feed again around 11 AM and again around 5 or 6 PM for a quick feeding.   They will be bedded the rest of the day.  When you scout, I suggest you just look for fresh sign and be happy knowing that the deer are there, even if you don't see them.  You might want to buy an inexpensive trail cam and put it where you're finding good fresh sign.  Check it every two to four weeks and you'll feel better about your scouting efforts.


https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234313.msg3139653.html#msg3139653

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234615.msg3136092.html#msg3136092
awesome Thanks you !
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on June 03, 2019, 11:50:40 PM
No problem.  If you haven't read this book, it's got a pretty good section on scouting:

https://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Blacktails-Science-Scott-Haugen/dp/098194230X/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=trophy+blacktail+deer&qid=1559630954&s=gateway&sr=8-4
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 04, 2019, 11:09:08 AM
 I have the  Boyd Iversons book it’s very good!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on June 06, 2019, 11:52:01 PM
Yes, it's very good, but trying to put someone's words into practice in the field can be difficult.  You think you understand what the're saying but then in the field, things don't quite match up to what you understood from the text.  I'd read the Haugen book and the Louis Terkla book too.  I've got all but one of the blacktail books that come up on Amazon.com:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blacktail+deer&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1     Most of them I've read more than three times.  They give you a great starting point to try to figure out the puzzle.  The used prices are often around seven bucks, which is very little compared to all the other expensive hunting gear I've bought that eventually ended up in the trash.

Spend some more time in the field, then re-read the portions of the texts concerning your questions.  You'll often have an "ah ha" moment once you realize you misinterpreted what the author was trying to emphasize.  In the end, there's no  better teacher than time spent in the woods.  Just keep asking yourself what and why the deer were doing when they created the sign that you're finding.  You'll gradually make sense of it.

My number one rule for fishing was always: fish where the fish are.  The same holds true for hunting.  When all else fails, try a different area or just get farther off the road.  Once you find an area with a good population of deer, you'll be in business.  Good luck with the scouting!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 07, 2019, 04:05:15 PM
Yes, it's very good, but trying to put someone's words into practice in the field can be difficult.  You think you understand what the're saying but then in the field, things don't quite match up to what you understood from the text.  I'd read the Haugen book and the Louis Terkla book too.  I've got all but one of the blacktail books that come up on Amazon.com:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blacktail+deer&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1     Most of them I've read more than three times.  They give you a great starting point to try to figure out the puzzle.  The used prices are often around seven bucks, which is very little compared to all the other expensive hunting gear I've bought that eventually ended up in the trash.

Spend some more time in the field, then re-read the portions of the texts concerning your questions.  You'll often have an "ah ha" moment once you realize you misinterpreted what the author was trying to emphasize.  In the end, there's no  better teacher than time spent in the woods.  Just keep asking yourself what and why the deer were doing when they created the sign that you're finding.  You'll gradually make sense of it.

My number one rule for fishing was always: fish where the fish are.  The same holds true for hunting.  When all else fails, try a different area or just get farther off the road.  Once you find an area with a good population of deer, you'll be in business.  Good luck with the scouting!
Thank you for the insight!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 07, 2019, 04:30:12 PM
IMO scouting bucks this time of year is pointless unless you’re scouting farmland or semi-urban areas . Higher elevations between now and September the bucks will be in different terrain and elevation from my experience! I start really scouting my areas in September

This may be more or less true for gunners in high country, but, for lowland clearcuts (most everything west of I5), though, I'd highly disagree. I don't hunt the rut though with a gun, I'm an archer and now through the second week of August is absolute prime time to figure out where the bucks are in cuts. From my personal experience, west of I5, hunting archery in September, these deer do not travel far at all. I would say their core home area is the size of 3-5 football fields. With their antlers in velvet (they are sensitive and don't want to be in brush), and no hunting pressure right now, the bucks hang out in the open (cuts) deep into the morning. Once you find a nice buck, revisit that same spot every week and chances are you'll see him again and again. Come September, he is still there, however, he'll most likely have gone nocturnal on you. Find his bedding spots in bordering reprod or timber. Most often, those beds will be within 100 yards of the cut you found him in in the summer. In this case, you gotta figure a route to sneak in on his bed areas and about the only way to successfully hunt him with a bow is via tree stand. If you bust him once, he could be gone for weeks. These big boys are elusive and tough to get a shot on.

To give more perspective, when I go out scouting cuts now, I typically see at least a half dozen bucks and at least 20 does or so (sometimes a dozen bucks). And I see these guys in a 2-4 hour dirt road hike starting at 5am. Get out there at the crack of dawn. You will be shocked at how small there home range is.

Edit: Any age cut you can see in is fine for scouting now, hunt wise, I agree with everyone else... Christmas tree size... they do love taller reprod during the day if you can find a nice spot for stand hunting.
The rut at end of October and on throws all of this off.. I'm sure.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: smithkl42 on June 08, 2019, 06:44:38 PM
To give more perspective, when I go out scouting cuts now, I typically see at least a half dozen bucks and at least 20 does or so (sometimes a dozen bucks). And I see these guys in a 2-4 hour dirt road hike starting at 5am. Get out there at the crack of dawn. You will be shocked at how small there home range is.

Man, where do you go (west of the PCT) where you can see that many deer in a day? Where I've been scouting (and hunting), I'm lucky to see that many in a year.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 08, 2019, 07:20:55 PM
To give more perspective, when I go out scouting cuts now, I typically see at least a half dozen bucks and at least 20 does or so (sometimes a dozen bucks). And I see these guys in a 2-4 hour dirt road hike starting at 5am. Get out there at the crack of dawn. You will be shocked at how small there home range is.

Man, where do you go (west of the PCT) where you can see that many deer in a day? Where I've been scouting (and hunting), I'm lucky to see that many in a year.
no doubt!?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on June 09, 2019, 10:57:00 AM
To give more perspective, when I go out scouting cuts now, I typically see at least a half dozen bucks and at least 20 does or so (sometimes a dozen bucks). And I see these guys in a 2-4 hour dirt road hike starting at 5am. Get out there at the crack of dawn. You will be shocked at how small there home range is.

Man, where do you go (west of the PCT) where you can see that many deer in a day? Where I've been scouting (and hunting), I'm lucky to see that many in a year.
no doubt!?

Then you guys haven't found a honey hole yet....I average that many a day also. Glass glass glass, if I see a guy on a cut that I like and know deer frequent I will come back after they leave and spot deer. Majority of people don't glass the cuts and reprod enough or their just doin quick scans looking for the hole body of the deer standing in the open. If you guys want to kill mature blacktail bucks then you have to change your tactics and glass for bits and pieces of the deer. Come rifle season it sure helps, that's when these bigger bucks go from basically nocturnal to roamers looking for does and will show themselves in daylight. Also, blacktails don't migrate on the westside. They have their core home range and don't move far. If you find a big buck in summer he most likely will be around that area in the fall, come the rut he will travel depending on the does population around him but it won't be miles of travel down a mountain. This is where finding a good doe population comes into play, find them does in the summer and keep track of them and come fall bucks from around the area will be cruising the area. Also when it's getting rut time and your finding does, pay attention to their behavior. The does will tell you if a buck is with them, they will be on edge and constantly looking towards them, use them as lookouts for the bucks.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 09, 2019, 04:11:17 PM
How old do you think this cut is ? Trees are 1 1/2” -2 “ base and 6-8 ‘ tall?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on June 09, 2019, 05:25:22 PM
Probably 8-10yrs
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 09, 2019, 06:30:11 PM
Probably 8-10yrs
Its very thick!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Alan K on June 09, 2019, 06:34:44 PM
Google Earth has several years of photos for most parts of the state. Any units under 10-12 years old you should be able to tell within a year or two by looking through the different aerials.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on June 09, 2019, 06:43:21 PM
That's the type of area that they will bed down in all day and feed in it.  I would much rather find a good vantage point or a spot where several trails intersect and hang the stand here instead of the other pic
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: wooltie on June 10, 2019, 01:33:43 PM
Have you guys noticed a difference in deer population/activity between clear cuts that see a lot of vehicle traffic vs a clear cut that you have to walk to?

On private timberland in whatcom/skag/sno county, most clear cuts are right next to a road so the vehicle traffic is constant during Oct.  The hike in clear cuts are far and few.

IT is what it is and I just expect company in the form of road hunters when hunting private timberland, which has turned me off from clear cuts on private timber.

Gotta find a gated area, perhaps some dnr and use the mtn bike.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 10, 2019, 03:39:33 PM
There isnt a lot of clear cuts on state land in 454 . Some but they seem to get hit pretty hard. I do the mountain bike thing now.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 10, 2019, 03:47:28 PM
That's the type of area that they will bed down in all day and feed in it.  I would much rather find a good vantage point or a spot where several trails intersect and hang the stand here instead of the other pic
those two spots are 1/2 mile apart .
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 10, 2019, 04:02:47 PM
Have you guys noticed a difference in deer population/activity between clear cuts that see a lot of vehicle traffic vs a clear cut that you have to walk to?

On private timberland in whatcom/skag/sno county, most clear cuts are right next to a road so the vehicle traffic is constant during Oct.  The hike in clear cuts are far and few.

IT is what it is and I just expect company in the form of road hunters when hunting private timberland, which has turned me off from clear cuts on private timber.

Gotta find a gated area, perhaps some dnr and use the mtn bike.
I haven't.  Up until the season, they seem about the same.  Hunting clearcuts during bear, it is about the same if they are roadside or if you have to go in a behind a gate.  Once deer (modern) opens, the traffic jams at the roadside ones on the landings are such a show, I don't keep too many tabs on those.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: elkh8me on June 12, 2019, 07:38:13 AM
About 15 year old reprod the stuff you can barely see an ear or horn sticking out of...
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 14, 2019, 08:47:35 PM
To give more perspective, when I go out scouting cuts now, I typically see at least a half dozen bucks and at least 20 does or so (sometimes a dozen bucks). And I see these guys in a 2-4 hour dirt road hike starting at 5am. Get out there at the crack of dawn. You will be shocked at how small there home range is.

Man, where do you go (west of the PCT) where you can see that many deer in a day? Where I've been scouting (and hunting), I'm lucky to see that many in a year.
no doubt!?

Obviously I'm not answering that! Haha. However, a few further details, the main spot I'm referencing borders hundreds of acres of heavily forested private land, it is gated, and jumps from a vast range of aged clear cuts... brand new up to 30 yrs old (like everywhere right?). It also gets lots of brush pickers (a pain during hunting but I'm curious if this desensitizes deer some).

I wouldn't necessarily call it a honey hole... it is well hunted... and during September, I always see deer but am lucky to see 6 in a day and even luckier to see a buck. They dont leave the area, they go nocturnal and get wary right around first to second week in September (bigger bucks get wary when velvet is gone).

Go scouting now, do it once every week or two for half a day. Start your hike at 445am. You'll see deer behind any gate every day. If its west of I5, chances are very high they stay in an area smaller than 4 or 5 football fields. I dont scout east of i5 so cant speak to that. For me, end of June & July seems to be best time to find big bucks and their homes. It gives me confidence in Sept. Cuz I know they're there, I just cant see them! (And cams prove they are still there)
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 14, 2019, 08:49:57 PM
That's the type of area that they will bed down in all day and feed in it.  I would much rather find a good vantage point or a spot where several trails intersect and hang the stand here instead of the other pic

100% agree
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 15, 2019, 04:08:47 PM
Yep, I'm definitely learning that!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on June 16, 2019, 04:53:17 PM
Regarding your last picture - I find hunting reprod that thick really tough.  I've found that I can't really go into  it an hunt quietly nor effectively.  I would work the big timber around the edges if I found myself there.

A good way to find a likely spot is using Google earth to identify an area that has numerous cuts of various ages going back twenty years of so.  Big timber is a great spot to live for deer, but in huge forested areas with no recent cuts, you often just won't find that many deer living there.  There's not enough browse to support huge numbers of deer.  Once a unit is cut and has a couple years of brush growth, the deer populations rapidly expand in response to the increased food.  If only a single unit is cut, the deer population growth only lasts until the canopy closes and the browse gets hard to come by.  If another very close by unit is cut within a few years of the previous one, then the deer may expand their territory to feed there as the old unit looses it's food and/or their progeny will make that their new home.  When numerous cuts occur in the same general area over a relatively short time (20 -30 years), there's a much better chance that there is a healthy population of deer in the area.  This is especially true if there's alder stands or big timber in the mix of the conglomeration of cuts.   :twocents:
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 18, 2019, 04:47:27 PM
Regarding your last picture - I find hunting reprod that thick really tough.  I've found that I can't really go into  it an hunt quietly nor effectively.  I would work the big timber around the edges if I found myself there.

A good way to find a likely spot is using Google earth to identify an area that has numerous cuts of various ages going back twenty years of so.  Big timber is a great spot to live for deer, but in huge forested areas with no recent cuts, you often just won't find that many deer living there.  There's not enough browse to support huge numbers of deer.  Once a unit is cut and has a couple years of brush growth, the deer populations rapidly expand in response to the increased food.  If only a single unit is cut, the deer population growth only lasts until the canopy closes and the browse gets hard to come by.  If another very close by unit is cut within a few years of the previous one, then the deer may expand their territory to feed there as the old unit looses it's food and/or their progeny will make that their new home.  When numerous cuts occur in the same general area over a relatively short time (20 -30 years), there's a much better chance that there is a healthy population of deer in the area.  This is especially true if there's alder stands or big timber in the mix of the conglomeration of cuts.   :twocents:
Ive been shifting back and forth between google earth and Onxmaps . Looking at the past years to gauge the year of the cut!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 18, 2019, 04:47:55 PM
Regarding your last picture - I find hunting reprod that thick really tough.  I've found that I can't really go into  it an hunt quietly nor effectively.  I would work the big timber around the edges if I found myself there.

A good way to find a likely spot is using Google earth to identify an area that has numerous cuts of various ages going back twenty years of so.  Big timber is a great spot to live for deer, but in huge forested areas with no recent cuts, you often just won't find that many deer living there.  There's not enough browse to support huge numbers of deer.  Once a unit is cut and has a couple years of brush growth, the deer populations rapidly expand in response to the increased food.  If only a single unit is cut, the deer population growth only lasts until the canopy closes and the browse gets hard to come by.  If another very close by unit is cut within a few years of the previous one, then the deer may expand their territory to feed there as the old unit looses it's food and/or their progeny will make that their new home.  When numerous cuts occur in the same general area over a relatively short time (20 -30 years), there's a much better chance that there is a healthy population of deer in the area.  This is especially true if there's alder stands or big timber in the mix of the conglomeration of cuts.   :twocents:

My experience as well, fishnfur says it better than I
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 18, 2019, 04:52:55 PM
Here's a pic. I scouted this via satellite and than visited it over the weekend. I saw 4 cows, 1 bull and a velvet buck ALL inside this snap shot area.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: BA Mongor on June 18, 2019, 05:22:47 PM
The comments about that reprod being to tall to hunt is interesting, as they generally hold the deer and that's where they spend the majority of their time during daylight hours. Finding elevated points to glass into these spots will pay off consistently, with a caveat:

Big Bucks Are Where You Find Them !
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: bowhntr on June 18, 2019, 05:32:34 PM
A vantage point looking into jack furs 5-6 ft tall with about a foot of spacing between their furthest reaching branches and with leafy vegetation  mixed throughout.  Bonus points if it is on the top third of a mountain or a hill.

That would be my pick.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 18, 2019, 05:46:07 PM
The best spots I've seen in reprod are little grassy spots about 10-12 feet wide and maybe 50-75 feet long.  Seems there's usually a few spots that don't get planted and you get that little spot where the deer really like to move through when they're heading out.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: BA Mongor on June 18, 2019, 06:03:46 PM
Agreed Jimmy H.
I've killed a lot of blacktail bucks in reprod with those little grassy areas. I have 20-year old clear cuts with 15ft. tall in it and consider those spots some of my go to spots every year. They're hard to find, but if you're patient it always pays off with a nice buck.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 18, 2019, 06:14:23 PM
Here's a pic. I scouted this via satellite and than visited it over the weekend. I saw 4 cows, 1 bull and a velvet buck ALL inside this snap shot area.
That area looks like a good mix of reprod and timber!! Im learning what to look for now its just find it !!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 18, 2019, 07:50:52 PM
I have been checking out areas each weekend , going to take a peek at this area next weekend. Looks like there could be some good habitat?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: chad24n on June 19, 2019, 08:10:19 AM
I have been checking out areas each weekend , going to take a peek at this area next weekend. Looks like there could be some good habitat?

Yeah, there will be game there for sure... just a matter of whether you 'see' them or not. Move into it slowly and use your glass A LOT. Generally, I will use glass every 10 ft or so assuming that every 10 ft I walk opens up new angles into glassable areas.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Big6bull on June 19, 2019, 10:46:16 AM
Food for thought. When I first started hunting blacktails I spend far too much time finding the elusive perfect clear cut age with an even more perfect vantage spot that looks into this cut. I started spending more time in the off season really scouting areas and figure if out the bucks. I am pretty successful every year now. And I don’t thing any of my deer came from the stereotypical deer cut. Let your own scouting determine where and how u hunt. Don’t waste tine finding the perfect described spot.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 19, 2019, 05:04:36 PM
Food for thought. When I first started hunting blacktails I spend far too much time finding the elusive perfect clear cut age with an even more perfect vantage spot that looks into this cut. I started spending more time in the off season really scouting areas and figure if out the bucks. I am pretty successful every year now. And I don’t thing any of my deer came from the stereotypical deer cut. Let your own scouting determine where and how u hunt. Don’t waste tine finding the perfect described spot.
Thank you for the insight. Im out scouting different areas every weekend to see what they look like in reality vs google earth etc.. once I find an area that looks remotely decent Ill set a cam and learn the area further. I have gone to a few spots that looked good on the computer screen but were not passable in reality.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Shaqdiesel on June 19, 2019, 05:29:37 PM
Try using google earth and onx maps at the same time, sometimes the landscape can be very deceiving and often times google has better resolution and more recent photos with better detail.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on June 20, 2019, 04:38:38 PM
I definitely use them in tandem for that reason! And then go to the location and it's different as well. Ha!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 06, 2019, 08:00:43 AM
I found some better looking cuts . It is definitely impassable. Would you set a stand on the edge ? Try rattling?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 06, 2019, 05:51:58 PM
Wouldn't hurt t to try rattling but I wouldn't sit on it all day....doesn't look like you can see a whole lot in them trees
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 06, 2019, 06:04:13 PM
Wouldn't hurt t to try rattling but I wouldn't sit on it all day....doesn't look like you can see a whole lot in them trees
yeah its waaaay to thick !
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on July 07, 2019, 07:24:29 AM
That was probably a fun spot to hunt about five years ago.  The cut appears to be at least 10 years old, which is the upper limit for a cut's ability to grow food.  I can count at least eight whorls on the trees, and there's generally a couple more years of slower growth at the base of the stem/trunk from the trees first couple years after planting.  It appears the bases of the trees appear to have grown out far enough to meet the adjacent trees, which shades out everything underneath.  That's not saying there's not deer in there, but seeing them is almost impossible.   Ultimately, I'd keep looking for a cut with smaller trees - something in the five to ten foot tall range.

If you could have hunted this a few years ago, the upper edges and sides of the surrounding timber would be areas to concentrate on while hunting.  Also, if you could find a vantage point from above in a spot like this that let you see down into and in between the trees (tree stand or bluff), you can just post up and glass all day waiting for something to move.  Hunting/glassing from below is a much more difficult proposition because the trees hide all the action from that angle.

Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Bullkllr on July 07, 2019, 10:44:30 AM
^That's what my old man referred to as "walled off".
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on July 07, 2019, 10:50:56 AM
Wouldnt waste my time on that old cut.  Maybe hunt the timber that birders it. 
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 07, 2019, 10:54:43 AM
Wouldnt waste my time on that old cut.  Maybe hunt the timber that birders it.
Defintey a ton of tracks that go right into the abyss! The older timber might be a spot to set up a stand. 
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 07, 2019, 10:59:30 AM
Walking through that is the best test of rain gear short of going for an actual swim.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Crunchy on July 07, 2019, 01:12:36 PM
I would bet that it is thick enough that it is a good bedding area.  Walk the perimeter and look for trails going to and from that nasty thick stuff.  Set up an ambush point or follow the trails to see where they are actually feeding.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 07, 2019, 04:21:43 PM
I would bet that it is thick enough that it is a good bedding area.  Walk the perimeter and look for trails going to and from that nasty thick stuff.  Set up an ambush point or follow the trails to see where they are actually feeding.
That is what Im looking to do. I have a spot between two cuts that might work out. I have a cam on the trail. Time will tell!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: Crunchy on July 07, 2019, 04:31:09 PM
Yes and if there are no roads close to the back side of that nastiness I bet it will be a really good spot.  Most people are going to look at that spot and keep on moving. 
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 07, 2019, 05:19:23 PM
No roads back there. Might just turn out to be a good spot!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 08, 2019, 07:47:36 AM
If there's big timber on the back side that's open enough to hunt that would be the place to out your stand or blind...going in that reprod the deer will just run circles around you and you will hear them but doubtful you will see them till they move out of there.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 08, 2019, 07:54:39 AM
I tend to see deer in the road along that kind of timber.  They jump into it and can hide, but is such a mess to kick around in for a solo hunter.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 08, 2019, 06:03:04 PM
I tend to see deer in the road along that kind of timber.  They jump into it and can hide, but is such a mess to kick around in for a solo hunter.
I tried to follow a trail in ! Ha No way!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on July 08, 2019, 10:35:21 PM
Walking through that is the best test of rain gear short of going for an actual swim.

Hilarious!  Thanks Jimmy - LMAO - you brought tears to my eyes!  I've lived that nightmare. You'd be picking fir needles our of your orifices for weeks.   I'll never try doing that again!    :chuckle:

Anyway......the point is, this isn't the perfect spot.   Make note of where you consistently see deer at you explore.  More deer viewings = better chances to score.  Mixed alder/fir forests on a south facing slope are always worth exploring in my book.  They won't be there in the heat of Summer, but come the cool days of Fall..........  Go slow.  Be still.  Sit more than stand.  Stand more than walk.  Stay hidden.

If you're really not sure how to proceed, I recommend this app that has numerous vids for the low price of a single hunting magazine.  Cancel anytime!!! :) :) (if you can figure out your iphone settings)  Three or four dollars to review perhaps a couple hours of videos is a pretty good deal. no matter how you calculate it.  This guy is a pro and he kills some monsters, though BC/Canada allows hunting during the rut, so you can't always draw parallels to our situation.  I figure when you'r just starting out, figuring out how to score a forkie (trophy!) is more important that finding the wall hanger.  I might be wrong ( :dunno:)

http://www.howtohunt.com/blacktail-hunter-app
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 09, 2019, 02:04:50 PM
Walking through that is the best test of rain gear short of going for an actual swim.

Hilarious!  Thanks Jimmy - LMAO - you brought tears to my eyes!  I've lived that nightmare. You'd be picking fir needles our of your orifices for weeks.   I'll never try doing that again!    :chuckle:

Anyway......the point is, this isn't the perfect spot.   Make note of where you consistently see deer at you explore.  More deer viewings = better chances to score.  Mixed alder/fir forests on a south facing slope are always worth exploring in my book.  They won't be there in the heat of Summer, but come the cool days of Fall..........  Go slow.  Be still.  Sit more than stand.  Stand more than walk.  Stay hidden.

If you're really not sure how to proceed, I recommend this app that has numerous vids for the low price of a single hunting magazine.  Cancel anytime!!! :) :) (if you can figure out your iphone settings)  Three or four dollars to review perhaps a couple hours of videos is a pretty good deal. no matter how you calculate it.  This guy is a pro and he kills some monsters, though BC/Canada allows hunting during the rut, so you can't always draw parallels to our situation.  I figure when you'r just starting out, figuring out how to score a forkie (trophy!) is more important that finding the wall hanger.  I might be wrong ( :dunno:)

http://www.howtohunt.com/blacktail-hunter-app
Got the app. Totally worth it!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: smithkl42 on July 09, 2019, 02:16:11 PM
I tend to see deer in the road along that kind of timber.  They jump into it and can hide, but is such a mess to kick around in for a solo hunter.
I tried to follow a trail in ! Ha No way!!

So glad to hear other folks reporting the same thing. For some reason, I've had this idea in my head that real hunters have figured out some magical way of moving quietly through this stuff.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: opdinkslayer on July 09, 2019, 02:21:08 PM
I found some better looking cuts . It is definitely impassable. Would you set a stand on the edge ? Try rattling?

Something to think about when looking at units like that is do I have anywhere in that for a buck to present a shot? If the answer is no then don’t waste your time. :twocents:
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 09, 2019, 07:17:01 PM
Walking through that is the best test of rain gear short of going for an actual swim.

Hilarious!  Thanks Jimmy - LMAO - you brought tears to my eyes!  I've lived that nightmare. You'd be picking fir needles our of your orifices for weeks.   I'll never try doing that again!    :chuckle:

Anyway......the point is, this isn't the perfect spot.   Make note of where you consistently see deer at you explore.  More deer viewings = better chances to score.  Mixed alder/fir forests on a south facing slope are always worth exploring in my book.  They won't be there in the heat of Summer, but come the cool days of Fall..........  Go slow.  Be still.  Sit more than stand.  Stand more than walk.  Stay hidden.

If you're really not sure how to proceed, I recommend this app that has numerous vids for the low price of a single hunting magazine.  Cancel anytime!!! :) :) (if you can figure out your iphone settings)  Three or four dollars to review perhaps a couple hours of videos is a pretty good deal. no matter how you calculate it.  This guy is a pro and he kills some monsters, though BC/Canada allows hunting during the rut, so you can't always draw parallels to our situation.  I figure when you'r just starting out, figuring out how to score a forkie (trophy!) is more important that finding the wall hanger.  I might be wrong ( :dunno:)

http://www.howtohunt.com/blacktail-hunter-app

He's got some great stories on YouTube also  :tup:
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 09, 2019, 07:49:42 PM
There can be good times to try that kind of reprod.  I can't see the orientation for sun and storm winds for your example (especially for Oct/Nov).  If you can get near stuff like that during a good windy/drizzly day, sometimes they will head into that stuff to keep the wind off and get away from crashing branches.  The tall trees block the high, upper winds and being in the short heavy stuff keeps the low swirly winds off them.  When it calms a bit and the sun breaks, I see them coming out of that stuff and back into the taller timber.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on July 11, 2019, 10:43:54 PM
 :tup:  Agree with that.  There's plenty of sign in there.  They definitely use it.   Crawling on my knees and/or stooped over trying to hunt effectively lasts for a good ten minutes or so, then I'm backing out of there.  Also, it's a great way to get lost:  level ground (no terrain features) and very dark unit of 15+ year old reprod, where every tree looks exactly the same..  It only takes a couple minutes on a cloudy rainy day until you have no idea which way s out. 
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 12, 2019, 04:59:10 AM
 :yeah:
This is where on x maps can come into use....I got it a few months ago  and the app is awesome....no need for a stand alone gps anymore, well worth the money.
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 12, 2019, 05:27:43 PM
Onxmaps is money well spent for alot of reasons!!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 15, 2019, 05:09:39 PM
They've had on x maps one state on sale for 17.99 on campfire a few times lately
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on July 16, 2019, 04:45:24 PM
They've had on x maps one state on sale for 17.99 on campfire a few times lately
worth every penny!
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on August 01, 2019, 04:41:39 PM
I’ve had a cam between to cuts that are probably ten years old. Got a couple of nice bucks on there several times. Probably never see them come fall. Ha! hopefully you can see the video
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on August 01, 2019, 04:45:26 PM
Still pic
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on August 02, 2019, 12:36:36 AM
Very nice 👍
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: fishnfur on August 03, 2019, 06:13:32 PM
 :yeah:

He'll be there, not all the time once the rut kicks in, but that is his home.   
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: JasonG on August 04, 2019, 10:43:42 AM
:yeah:

He'll be there, not all the time once the rut kicks in, but that is his home.
Im guessing be will go nocturnal in two-three weeks once the velvet is shed?
Title: Re: Ideal clear cut age for blacktails?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on August 04, 2019, 09:45:00 PM
Pretty much, but come the mid-end of oct he will be running around ....try some scent in there when you sit in there....it does work  :tup:
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