Deer movement question.....

[MUSKY18]

SO I am going to hunt a piece of property this weekend that has a larg ag field in the center. The north side of the field is hardwoods and the south side goes from a bit of grass into swamp. Deer are bedding back in the thick willows on the swamp edges. There is one little patch of hardwoods along the edge of the field between the swamp and field. So.....will the deer coming out of the swamp make their way through that small patch of woods in order to cover their movement inot the field, or forego it and just go around and move into the field. I am going to do a quick scouting trip on Friday to see if there are trails and such, but was just wondering what general thoughts would be.

[rbs]

Without actual scouting I would say the woods will be the place they go before going to the field but like you said...scouting time! Hope the wind cooperates and good luck!

[sticknstring]

They'll often stage in cover before coming out into an open field, whether it's willows, timber, or crp - especially mature deer. They'll often wait for others to enter safely first. Might be a good place to try a decoy?

[Scoot]

The answer to this one is easy- whichever one you sit in, they'll head for the other! Well... at least that's how it works for me!

Without knowing anything else, I'd go for the more covered route to the field...

[harvey lee]

I agree with the above replies.

As Scoot stated, if you sit one spot, they will go the other route as that happens so many times.

Make sure to use the wind in your favor with your stand location choice. Very key for the bigger boys.

[gurkster]

By me they bed in the swamp, head to a small wood lot to stage and then filter into the field to eat. I setup in the wood lot.

[bigbucks]

+1 on that one.