Bowhunting Land

[rocky]

I am looking for an opportunity to hunt a spot that I could either get permission to hunt or lease to hunt for this season. I have a couple of spots I hunt but the one spot I never saw a deer last fall and the other I only saw a two does in about 15 or so outings. I must admit I am getting a little jealous reading all these posts about all the deer people are seeing. Just curious if anyone knows someone. Thanks in advance

[BLACKJACK]

Rocky, you didn't say where you live, and how much experience you have deer hunting.

Part of the special experience and challenge of bowhunting is getting yourself in position to take that 20 yard shot at deer. It took me 6 years of bowhunting before I shot my first deer with a bow. Made the mistake of 'gotta have a buck', passed on a few does, finally got to the point where anything that didn't have spots was going down. Finally I started having some success and have shot a deer with my bow every year for the last eight. Spend more time in the woods scouting, in the spring too, shedhunting, and educate yourself about deer. I subscribe to Bowhunter, Deer and Deer Hunting, Outdoor News, plus there is a ton of info on the internet.

As far as land to hunt, you need to beat on some doors and try to obtain permission. Talk to coworkers and relatives. Also, MN has lots and lots of public land. Get some maps. Its not easy but if you're persistant and want to bag a deer with a bow, you can do it. And you'll know that you've earned it.

[mudman]

by the time august rolls around my knuckles look like hamburger from pounding on doors,

I have had neighborhoods that want nothing to do with deer hunters one year, then the next can't wait to you shoot them. ( my how people change their minds when they hit a deer with their new lexus )
just keep asking.
Get a plat book and spend a night driving around scouting it's still not too late.

Good luck!

[panolo]

I am more lucky than anything when it comes to having land to hunt. But one thing I would suggest is that you take a look at some wma's and get a plat book. Tax forfieted land is usually ok to hunt as long as it isn't land locked. Also knock on some doors. Some people will not mind at all and the worst they can say is no.

[rocky]

You guys are probably all right that I need to knock on some doors.I guess I always felt like I didn't want to interfere I have been bowhunting around ths st. cloud area for about 15 years and although I have had some success in the past all the good spots I had are all for one reason or another not available anymore. It might be a little jealosy or frustration or both but I have not seen much the last couple of years and I am just trying to find a spot or two. Thanks for the suggestions and good hunting

[Cooter]

Its not what you know, its who you know. As far a asking - all they can say is no.

[jlm]

Rocky-
Have you looked into hunting at St. Johns? I think there are some good opportunites there if they still allow bow hunting. They will also allow rifle hunters this year. The only other suggestion is to get in your vehicle and drive to some better areas. There are many opportunities, especially for bow hunters.