Hunting state forests

[Moving2thecountry]

Last question if anybody wants to share some wisdom.

I am thinking about hunting some state forests this week muzzleloader.  I can take some time off from work.  I was sick today so I did not get out to hunt (though I felt good enough to get to gander mountain tonight)

However, I don't have an ATV, and I am not certain a friend will lend me his.

Furthermore, due to budget limits, I plan to either use a make shift game cart or a child sled to get the deer out. 

So, which state forest should I hunt?  I have a 16' tree stand, some experience setting it up, and am a good shot with open sights to about 100 yards.  I am willing to drive anywhere in the state that is close enough to a cheap hotel (<$50 night) that doesn't have bed bugs.

Should I go to a WMA or a state forest?

How do you research state forests?

With snow, should I set up near deer tracks, or, once I cross them, is it likely that I will drive the deer to take another path?

Any tips for a first time deer hunter?

[Randy Kaar]

where abouts you live?

randy

[Moving2thecountry]

I live in the Twin Cities but am considering going up north to Finland SF, Bear Island SF, or Grand Portage SF.  I cannot find a map of Finland.

[Moving2thecountry]

Also, I saw that ATVs can no longer be used after 11-30, or at least I thought I saw that somewhere.  Is there an exception for deer hunting?  (Before I ask to borrow one, I should find out if it is even possible to use one).

[Randy Kaar]

most ATV trails close so the snomobilers can use them. check
the Dnr site for trail closures.

randy

[Moving2thecountry]

Okay, thanks on the ATV.

Now, do you guys recommend google earth for finding a spot?  Or just hiking based on a map?  (I have a GPS, and will carry a lighter).

[Randy Kaar]

the DNR site has all the maps you should need, ariel, topo and most
state forest maps.

randy

[Moving2thecountry]

the DNR site has all the maps you should need, ariel, topo and most
state forest maps.

randy

Thanks, I was printing some up.

[Cody Gruchow]

well you cant just set-up by any old deer tracks even if they are fresh in the snow, who knows maybe it was just wondering though for the first time ever. what you want to do is find a major bedding area or a major food source for this time of year. also the way i do it, is if you hunt the does now the bucks arent usually to far behind.

[Moving2thecountry]

well you cant just set-up by any old deer tracks even if they are fresh in the snow, who knows maybe it was just wondering though for the first time ever. what you want to do is find a major bedding area or a major food source for this time of year. also the way i do it, is if you hunt the does now the bucks arent usually to far behind.

Thanks Cody.  What is a bedding area in a forest environment?  Hunting pheasants I see what I assume to be areas in the grass, and sometimes in the cattails.  But up north, what do they look for for food and bedding?  Are there natural clearings?

[Cody Gruchow]

have to see the lay of the land. topo maps help there, but what you want is a natural funnel area, were the deer funnel to and from the bedding area to the food source like a bottleneck or a ravine. can never tell until you have a map.

[HUNTER2]

A lot of the time they like grassy areas or dried up cat tails for bedding areas. It is probably frozen now so even if it has some water they will find high areas in the cat tails and bed there. The bucks like the upper side of a hill sometimes so they can smell from behind and see in front. They will also bed down wind during the rut to smell the does. They like oak trees and small plants in the forest if there is no farm crops left. Good luck.

[Go Big Red!]

You can also check deer beds under low hanging pines or cedar trees.  We have jumped a few from these areas.  Especially if it is going to snow or has snowed say the night before.  Canopy keeps them dry.

[thunderpout]

We hunt St Forest land... nearly all the bed areas where we are, are in the large pines that are surrounded by really thick brush....

[beeker]

if your muzzle loading I would just walk the state forest.. and when you find a spot you like sit there for a while and wait and watch. why drag a stand around in an unfamiliar place? and as far as dragging a deer just carry a small tarp with you I always saw the "getting the deer out part" to be a good problem to have.  as far as what forest to go to... If youre picking one off a map pick one that has roads neer by or some way to navigate (gps would be helpful). just don't want to hear of a hunter lost on the forest.

[Moving2thecountry]

Thanks all.  I have a GPS and will bring an extra set of batteries.  You have a good point about dragging a deer stand around.

[22lex]

If you have a nice climber that can be carried as a backpack it could work for you.

Otherwise good luck.

[Moving2thecountry]

I have an inexpensive 4x 4' ladder and a stand.  It is a bit unwieldly.  I think I will set it up on my friend's property, hunt there in the morning and evening, and walk the state forest during the day to warm up.

[Outdoors Junkie]

Thanks all.  I have a GPS and will bring an extra set of batteries.  You have a good point about dragging a deer stand around.

Since this is your first time hunting in which ever State Forest you choose, the GPS would be a helpful tool for marking good deer trails and other sign (scrapes, rub lines, bedding area) you find while walking like beeker suggested.  You will have that information to use next time you go and have a better idea of places to put a portable.

I walk state forest land and have had success spotting deer and stalking them until they present me with a clear shot.  I have never hunted with a muzzle loader, so I am not sure if my approach would work with a muzzle loader.

While I walk, I mark deer sign and we move the portables for other members in our party if I find a great spot.  Otherwise we use the information for next year.

Good luck and keep us posted.