Best time to clear shooting lanes?

Question

i was wondering if now is the best time to clear shooting lanes for deer hunting our bow season starts sept 27

Answer 1

Any time is a good time (expect the day before obviously).  But given that it's mid summer, and most plants are thru with the spring growth spirts, and they will not grow grow much the rest of the year, I'd say now's good.

Answer 2

Do it as soon as you can and go back about 2 weeks before opening day to see if anything has grown up in the way.

Answer 3

I completely agree that now is the time to clear your shooting lanes. I say this due to the period of adjustment needed. I also recomend putting some sort of bait ( corn ect. ) out and a salt l**k out in order to speed there adjustment period along. I know that it is warm and plenty of fourage but a nice treat is always welcomed by any animal. The big plus is that you will not be around to disturb them while they enjoy their treat. This will make them a bit more comfortable when you are finally ready to hunt.

Answer 4

Do it now, this will give the deer time to adjust to it.A friend changed stand spots last year during hunting season- he cleared out way too much.The deer would come into his corn at night. They avoided the area during the day time totally. He never saw a deer off it in the daytime, but 50 lbs of corn was eaten in one night, every time he put it out. This opened his eyes. I believe he understands now.

Answer 5

If you hang stands, I'd do both at the same time. Anytime between now and 2 weeks before are fine. If on public land, you might want to check regulations on when stands can be placed or more relevant to your question whether or not you're allowed to clear shooting lanes.

With temps hot and getting hotter, wait until you get a cooler day to do it. There's no rush at all.

One bit of advice if you're bowhunting --- less is better.

Most people clear way too much brush out of the way.

You want lanes but you also want as much brush/limbs between your tree and the deer so you can move/draw without being seen.

If no shooting lanes are present at all, then make one or two tops on each trail you're watching. And remember things thin out in October by themselves.

Answer 6

The earlier the better. You don't want the deer to be spooked by having their environment changed all the sudden. Do it now and let them get used to it.

Think of it this way the woods is his home. Your shooting lane may be very close to where he sleeps. Now Think, if someone comes in and moves stuff around in your bed room would you know something is different. Your sense of awareness is going to be heightened and you may not like it and have to sleep somewhere else for a few days to get over it.

I don't mean Mom cleaning your room.But someone rearranging your stuff.

Answer 7

Yes now is the best time to clear shooting lanes, because it will give the animals in that area time to adjust to the changes.  Just don't make a habit of making improvements everyday, try and get it all done in one day or over a series of alternating days. However I have moved into new hunting areas during hunting season and cleared lanes before I've started hunting