pir8rn
Six Pointer
Hey everyone. Just wanted to get some options and opinions about how to set up my land going forward. I posted a couple years ago but have updated some since then so I figured it best to start a new post.
I have just under 15 acres, which is our homesite and recreation land (tract outlined in red). Picture is oriented so North is at top of screen. The front 2 or so acres is cleared for yard and house (left/lower stand icon is at tree line). Apple icons are all mature, acorn bearing trees. Teal lines are trails I have cut so far. Stand in middle of property is my primary spot. Deer consistently come to middle stand in the AM from the South. Haven't seen anything in the last two years when hunting evenings from it. I've never seen deer from other stand.
Overall goals are as follows. We plan on being here for at least 20 years, so long-term enjoyment and good habitat are my primary endpoints.
1) Two viable stand locations. Possibly three but I think that would be pushing the limits of my tract. I also turkey hunt so I had considered a permanent ground blind for this, which could be the third location.
2) Food plot of about 1/4 to 1/2 acre. I don't have equipment for anything larger. Considering two smaller plots versus one larger (but still small) plot.
3) Artificial water source. Closest water is two properties over, so I was thinking about burying a koi pond liner or similar in a spot or two.
4) Four wheel trails that access majority of property. For fun riding when not hunting season and for making game recovery easier during season.
I'd love any input on the feasibility of my plans and helpful hints for execution would be great as well. I'm trying to think of the best way to utilize the standing mast trees, and best ways to access future stands, as well as orientation of plots. I've had success from the middle stand but in reading up a bit on land prepping, I see use of the middle of a property is often avoided to leave a 'safe' space for the wildlife.
Thanks everyone!
I have just under 15 acres, which is our homesite and recreation land (tract outlined in red). Picture is oriented so North is at top of screen. The front 2 or so acres is cleared for yard and house (left/lower stand icon is at tree line). Apple icons are all mature, acorn bearing trees. Teal lines are trails I have cut so far. Stand in middle of property is my primary spot. Deer consistently come to middle stand in the AM from the South. Haven't seen anything in the last two years when hunting evenings from it. I've never seen deer from other stand.
Overall goals are as follows. We plan on being here for at least 20 years, so long-term enjoyment and good habitat are my primary endpoints.
1) Two viable stand locations. Possibly three but I think that would be pushing the limits of my tract. I also turkey hunt so I had considered a permanent ground blind for this, which could be the third location.
2) Food plot of about 1/4 to 1/2 acre. I don't have equipment for anything larger. Considering two smaller plots versus one larger (but still small) plot.
3) Artificial water source. Closest water is two properties over, so I was thinking about burying a koi pond liner or similar in a spot or two.
4) Four wheel trails that access majority of property. For fun riding when not hunting season and for making game recovery easier during season.
I'd love any input on the feasibility of my plans and helpful hints for execution would be great as well. I'm trying to think of the best way to utilize the standing mast trees, and best ways to access future stands, as well as orientation of plots. I've had success from the middle stand but in reading up a bit on land prepping, I see use of the middle of a property is often avoided to leave a 'safe' space for the wildlife.
Thanks everyone!