I started hunting a new area in the fall of 2019, and it took a bit more time than I wanted to find an ideal hunting spot. It was already late in the season when I finally settled on a primary location.
Towards the end of December, I put down some mineral powder called “Deer-Cane Black-Magic”. I had the opportunity to hunt over it, but nothing ever showed. I finished my season in December, and although I purchased my 2020 hunting license, I didn’t get the chance to make it into the woods.
During the off season, I found a deal on a set of Stealth Cam trail cameras. In April I drove down to the woods to set things up. As it turns out, the Deer-Cane that I put down in December had been recently visited, so it wasn’t hard to figure out where to put one of the trail cams. I also went on-line and bought 2 more packages of Deer-Cane. According the the directions, one package should last 4 to 6 weeks. I figured at least 2 or 3 months of video would tell me if I’m in a good location.
It turns out, I’m in a good location where I’ve recorded some does with fawns, a few young bucks, and 2 nice looking 8 pointers , that look to be 2 or 3 years old.
My second camera is set for still photos. It’s set up to watch the area I set in when I first started hunting this particular patch of woods. I’ve got some photos of pretty much the same deer I’m seeing on the other camera, but I’ve also gotten some pictures of coyotes, raccoons, and the random person walking their dog.
This years New Jersey fall bow season opens on September 12th in most of the state, and then statewide on October 3rd. Prior to October 3rd, you are required to tag an antlerless deer before you are allowed to tag a buck. Before the regular season ends on October 30th, you can purchase a extended season permit, and an additional buck tag. The extended permit season lasts until the end of the year with the exception of Christmas day. (Private and state land may be hunted on Sunday’s)
Since I’ve had some time to invest in scouting, and trail camera pictures and video, I have a better idea of how to hunt this new area.
Stayed Tuned