Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us Help setting up a new food plot/shooting lane | Outdoor Board
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Help setting up a new food plot/shooting lane

Posted on 8/28/24 at 6:25 am
Posted by jmh5724
Member since Jan 2012
2693 posts
Posted on 8/28/24 at 6:25 am
Recently the timber company came in and flattened the entire area butting up to my current stand. For years I hunted this spot with not much visibility, I took over another members spot with a box stand already in place. It sat right on the transition from pine thicket to hard woods with a small creek running behind me. Now just the hardwoods remain and Ida knocked so many trees down that it’s almost impossible to see into but it turned into perfect bedding area. Everything to the north and east of me in the yellow area is completely barren now and I want to put some lanes. The timber company will probably replant it eventually so I want to map it out while it’s fresh. I was thinking a U or V shaped lane facing north and northeast. Im not sure about how wide and deep to go with each lane either, I want it to get enough sunlight when trees start growing again so I can still plant. I know the OB can formulate the perfect plan for this spot.
the white box is the current box stand. The white arrow is my current trail in and out and everything in the yellow area is clearcut. Everything to the west of the stand is mature hardwood. The blue is a creek bottom that still has trees standing
Here are more zoomed out pics for reference


TIA for any tips and pointers. I’m also thinking about putting up a ladder stand somewhere on the edge of the hardwoods
Posted by saintsfan1977
Arkansas, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
10181 posts
Posted on 8/28/24 at 6:59 am to
I'd move the box East about 50yds. Keep the edge of the hardwood and clearcut clean as that will be one shooting lane towards NW. You could put one going straight into the clearcut due North and a shooting lane NE to catch them following the creek.

Most deer will follow the creek bed south of you and cross it somewhere so be mindful of that.
This post was edited on 8/28/24 at 7:17 am
Posted by LSU Neil
Springfield
Member since Feb 2007
3463 posts
Posted on 8/28/24 at 8:03 pm to
quote:

Most deer will follow the creek bed south of you and cross it somewhere so be mindful of that.


So on a north wind he will get busted.

I’d move south of the creek
Posted by tke_swamprat
Houma, LA
Member since Aug 2004
10964 posts
Posted on 8/29/24 at 2:44 pm to
I wouldn’t be too concerned with wind when hunting from a box.

Make shooting lanes, plant them with wheat and clovers and enjoy. Once that clear cut starts going crazy, it’ll be so thick with briars and junk growth and a haven for deer.
Posted by jmh5724
Member since Jan 2012
2693 posts
Posted on 8/29/24 at 8:46 pm to
That’s my only way in and out, I was busted last year by a buck coming from behind me. I’ll probably put up a ladder stand somewhere south of the creek.

I think I’ve decided where I want lanes to go, I’m just not sure on how wide to make them. I prefer long, narrow lanes, but when the trees get tall it becomes hard to grow anything with lack of sunlight depending on which direction they face.
Posted by Da Hammer
Folsom
Member since May 2008
5978 posts
Posted on 8/30/24 at 5:45 am to
I would make them wider than you think you need as keeping them wide is a challenge with time allowing limbs, briars, shrubs that take away the edge of your lanes over the years.

You also want your lane wide enough where there is time to get your gun up and out the window before the buck is gone. For me that would be 15' at the minimum then you can also drive your truck back there in the summers if you need to get something done a little easier.
Posted by Ron Cheramie
The Cajun Hedgehog
Member since Aug 2016
5601 posts
Posted on 8/30/24 at 7:46 am to
quote:

Once that clear cut starts going crazy, it’ll be so thick with briars and junk growth and a haven for deer.


It’s timber land. It’s getting sprayed soon. Then planted this winter. Then sprayed again

OP I would ask your timber company what their tentative plans are before you spend a bunch of money for nothing.
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