Like many of you perhaps, when I started hunting I was left with little option but to use state management lands. For many, it may still be the only option you have. Even though I have since been blessed with the opportunity to hunt private land, I still use state lands as a reserve and sometimes a main area when needed. The problem with state management land is often pressure. There are only so many acres and usually no shortage of hunters who want to use them. They can be productive and successful areas to hunt however if you learn a few keys in what to look for and how to approach them.

Research:

I’m sure you’ve heard it said, “A builder doesn’t begin to build until he first counts the cost.” Well, any successful hunter knows it’s much the same way when it comes to hunting. One thing I know is that a shot in the dark (figuratively speaking of course!) might turn out lucky, but there’s something to be said for research & planning. In fact preparation often increases your odds of being lucky! Especially on state lands where the odds are much different given the hunting pressure. 

Two of the best modes of research as you begin to explore an area are topo (or topographical) maps and satellite images. You can find them using Google Earth, Google Maps, your GPS software in some cases, or several other places online. Ordering them in paper form is another option, but usually comes with a fee and don’t carry some of the features of using a mapping program. Our DEM, or Department of Environmental Management, website here in RI has an excellent mapping section that allows us to use topo maps and satellite images and overlay them with the state management areas so we can see physical boundaries and features of each area, along with roads and trails, rivers, ponds etc. Even if not quite as detailed, your state’s management site should have links to map resources and maps of your state management lands. It’s the best place to begin.

Start with the topo map. Topos are great for showing ridge lines, land funnels and wetlands. You can tell elevation changes by the contour lines on the map. Look to the legend for the “contour interval” which tells how many feet of elevation change each line represents. If the interval is 20 feet, then you know that each line is 20 feet higher or lower than the next. Lines that go up in elevation form an outline of hills or mountains and will usually get closer together as the profile steepens toward the summit or crest. You can see valleys by the way the lines form and meet between hill and mountain outlines. Also, periodically elevation numbers are listed on the map along a line to state it’s elevation above sea level. Use the map to look for the typical “hot spots” such as natural funnels in the land, ridgelines, and riverbeds. As you study the topo you begin to get a sense of possible travel routes for deer and also ways that may be easier for you to get to them.

With a good handle on the terrain of the land you’re looking to hunt, you want to introduce the satellite image next. Compare those hot spots you noted on the topo map with physical surroundings you see in the satellite image. Again, a good program or site will let you toggle between topo and satellite on the same page so you see a direct contrast. Now with houses and trees and water visible in the image you can see where they affect the areas you chose. This lets you be able to systematically eliminate areas that looked good originally on the topo map but are not suitable. A good satellite image will let you see dense areas of forest and woodland, fields, possible food sources and water features as well so you can fine tune your choices even further.

Finally, both the topo and the satellite image should be compared to the maps your state management agency provides for state lands open to hunting. Pay close attention to borders, and if you are using physical maps pay close attention to legends and scales so you don’t confuse any distance differences in the different maps. Our management map program online lets us layer the hunting areas directly over the satellite or topo image so we can see a clear picture of where the boundaries lie. If yours does as well, print the map out with the layer enabled. It’s a great picture to have with you as you scout the area so you are certain where state and private lands meet.

Here’s what you want to look for! State management area maps will often define trails and vehicle access adding further information into your scenario. Take those choice areas you mapped out with the topo map and satellite image and look for the ones well off the beaten path. I know, I know, who wants to drag a deer 300 yards to the truck right? That’s exactly what you can count on! Most stands and sites I have seen on state lands have been within 100 yards of well made trails or access roads. On state lands the trick is to try and be where the other hunters won’t go. That’s where the deer want to be too! Pick several of these areas, working from most favorable down. Print out the map you’ve created, or grab the ones you purchased and marked your hot spots on and head for the door!

Scouting:

Maps and images are good for an overall picture, but there’s nothing that can take the place of getting your feet in the dirt and investigating an area first hand. Go in late morning or early afternoon to scout when it’s good and daylight out and you have plenty of time. Use your GPS or compass and keep a good track of landmarks. As you know, being in unfamiliar territory it’s easy to get turned around. Using orange trail tape is a good way to make sure you can track back out of the area when you’re done.

First thing you want to look for when going in to your new favorite hunting spot is evidence of other hunters. If it looks like it’s well used, it’s your call, but I suggest passing. Take your next spot on the list and move on. Once you find your hot spot… that ridgeline, creek or river bottom, natural funnel or swamp… revert to your typical scouting tactics. You want to keep an eye out for well defined trails and fresh scat. Keep your eyes open for old or fresh rubs and scrapes. Using your map, follow through the area and note what you find on the map and where. If all you see is old scat the deer may not be using that area often or at all now. Even the deer aren’t always where they “should” be. If it doesn’t look good, move on to the next spot. When you find where they are and where you want to be... you’ll know you’re home!

Setup:

Now the fun begins. Setup can often make or break your new hunting spot. Look for the spot that gives you the most options. If you are using a tree stand or ground blind either one, look for that one spot that gives you the most trails and lanes within your shooting range. Look for natural wind breaks and possible issues with site lines. Before you go in make sure it’s legal in your state to trim branches and brush on management lands. If it is, take the time to clear shooting lanes being careful not to disturb the existing trails. Make sure you don’t leave sticks and clipped branches, etc. on the paths deer are used to taking. Give yourself every possible option but the deer as little hint as possible that you were ever there. When you’re done, clear out. Make your way back out either following your trail markers if you used them, or putting up markers so you can find your way back in or out in the dark. Again, orange trail tape is great for this. I hit each strip I leave with a spray of scent neutralizer as I go. Being on state land you are most likely going to be carrying your blind or tree stand in and out with you so clip twigs and brush wide enough along the trail to avoid making noise with it when you go back in to hunt.

Now, when all the work is done, now comes the hard part… keeping it quiet! Don’t give it away until you hunt the area for the first time. It’s your secret. That is until you’re showing it off down at the local check-in station.

By Duane Taylor

TalkHunting Pro Staffer Duane "Duane72" Taylor was born in western NY. As the son of a pastor, he spent several childhood years in Wisconsin, then West Virginia where he graduated high school before landing in Rhode Island. Moving out on his own, Duane spent a few years in Texas before enlisting in the US Air Force where he served for four years, stationed in Germany and South Carolina, and took part in Operation Desert Shield. After, he returned to RI where he served an additional year in the Air National Guard and married his fiancé Desiree. He now works full-time as the Facility Manager of his church, as well as volunteer serves on the board of Deacons. Duane cherishes his life with Desiree and is the proud father of two boys.

Growing up in a family that, even though they were not opposed to it, had minimal interest in hunting, Duane had few, if no, opportunities to experience the world of hunting for himself. He has always had an enjoyment of fishing and holds fond memories of fishing the ponds and lakes of Wisconsin with his dad and siblings. Always having a deep interest in hunting though, he took it upon himself to get started the year after settling home in Rhode Island. Armed with nothing more than an ancient recurve given to him by an old man in his church when he was in his teens, and decked out in his Air Force BDUs, he plunged into what would soon become a passion, hobby, and lifestyle.

It was several years before Duane would arrow his first deer with a used compound bow he had "upgraded" to. But those first years brought with them many valuable lessons, mentors, and friends and were the foundations of the successful years that followed. Hunting also the shotgun and muzzleloader seasons, spring & fall turkey, as well as some small game and coyote, Duane spends a great deal of time in the woods or preparing to be there. His other passions are most importantly God, his family, and his off-season fix of motorcycles.

Comments(1):

1. Great Detail!

   Love hunting state/federal management land... I was once member of a 293 acre lease that was surround by management land and all I did was use the 293 acre to get to back side of the management land.

   Tuesday, November 09, 2010 Dennis