Need help at Hacklebarney

[Kyle7683]

I have been trying to hunt Hacklebarney for a couple weeks now with no success.This is my first year hunting. I have a camera out in which I thought would be a good spot but have absolutely nothing on camera and every sit havent seen a single deer. Im not looking for a giant buck, just some meat for the freezer for the off season. Anyone ever hunt the park that could give some tips? I went out and scouted most of the park with no luck.

 

Thanks

Kyle

[Rusty]

I'm not familiar with the park but looking at aerial maps I would start by walking the length of the rivers and look for stream crossings.  See if there are any spots that funnel deer through a narrow spot. 

 

If we get some light snow then walk the property extensively and see where all the tracks and beds are. 

Edited January 7, 2016 by Rusty

[Bucksnbows]

Hunt closer to the major housing neighborhoods that are around that WMA this time of the year.  Keep legal distance, of course, but deer are often pressured by hunters and spend lots of time in the neighborhoods nearby.  Find a funnel leading between the two.   

[Rusty]

Hunt closer to the major housing neighborhoods that are around that WMA this time of the year.  Keep legal distance, of course, but deer are often pressured by hunters and spend lots of time in the neighborhoods nearby.  Find a funnel leading between the two.   

 

 

What BnBs said, also people feed deer this time of year so find who's feeding them and you'll be golden.

[Haskell_Hunter]

This is your first year hunting, welcome!

 

Scouting is something that takes time to learn.  You can read and study as much as you can, and you should, but getting out in the field with someone who's scouted before is invaluable.  You'll learn what to look for and pick up on the subtle signs.  Where you think the deer are may not be where they are, and just when you find them the season changes and so do their patterns.

 

We've all done it.  You find "that spot" where you think the deer are and see nothing.  If you can get another set of eyes in your spot, I think that will work out well for you.

[Axiom]

I would start by walking the length of the rivers and look for stream crossings.  See if there are any spots that funnel deer through a narrow spot. 

 

 

 

 

Hunt closer to the major housing neighborhoods that are around that WMA this time of the year

 

 

 

 

Yo... Neither of the above have a clue what they are taking about as far as Hacklebarney goes.. But to their credit they do admit they never hunted there before... I know the park like the back of my hand though... Its full of deer. However, now that the Rut has all but passed, many of the larger bucks that didn't get bagged have moved out into the surrounding estate properties that have little or no hunting pressure, But that doesn't mean they all left and some return to get some late season love every now and then if you know what I mean..  ..  This time of year they will probably be grouped up.. Find one and you'll likely find a dozen.. See one buck you'll prolly see another one or two with it... I could tell you exactly where to find them but I aint giving away my favorite spots.. With that said, my favorite way to hunt that park this time of year is by still/ stalking... with my 12g Mossberg and OO

 

I hope I've been helpful.. Good luck...      

Edited January 8, 2016 by Axiom

[Kyle7683]

This is your first year hunting, welcome!

 

Scouting is something that takes time to learn.  You can read and study as much as you can, and you should, but getting out in the field with someone who's scouted before is invaluable.  You'll learn what to look for and pick up on the subtle signs.  Where you think the deer are may not be where they are, and just when you find them the season changes and so do their patterns.

 

We've all done it.  You find "that spot" where you think the deer are and see nothing.  If you can get another set of eyes in your spot, I think that will work out well for you.

Yeah I understand what you mean, I've been reading up and watching some videos on how to scout and what to look for and what to look for on topo maps before even stepping foot into an area. None of my friends hunt or are interested in hunting so it's hard to find someone who is willing to spend time and scout in the field with me

 

Thanks guys for all the information

Kyle

[Axiom]

 

 

 

Bagged this buck a couple years ago on in the first week of January a couple years ago still / stalk hunting in Hacklebarney...   Largest deer by weight I ever shot.. somewhere around 200lbs..  Big 6..

[rebelboy]

Be patient, enjoy the time in the woods.  It’s not always the kill or putting meat in the freezer.  It takes time in the field. Like some have said seasons and patterns change and so does weather patterns. As soon as you think you have it things change.

[smoking gun]

I fish it does that count

[Kyle7683]

Thanks guys for all the help. I plan on headed out tomorrow to scout and possibly bait some areas.

 

Thanks again

kyle

[Kype]

best of luck and hang in there. do your homework. look at maps. scout, then scout, then scout again. then go back to your homework. you will be successful

 

took me 3 years to bring a doe home...but it was the best hunt of my life.

[Kype]

Thanks guys for all the help. I plan on headed out tomorrow to scout and possibly bait some areas.

 

Thanks again

kyle

i am not picking, but just remember. hunt the food sources and you will no longer need to bait. i baited my a$$ off when i first started. i realized there was a better way. hunt the food sources. saves you money, time, and work. deer are wild animals. they will eat, whether or not someone is bating them. think about it 

[Axiom]

hunt the food sources

 

 

I wanted to say that but didn't want to discourage the guy from baiting too much.. He wants his first deer and baiting may help..  But, I my self have'nt had much luck baiting at hacklebarney or any other Public land for that matter.. Especially this time of year.. The deer are supper wary of bait piles.. They come in late and the slightest flinch or anything out of place and they are gone with the wind...  The only Public land I've successfully baited was County Parks.. And that's because they only issue 1 permit for every 30 acres of huntable property so the pressure is much less.. ..