Deer Bait (where legal) proximate to Deer run

[bluemike807]

I scouted a new area today, and I found a few promising spots. Here (Nova Scotia), everyone apparently uses apples to draw deer. Im just wondering how far from an established deer run (game trail) should I put my apples. Likewise, how far from trail and/or apples should I put my stand?

Also, for those familiar with Nova Scotia (read: thick, annoying bush) is it better to go with a tree stand or a ground blind? Im a bit torn because the only trees large enough in this area to safely mount a stand in are dead and dont have alot of foliage.

 

[ckc123]

I put mine right on the trail, and my stand is 20 yards away (but its 30 feet up..)

 

[NB444]

Use a tree stand if possible. I have had them walk under my stand many times and if I was in a ground blind I would have been busted. My present set-up I am no more than 50 feet away from the apples and have shot 8 deer so far from it, that is 1 deer a year for 8 years in NB. If you don't move they do not pay attention to you!

 

[dannymat]

I agree, tree stand, and apples within 25 yards

Deer like corn too, give them a bit of a buffet, they'll thank you for it

 

[srt4u2nv]

I set my stands up 20yds from an Apple Tree once the tree has dropped all its apples I supplement with grounders from the local orchards. I also hung a timed feeder full of corn under the tree it feeds at dawn and 30min before dusk.

My new tower blind is in the NW corner of a 5acre field of corn the field to the North is a 3acre food plot then 20yds to the west is an apple tree with another apple tree 25yds to the south.

 

[mg34]

if you could see the amount of apples and carrots that are dumped in the woods to bait up the deer it would scare you to death. in shelburne county it is unreal how many bags are used here. the selling of apples and carrots is a big business this time of year. one thing is sure the deer do not starve to death during the winter as they get plenty to eat. happy hunting

 

[powdergun]

In Sask. you are limited to a five gallon pail of bait at any given time. My experiences in terms of what they like to eat are as follows:

1) apples
2) wheat
3) oats/barley
4) Alfalfa ( only if other foods are very scarce )

As was said above put the bait on the trail at the distance you want to shoot at. When they come in they generally go right to the bait. Be sure to bait at least a couple of weeks before you want to hunt so the deer can pattern on it and also to see if it is in an active area. Keep the bait fresh by adding some every few days.

My experience is I have more deer coming in with a small bait kept fresh rather than putting a big pile out there and letting it just sit and spoil. ( especially with apples ).

I am up in a tree as well and they will walk right under you.