deer bedding area

[triton]

What type of bedding area will a whitetail look for? Is there a specific spot they prefer? Thick stuff, hardwoods etc.? What do you guys think? What do you gennerally look for?

Dave.

 

[Campbery]

The place a person would never want to go, the thickest, nastiest stuff around and you've found it.

 

[senior]

I sometimes think they lay down & sleep when ever they get tired regardless of where they are at the time! I have seen them sleep in a cedar swamp, in open hardwoods, in brushy clearings, in marsh grass & on top of a hemlock hill.
I think weather conditions have a lot to do with where they decide to bed down. One thing I do know, when it's really windy you can't get to where they bed down

 

[sunray]

Very generally, they'll look for a spot that gives them cover from wind and rain, lets them see and smell predators first and an escape route.

 

[saskhunter]

I think it depends on where you are hunting, in the bush or forest fringe area's that I like to hunt, I try to set up close to slough's after freeze-up. you would be suprised as to how many deer use the frozen sloughs with alot of willows for bedding and feeding areas in November. One of my favorites.

 

[Glyn]

In our area (mixed hardwood and cedar) I have seen them bed down in the cedar swamp (most common), long, tall grass if the weather is good and in that thick #### that you saw them run into but have no hope of getting a hand into, let alone getting a shot off.

One place I have never seen them bed down in is the hardwoods. I am guessing it is too open for them.

 

[superd222]

Set-up close to the boundary of a cedar swamp - near intersecting trails or H pattern trails - just don't be right on top of these areas....

Near a well worn scrape can be good too....

Otherwise - it's a matter of being in the right place at the right time!!!!!

Good luck!

 

[snowhunter]

I find most bedding close or at a ridge were the deer have the upper hand for view and quick escape routes. Tall grass and rotted logs are also a favorite for beddings.

 

[open-sights]

I find most bedding close or at a ridge were the deer have the upper hand for view and quick escape routes. Tall grass and rotted logs are also a favorite for beddings.

Ditto here in BC, higher with backing and better if the area offers downhill escapes.

 

[beretta boy]

I've jumped deer out of their beds up on hardwood ridges many times - particularly in years when the nut mast (acorns, beech, etc.) is plentiful. In these areas it is usually a shallow depression giving good sight-lines with a choice of downhill escape routes.

The tall grass around beaver ponds/dry lakes/creekbeds and ground pine cover on raised maple "flats" are prime bedding areas in my neck of the woods too. "Dry" cedar and balsam swamps are favourite bedding sites as well.

Only had the good luck to shoot 3 or 4 deer and one moose "still in their bed" .... you do have to get around quietly... with the wind in your favour though !

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I've found deer beds in many places. Hardwood ridges, deep swamps, but a favorite seems to be the tall grasses found in dried up beaver ponds. These offer excellent cover, and the deer can use their periscope like necks to peer out across the grass if need be. Moose also seem to like these areas.
I find less in these grassy areas once snow is on the ground. After a snow, deer are more likely in the hardwoods, or in dense cover to bed. On a cold morning, you may find them bedded on a sunny ridge top.