Help me pick a stand location

[daver36]

So, I'm still very fresh to hunting and I just acquired a last minute spot to hunt that I believe has some very good potential (Season starts Oct. 1). This will be for archery season, a 40 yard shot is my absolute limit. I haven't even had a chance to walk the area yet so I realize I'm putting the cart before the horse here, but I'm just wondering what some seasoned veteran's first instincts would be. So the area highlighted is 20-25 acres. I'm guessing it's mostly bedding or travel area, you can see the start of some AG fields in the North West. The winds are predominantly coming from the north west in this area, and my entry will be from the south at the residence and along some shorter grasses on the very east border along side the bush. What are your thoughts? How far can I venture in without winding potential bedding areas assuming I take a have decent stance on sent control? Any input would be very valuable. This will be my third deer season, I've got no one in my family that hunts so I've got nothing here in the way of experience. I'm hoping to make this year "the year". Thanks in advance guys.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Jgoulin]

Forget about scent and worry more about noise. If they are bedded and hear you walk in you won't even see them. Find an area to set up between bed areas and food patches with established trails (preferably 2 or more intersecting) setup your stand downwind of prevailing and if it's legal bait it for a week prior with corn and apples. Make sure you have a clear approach and practice walking to and getting in and out of your stand. You have no idea how easy it is to lose your spot in the dark. If you have never practiced shooting downward from a height I would suggest a few practice shots.

 

[canthitathing]

Without knowing what vegetation exists on the property, adjacent properties or having scouted for tracks, rubs, scrapes, droppings, etc. planning is a bit on the folly side, but I'll play:
1. Dismiss the lower section and focus your initial limited time in the upper rectangular area. Do it soon so once you do decide and put up a stand or three, you can perhaps do a sit or two for observation then stay out until Oct.
2. Walk the property edges then interior areas where trails lead to looking for food oriented foliage (any oak trees with acorns for instance?).
3. I have annotated a path (yellow) and area (red) that I would choose without any aforementioned info and let observations guide me on where to modify my attention. I chose something near center so any game shot has a chance of expiring without leaving the property for which you have permission. Might not be a bad idea to touch base with adjacent land owners asking for permission ahead of time to track onto their property in the event your wounded game crosses property lines.