Public land hunting do’s and don’ts

Don not post the specific public area on the internet. Not even a question like, “has anyone hunted xyz WMA?”

Go on google earth, etc and find places where three types of habitat meet. Deer are edge animals. Where three edges come together, you’ve got a honey hole.

Like Ol Boy said, check and double check requirements and season dates of the specific piece of public you will hunt.

If someone is already parked where you wanted to go in, pick a different spot.

Bring a compass, phone map app, light, extra light, extra batteries, etc.

Remember if you found a spot by escouting on the computer or your phone, at least 20 other people have found that same spot.

Pay close attention to access and the most up to date usage maps. You may go a long way in thinking you’re far from people and run into another hunter who came in from the opposite direction much closer.

Be courteous to other hunters and get out there and enjoy it. Good luck.

There are deer way back in the back.
There are deer in the middle
There are deer very close to where you park your truck
Choose wisely

I have hunted public all my life and have only really had a couple of bad run ins with people Most of it can be sorted out with some communication (Does not apply to public land duck hunting though. Frick all those flatbill mud motor bastards)

Opening weekends are the most busy. Use people to your advantage Most people will be out the stand by 9 am so stay a little longer

Try to stay out of the area you plan on hunting as much as possible. Don’t go spreading your scent everywhere

I still to the day find myself hunting in the “pretty” woods rather than the pine thicket 100 yards away where the deer are for some reason.

Keep your spots secret.

If pigs are around make sure you are shooting a pig and not a bear

Aside from what everyone else has said:

Do prepare yourself to have interactions with people who may be irrational. You may meet the most selfish and idiotic individuals on earth. You will not win arguments. Be prepare to walk away and possibly have your hunt ruined.

Do not try and argue with one of these idiots. Being in the woods with weapons is no place to try and correct someone. Just say ok (annd sometimes apologize for something you didn’t do just ans you would with an woman) and walk/drive away. It’s not worth the risk.

Do scout from an ebike since they’re quiet.

I remember years ago when we had a back channel fishing map for the Baton Rouge area. That shite was ruined.

Hunt durning the week and you’ll probably have whole wma to yourself.

KNOW the rules. State and Federal lands have different rules and regs.

Have a backup plan. I scouted a WMA a few years ago, found a great spot, got out there really early and there was this old fellow shining his flashlight at me. I pulled my climber off and headed to another spot I’d found. Over the years I’ve killed three bucks out of that same backup tree. One was a crazy palmated 9. Tomorrow me and my two sons are hunting public on a draw hunt a few hundred yards from my honey hole.