Winter Woods Walk-#5 : Why Access Looks Different Without Leaves
Winter Shows the Truth
That “quiet” route you planned in summer? Winter exposes it. Crunchy leaves. Open hardwoods. No cover. Your best access might actually be the longer, uglier walk.
Think Noise, Not Distance
Deer tolerate distance better than sound. I’ll walk an extra half mile if it keeps me quiet and hidden. Winter makes you honest about that. Sometimes the longest way is the safest way for not alerting deer. I've walked double the distance to a tree just to (hopefully) stay undetected 🤔 If you go through all the steps leading up to finally getting to hunt, why ruin it with laziness because you didn't want to walk an extra couple hundred yds? Also, make sure you don't forget and weary our cowboy boots with the jingling spurs…Deer just might hear them
Fix It Now
I flag access routes in winter so I’m not guessing when it counts. I use my OnX Hunt app and bread crumb my way in to my tree locations so the walk in is easier to find in the dark. I pick and choose my route in daylight so I can see the easiest/ quietest way in.
Final Thoughts :
Winter planning saves fall mistakes. Every time. Be veawwy veawwy quiet and good luck my fellow DIY'ers. Comments welcome below…
