NWTF Spring Turkey Forecast
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Trapping Deer and Turkeys

When old farmer Merten finally gave in to my third request for bowhunting access, I high-tailed it to my office computer and pulled up a topographical map of his property. When I saw “The Spot,” an evil smile that the Grinch himself would have been proud of slowly spread across my face.

“The Spot” was like a red blinking beacon to anyone with a basic knowledge of topographical maps and white-tailed deer behavior. A series of long, steep-sided and narrow ridges converged into a small flat hub on top of a steep bluff overlooking a large expanse of bottomland crop fields. Thick cutovers adorned the south faces of these ridges creating perfect bedding cover for deer and the ultimate ambush spot for an evening bowhunting stand.

The Path of Least Resistance

The first step for an effective trap is knowing where to set it. Topographical maps are absolutely invaluable. If you know what you need, trap sites are very clear. When scouting potential spots, look for several primary features, such as ridge-top saddles, deep gullies, bluffs or waterways, travel hubs and natural bottlenecks of vegetation that funnel wildlife movement and create a perfect place for a lovesick buck or gobbler.

One of my favorite spots is a ridge-top saddle — a spot where two ridge peaks are divided by a lower area. Big bucks use these regularly during the rut when they are following waterways and streams in search of receptive does. Find a saddle that connects two major river drainages and you’ve definitely found a honey hole.

Other great spots are erosion ditches, waterways, stream crossings and bluffs. These features let you take advantage of concentrated wildlife movement. Deer often follow waterways to a point where crossing is easiest — a great ambush spot. Sheer bluffs and steep banks often parallel creeks and eventually make a gradual slope to a low spot that also funnels wildlife travel. A favorite ambush spot is where an erosion ditch comes to a field edge. This situation creates a tremendous spot for laying a trap by concentrating wildlife movement into a very small area and allowing a hunter to remain undetected.

Setting the Trap

If you are lucky enough to find a site where multiple travel corridors converge in a central location, make sure you take advantage of it. Locate the corridors using topographical maps and aerial photos, then confirm them on the ground.

Once you’ve located a concentrated wildlife travel route, set the ambush. If you are deer hunting, consider the prevailing wind, access routes and the location of the rising and setting sun. For turkey spots, consider maximum concealment, rising sun position and sneaking in without spooking roosted birds.

Once the ambush site is chosen, all you need is a chainsaw and a little elbow grease to do the job. Use natural materials to create funnels by cutting down lower quality trees and shrubs. Sweet gum, red maple, hickory, ash and red cedar are good candidates for funnel materials. Drag and stack the trees to create brush piles to direct the animal’s movement towards the ambush spot. The stump sprouts that grow afterward, especially red maple and ash, make great deer browse.

You can also “hinge-cut” your trees to create a living browse plot. By cutting the tree almost in half and letting it fall over you not only create a funnel, but also a perennial buffet of browse for white-tailed deer.

Putting the Fun in Funnel

Before you hang a stand or pop up a blind this year, look around and consider all the options for building an ambush site. It could be the difference in filling a tag this season. — Scott Vance, NWTF assistant vice president of conservation programs

Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Funnel Illustration
Illustration by Ryan Kirby

1. A ridge-top saddle — where two ridge peaks are divided by a lower area — is a great place to intercept cruising bucks during the rut. Turkeys will also use it as they travel from their roost site higher up on the ridge to the fields and creekbottoms below.

2. Look for a natural funnel where a creek runs close to a steep ridge or bluff. But hunt it with caution, as wind tends to swirl in areas like these.

3. In the off-season, mow a single path through dense briars and CRP areas. Deer still feel secure in thick cover and will use this path to enter and leave the field, giving you a great shot opportunity.

4. Downed fence is a sure funnel for wildlife activity. If you own your own property and don’t have livestock, consider cutting a hole in the fence for a likely ambush spot.

5. In an area where two trails run 100 yards apart, cut down a tree or two to block one of the trails. Deer will form a new trail around the obstacle, bringing both trails close to your stand. Turkeys also will skirt the obstacle as they approach, bringing them within gun range.