stand placement ?

[elhefe]

O.K., here is the scenario:

60 acre pasture with a cluster of about 40-50 oaks scattered in the center. Pasture bordered on 2 sides with a 20 ft. pine barrier. Deer were seen consistently in this pasture labeled "oak grove" last year and the beginning of this year. Deer bed in the pines and come out in the evenings and mornings to feed. Hunted mostly mornings in this spot last year due to the time I had available. We were pushing most of the deer out of the pasture while walking to stand and then they wouldn't come close at all. When not hunting cams showed daylight activity. Fast forward to this season. Put a feeder up, was hand corning last year, and the cows have taken over during day light. Feeder pen is not an option. Deer coming in at night only. Moved feeder closer to the gate entrance then it was last year in hopes of minimal disturbance while entering stand in the am. Oak trees are now dropping acorns which will pull more animals. 3 other feeders on property are showing consistent daylight activity. This stand is the only exception.

Is the feeder itself attracting the cows? They are not eating the corn but simply bedding underneath it. Should I move it closer to bedding area? Ditch the feeder and simply hand corn? What does the braintrust say?

[D C]

not sure how too answer but I would ditch the feeder if all you are feeding is cows... but thats only if you can go feed once a week or so. If you are bumping deer everytime you enter the place im not sure how you can hunt it unless you stay in the stand for a day at a time. are you driving a 4-wheeler into the place or walking?? walking would be the best bet if the deer are skiddish.

[dangerous dan]

I would goto the stand mid-day and do evening hunts

[elhefe]

we are walking in and out. It is a working ranch and the deer are used to trucks, and activity but probably not camo clad people walking through the middle of the pasture at 5:30. We have seen big deer in there from a distance but getting in there undisturbed and keeping the cows out seems a bit impossible.

[Smart]

Why is a feed pen not an option?

[southpaw]

If your bumping them regularly in the mornings, I'd try to leave that area alone and figure out their path to the bedding area and abush them. They'll be heading that way by daylight. Only problem is that may put you right on your fence line. Not too big a problem if you know your neighbors.