While I understand the inherent subjectivity involved in answering such a question, I'll pose it anyway:

What do you generally consider the minimum amount of land on which to hunt (deer/moose), in the NE (VT)? I know many of us can take game in our back yards, but taking into consideration the desire to actually get into the woods, walk/stalk a bit, etc., obviously it has to be more than a couple acres. This would be a fairly secluded ~350 acres, and perhaps adjacent land would also be available.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

jonas

Here in Maine, there are at least two kinds of deer hunting as it relates to your question. I'm only talking here about hunting with a centerfire, or a muzzleloader. Archery's a whole nother story. And it depends if you hunt alone or in a pack, as well. In the central and southern areas of the state, the forested pieces are relatively small, with a much higher deer per sq. mile density. However, these deer are pestered no end by lots of hunters. If there's nobody else hunting in your patch, the deer, which have learned that nocturnal is best, don't move alot. You'd think, "Oh great, I'm the only one hunting these woods today. This'll be great." Not so. The size of the patch is not as important as having a few folks stumbling around in it, thus stirring up the deer to move.

The northern part of Maine, where the land goes forever, holds far fewer deer per sq. mile. But, those deer will wander around and feed all day, and may not return to any certain area but once in two weeks. Here the sheer size of the land contributes to a deer that may not be nearly as jumpy as his brothers 150 miles to the south. You run a small chance of walking up on a deer that's waiting to see what all the noise is coming his way, at any time of day. However, you may never see the buck, and he may never see you, due to the size & remoteness of his neighborhood. So bigger hunting territory doesn't necessarily add up to better hunting. A nice buck that walked by your stand the day before you got there may not come around that way until you are back home working!

One's chances at success are greatest in the 1st scenario, where you are on stand in a good spot with a good population of deer, and some other hunter will push a deer in front of you, either by plan or by coincidence.

For the second scenario (northern Maine), I suggest a lot of exercise in advance of your hunt. And plenty of foot bandages in your pack! Good luck, hope this is what you are looking for.

Indeed, I know (vaguely) how such things work in Maine. You folks have ALOT of space! This would be a centerfire, and maybe a 1/2 dozen people at most ever. My thought is this: it's enough land to have a good walk through the woods (some hills and water), and maybe see a few deer. The potential hunters (me/family) aren't diehards and not seeing/shooting something wouldn't ruin the time spent there. But of course, lots of variables: surrounding terrain, usage, etc. This is a fairly remote, forested plot being looked at, so there's likely some deer traffic. Maybe set up 2-3 stands....

Appreciate the feedback,

jonas

I have hunted a family freind's land in north central VT for about 8 years now. He's in Bristol, and owns 578 acres that face Elephant Mountain. We have hunted that land and never even seen sign of deer, and other days have been overrun by does.

The shooting is mostly within 100 yards, mostly closer, and most times a 30-30, 32, 35 or pistol caliber carbine will always get the job done. Anything beyond the capabilities of thos calibers is truly overkill.

That being said, I have also hunted a small 11 acre parcel, and harvested my largest deer ever.

Luck of the draw, or being in the right spot in the right time!

Chris:
My usual hunting land (this year not included) is just north of that in New Haven. Small world, eh?

You're absolutely right about the area: buck count hasn't been great in some areas down there. Although, state-wide, Addison county ranks either 1st or 2nd in the annual take.

I guess my concern with the land area is that if it's too small, things get a bit boring and restrictive for more than 1-2 hunters. But, methinks 350 acres should be ok.

Cheers,

jonas