Feild Observations and Data Records

If you manage your property for hunting, or if you hunt public lands, you can increase your odds of success by recording your observations in order to compile a broad picture of animal movement, plant growth, and management needs throughout the year.  A journal is a vital addition to my field pack.  While hunting or scouting I record my observations:  Date, time and temperature, game observed, location and direction of travel, and any notes that I deem relevant.  I can look back over previous years and recognize common characteristics during certain times of the year.  I can see that does will move through a major travel corridor but older bucks use a different trail.  I can determine times of travel and feeding as well as what they are feeding on.  I am also better able to determine the size and health of my herd.  Trail cameras are a major source of herd observation.  I also record the times on pictures that captured deer.  This data gives me knowledge that will assist me in stand placement and hunting times. 

Another aspect of record keeping is my management records.  I keep track of Food Plot Fertility; PH levels and fertilizer needs and the quantities I applied.  I keep Herbicide records; what I sprayed and how much.  I have a mowing record and a general maintenance record.  I use these to plan ahead and to adjust my management plan as needed.  I find these records invaluable.  With this information I have been able to conserve costs and time by planning for optimal timing, correct use and quantities of lime, fertilizer and herbicide.  

I can also look back and see how the weather affected my work.  I know thatmowing food plots in hot dry weather will have ill results.  I know that I have better success planting my fall plots during the last week of September or the First week of October than I do planting during the middle of September, but the latter planting won’t be ready for bow season.  I know that heavy rains in September increase my chances of success with an earlier planting.  I know what plant varieties mature at what times during the season.  All of this I know because I keep accurate records.

Keep a field journal handy and you will increase the value and success of your hard work. 

Brent Sawyer