Rookie Deer Hunting in Newyago County

Rookie Deer Hunting in Newyago County

By: Nick Smith

As a new Newaygo County Resident, I was very excited to find a place to hunt this deer season.  Over the past year, I have heard many successful hunting stories from people I have met, and seen some nice size deer while traveling from place to place.  Luckily, a coworker of mine offered to let me hunt his property in Fremont that abuts the Manistee National Forest.  One of the great things about hunting in Newaygo County is the abundance of public land that is open to hunters.

My first time out scouting, we toured the area and I made special note of where public land met his property, as I knew this would be the best area to hunt as it essentially gave me unlimited hunting area.  I have to say that moving from downstate, the amount of deer activity and different habitat gave me a positive vibe.  Not only is there a huge area of public land but the field across the road still had corn up.  After scouting the area and making close note of where the deer were moving into and out of the property, I found my spot.

My first time out I saw three deer, one in the woods and two came out into a field.  The first one was too far away for my crossbow.  Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw two large does appear from the north and they proceeded into the field behind me.  I slowly got up and moved 30 yards toward the field, one small step at a time keeping the large oak trees between us.  About 60 yards out with 10-20 more needed to go, the worst thing that could happen did.  I accidentally stepped on a twig just yards from a usable shooting position.  There was no mistake that something was up and the deer were gone!

While at first very disappointing, I was very encouraged as I have never had so much luck seeing deer anywhere on the very first day of hunting a new area.  I decided to let the area cool off for a few days until I received a picture message from my coworker the next week.  I opened it and saw three deer in the same field.  There was a larger doe and two that were average size.  I quickly texted back “I’ll be there after work”.

After arriving, I quickly geared up and found a spot on the ground in front of a very large oak about 8 feet in from the edge of field, with a decent amount of brush in front.  I saw that there were two possible natural shooting lanes, so I sat down and started to assess the range with my new range finder.  Through a lot of practice, I know that anything that came within 50 yards could be easily taken with my crossbow.  Then after waiting until just before 7:00 pm, a decent size doe appeared on the other side of the field.  With the end of daylight approaching, I kept an eye on the time knowing I only had about 20 minutes left of hunting.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, she started walking in my direction.  She was 60 yards out, and still moving at a decent pace.  She stopped at 50 yards obstructed by a sapling and stared at me, I thought I was busted.  After about 30 seconds, she started coming towards me again.  Now 45 yards out still obstructed by brush and time was running out fast.  Finally, after one last stare down she turned slightly quartering away, walked right into my lane, and stopped.  I picked up my crossbow and her head went up.  I paused, she started to eat again, and I let the arrow go.

I was ecstatic. I finally took a shot and it hit perfectly.  I heard a loud thud and was able to see my arrow hit the deer by watching the red illuminated knock fly and land right where I wanted it.  The deer sprinted out of the field and I heard it crash in the brush 15 seconds later.  After waiting a half hour, I was on the trail.  20 yards from initial impact, the blood trail looked very promising.  20 more yards into the brush, and I could see a red glow of my arrow up ahead still in my deer.

After a few short evenings out, I was already a successful Newaygo County hunter by mid-October.  I have never had such good luck getting my first deer so soon especially in a new area.  The diversity of habitat in Newaygo County significantly increased my chances to be a successful hunter.  From almost unlimited hiding spaces for the deer on public land to the farm fields filled with their favorite food, it is clear Newaygo County is a great place to hunt.  I cannot wait to get out there again and start scouting for some of the big Newaygo County bucks I have heard so much about.

 

The Dragon Trail Officially Opens

The Dragon Trail Officially Opens

Get ready for a fall adventure on 45 miles of hiking & biking trails outlining Hardy Pond.  Wooded trails invite you to explore color from a new perspective with amazing views of the natural beauty of our area. Through partnerships with Newaygo and Mecosta...

Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County

Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County

Whether you have time for an extended visit, or just a few days to explore, you will find outdoor family fun in every corner of our county. We have assembled some terrific ideas to fill your days with kid-friendly activities that are sure to be a big hit with the...

Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring

Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring

As we begin to emerge from our winter hibernation, the urge to get outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air becomes too much to resist. And why would you want to resist when Newaygo County has so much spring to explore? The warmer temperatures not only beckon us to...

Early Winter Getaway

Early Winter Getaway

With the busy holiday season behind us, who isn’t ready for some “me time”? Maybe a quiet walk in the woods, casting a line along a rapidly flowing riverbank, or pedaling through the pines can provide the renewal you seek. Newaygo County welcomes all seekers to come...

Trails & Hunting

Trails & Hunting

The splendor of fall color, miles of trails beckoning you to explore, and dark night skies blanketed in stars, NewayGo County’s autumn season welcomes adventurers of every sort to get outdoors, unplug, and reconnect with nature. After an exhilarating day hiking the...

Swing Over to NewayGo!

Swing Over to NewayGo!

A round of golf and a cocktail on the patio, sound like the perfect way to spend a summer day in Newaygo County! Throughout the region, you will find great spots for golf, both traditional golf and disc golf, and restaurants offering outdoor dining to help you make...

It’s Dragon Season

It’s Dragon Season

Head to Newaygo County, Where Michigan’s Dragon Awaits  Wrapped around Hardy Dam Pond, Michigan’s Dragon lies in wait of your arrival for big outdoor adventure. Imagine yourself soaring through the trees on fast and flowing trails that provide both a technically...

Fall Hikes + Hunting Season

Fall Hikes + Hunting Season

Hike Safely During Hunting Season Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a nice hike on the trails. Cooler, drier weather, changing leaves, and fewer insects make it one of many people’s favorite hiking seasons. Autumn is a favorite season for other forms of outdoor...

Harvest Fest Returns to Fremont!

The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the schedule of events for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival, slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming...

About The Author

Nick Smith

Nick Smith moved to Newaygo County in 2016. As a kid Nick developed a passion for the outdoors while camping in West Michigan every summer with his grandfather. Nick enjoys hunting, camping, snowmobiling and ice fishing.