Hunting Plot Size?

[priv8ter]

I am currently feeling an itch to purchase some land. Nothing to build a house on, or save for development some day...just to go hunting on. The tough thing is, due to my suburban upbringing, I have a hard time visualizing just how big a plot of acreage is, and how big one would need it to be to get some quality hunting out of it.

For example, one guy I work with has 5 acres. Yet, his land butts up against some Forest Company land, and the deer routinely come and eat in his apple orchard. All he does is sits on his back porch with a 12ga and slugs, and waits for a nice one. He got lucky though 15 years ago when he bought his house. There aren't many affordable plots of land around with this kind of opportunity, close in; yet bordering large amounts of undeveloped land.

So, since I'm not going to find anything close to where I live, I have been looking over in Eastern Washington sage-brush country. In my price range, there are several 20 acre plots, and even one measuring 120 acres, most of that the side of a major hill.

I was just wondering if some of the experts out there think 20 acres is enough to go hunting on in a rural area. I would think it would be okay, especially if you do some work...through in some grass seed, maybe get lucky and have some water on the property...

I guess it would help to know what I am hunting for, the needs being different for grouse and Elk....I would like to do both deer and elk, but would be happy with one or the other.

I realize I am kind of vague. but I am just starting to look and prepare myself.

greg

 

[Redlg155]

I'm no "expert", but I will tell you that you pretty much answered your question...

For example, one guy I work with has 5 acres. Yet, his land butts up against some Forest Company land, and the deer routinely come and eat in his apple orchard.

Location is what you are looking for. Look for river bottoms, natural ponds and potential feeding areas. Get a topographical map of the area and look for natural funnels, dense thickets and elevation features that may be beneficial.

Try to obtain a topographical or areal map of the area. You can even try checking here...http://terraserver.microsoft.com . I've used Terraserver before to research hunting areas here in Florida with good luck.

Good Shooting
Red