Leaf blowing access trails

[deerhunter93]

Has anyone gone through the effort of leaf blowing or mowing the leaves on access trails to their stands during hunting season and if so, was it worth it? One of the farms I hunt has tons of oaks so walking in is quite crunchy.

 

[Wi transplant]

Friend of mine leaf blows them every yr but I know he goes in at like 10pm with a headlamp and does them claims no effect on deer at all at that time of night!

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[Daver]

I have done something like this a few times with fair success. I have even used a lawn mower a time or two. If you mow it I have found that it stays clear much longer because there is little to no vegetation left for fallen leaves to "catch" on. Whether I mow or blow lanes to my stands and blinds or not, I make sure we have a way to approach those sites very quietly.

 

[IowaBowHunter1983]

Yes many times. Only downside is deer tend to walk it

 

[Bassattackr]

Yes, I do.

I actually do mine in March after the season, after all the leaves drop.

Then I'm good until about late October. After that, stuck waiting for a rain. Or go in mid-day.

 

[Bucksnbears]

Never used a blower but have used a 22" push mower many times.

 

[Snail3496]

Have any of you done it in October?? Or only in the off season like Bassattackr?

Unrelated - but have a small block on timber in my backyard and the yard "pets" will almost exclusively bed where I leaf blow the leaves in the woods. I'll do random 5ftx5ft circles for the fun of watching them and it's like clockwork to watch them use it. Kinda cool to see how predictable it is. Just does of course

 

[Husker]

I run the riding mower up then down our logging roads late october early November so we have quiet walking to stands for the rut and gun season. I have not noticed any ill effects from doing so. Most times when doing this or driving the tractor up the logging road to the ag fields any deer I see are just standing there watching me and then once I go past they either lay back down or walk away the other direction. When they can hear you coming I find they are curious and want to see what the noise is... it's when you pop up and suprise them that makes them turn inside out trying to get away.