For many years, my early deer hunting experiences were marked by discomfort and often, disappointment. Armed with basic lumber and hardware, I’d construct rudimentary treestands in dense woods, hoping for a deer to appear. Hours would pass, often in vain, as I endured awkward positions and the elements. These initial “coffin” stands, as my hunting partners and I jokingly called our enclosed plywood platforms, eventually gave way to more comfortable and effective lock-ons, climbers, and ladder stands. These advancements certainly improved our success rates, although they came with a higher price tag and sometimes complex setups.
Upon acquiring land and establishing food plots, we experimented with elevated shooting houses overlooking these plots. While these provided some opportunities, peak deer activity often coincided with fading light. A significant shift occurred several years ago after a 75-acre clear-cut. We strategically positioned shooting houses on the elevated perimeter of this area, allowing us to hunt according to wind direction. Initially, deer sightings were frequent as they crossed within view of these stands. However, as natural vegetation regrew, visibility diminished. To counter this, we began mowing lanes through the regenerating cover, inspired by the “senderos” of Texas. This evolved into a “wagon-spoke” pattern, radiating outward from our stands. The areas between these lanes remained untouched, while the lanes themselves were mowed and disked annually before hunting season. This strategic mowing gave birth to what we now refer to as our effective Food Wheel hunting strategy.
We’ve frequently observed bucks crossing a lane, perhaps too quickly for a clear shot, only to be perfectly positioned for a shot as they emerged into the next adjacent lane. The rut intensifies this excitement, with numerous bucks actively traversing these lanes, either cruising or in pursuit of does.
Regular trimming of lane edges every couple of years further maintains clear lines of sight. Today, most of our shooting houses are situated to overlook these mowed lanes. From the comfort of an armchair, sheltered from harsh weather, I can now effectively observe deer. While some might consider it less challenging than other hunting methods, at my age, the comfort and effectiveness are greatly appreciated. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic way to introduce my grandkids to hunting, safely sharing a shooting house and their budding enthusiasm for wildlife observation. Despite their initial novelty, deer seem to quickly habituate to these elevated structures, seemingly taking them for granted.
Our stand placements are carefully considered for varying wind directions. We’ve also established mowed trails leading to these stands, ensuring an upwind approach. Some of our houses are elevated 40 to 50 feet above the lane bottoms, where morning thermal air currents negate the usual wind direction concerns. This elevated perspective, combined with the food wheel lane system, maximizes our hunting opportunities.
We’ve also integrated shooting lanes into our food plots, enhancing our ability to observe deer as they navigate towards these feeding areas. Because these lanes are mowed annually, they continue to produce valuable native forage, attracting deer to feed in these relatively open corridors. The proximity of thick cover likely contributes to their sense of security within these lanes.
Time and again, we’ve witnessed bucks briefly appear in one lane, only to present a perfect shot opportunity in the subsequent lane. The rut elevates the excitement, with increased buck activity as they cruise or chase through the network of lanes.
Consider implementing this wagon-spoke lane design around your hunting stands. Clearcuts and timber harvests offer ideal landscapes for establishing these setups, providing long-term hunting advantages with annual lane maintenance. Any stand type can be incorporated; permanent shooting houses are not mandatory. This food wheel approach to land management and hunting stand placement can significantly improve your deer hunting success.
At this stage in life, hunting is about enjoying the tranquility of the woods, relaxing, escaping daily pressures, observing wildlife, and occasionally harvesting a deer. Ascending into a shooting house overlooking a network of cleared lanes on a crisp November morning brings a sense of peace and contentment. The food wheel strategy isn’t just about harvesting deer; it’s about enhancing the entire hunting experience.
About the Author: Mike Grandey is a founding Charter Life Member of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), now the National Deer Association. He is a Level I NDA Deer Steward and resides in Apopka, Florida.
