Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Serious Deer Talk Forum Higginson Henry Kentucky

OK guys I think I have decided on trying Higginson Henry WMA for my first trip to Kentucky. I am going the first week of November and have looked at a lot of aerial photos and see a couple of places I'm going to scout. I don't expect to go kill a giant but would like to see some deer. Is this a good area and what are realistic expectations as far as deer sightings, size, etc. It's bow only and that's one of the main reasons I picked this one. The best I understand the rut should be in the early stages so maybe the deer will be on their feet. Anybody that can give me a little info on the place is much appreciated.

Hunted there a few years ago. I think it has to 15 " inside spread. If you looking at the map from google earth the fields on the northwest side had a lot of sighs around them. I hunted in early September and took a doe and saw several other deer. Watch out for seed ticks.

Your gonna be a little early for the rut, but its a beautiful property to hunt. My recommendation is to get on one of the many horse trails and walk until you find the thicketest patch you can find and hunt it. You will see an overwhelming amount of sign and scouting can feel like it's never ending. Also be prepared to have people walk in on you, it didn't seem to affect the deer much. In fact I think the constant foot traffic kept the deer moving. There is really only one hotel close and it can be a lot of fun. Usually filled with a bunch of Alabama folks drinking and grilling in the parking lot.

Higs and Peabody are the ones I've heard the most horror stories about, as far as being crowded. Probably be a little early on the rut, but should atleast see some small bucks chasing. Find some scrapes close to bedding areas. Don't be afraid to rattle. Sit all day once you find the right spot.

Look at a topo, aerial, and wma map side by side. Find areas that are hard to get to on the wma map, then find thick stuff in those areas on the aerial, then look at the topo for pinch points, saddles, etc.

Jlbuc isn't right about the sign. If it's anything like the places I hunt in ky, the trails are outrageous. Down to dirt trails in the hardwoods are everywhere. Just because you see trails like that, doesn't mean they are good spots to hunt.

This is what I was getting at. Your gonna see unbelievable sign every where so don't stop at the first trail,scrape, rub you see.

From running trail cameras last year, I've pretty much decided that the deer in ky concentrate on food sources way more than Alabama. It's almost like they completely shift their range every few weeks when new sources become available. Those trails that look so good, might have 30'deer a day coming down them when the acorns are dropping, then none 3 weeks later. Same with beans, cut corn, winter wheat. It's very odd.

I meant is right lol, just noticed I said isn't

There's no size restrictions at H&H, unless it has changed since last year. It will be crowded. There's cabins that you can stay in. Personally, I doubt I ever go back to it again.

Thanks for the info so far guys. The main reason I was looking at it was because it is bow hunting only and its a little bigger than a lot of the other ones. Thought I could get away from some of the crowd. The more research I do the more I'm torn on where I should go. If you have any other recommendations I'm all ears lol. Thanks again. Also considering Ohio.

If you hunt H&H and don't hunt the fields, take a backpack to pack out your deer. It's a lot easier than dragging one up and down those hills.

I'd seriously consider Indiana if I was starting over. I've got too much time invested in Kentucky to give up without killing a good deer. A lot of people overlook Indiana though, and you can be up there in 5.5-6 hours from Bham.

H&H is gonna end up having the same type of quota hunt that is happening on Big Rivers this year because of the crowds.

Btw, don't plan to go to Big River during the rut this year - you have to have been drawn for the 2 month long quota. Which is what crowded WMA's there will probably all go to.

Lots of big deer taken there however it is super crowded and can run into to some real jerk wads. I hunted there for 4 years just got little to crowded for my taking. Lot of folks don't mind the crowded ness but I do lol. Jlbuc knows because he has hunted there lots to and had a friend kill a 190 so take his advice

Got any pics of said 190??

They ain't no big deer in Kentucky

If I could post pics

I'm leaving tomorrow for H-H for 11 days.

Firetower road area and fields on the SW side are good.

By the way, how many of you Alabama goobers are going up there this year? Hunted Big Rivers last year and didn't get drawn this year. Last year 4 out of 5 trucks on the place had Alabama tags.

Wade, keep us updated on what kind of movement you're seeing. I'm leaving Friday morning coming up. I can't wait to get out there. I've heard of a couple good ones killed this past week there. I'll be camping at Mauzy Lake. Good luck and if you need some help dragging one out give me a shout.

I have been up here for 3 days. Has been really hot deer movement has been minimal. Saw some young bucks, no chasing , lots of rubs and scrapes.

Looks like Friday is going to be a lot cooler so maybe they will be on there feet. Got any advice for a newbie? Never been there but can't wait. Good luck.