That is the problem here in New England. The farms have all been turned into subdivisions. However, there are small tracks of woods everywhere. NH is now the most forested state in the country. All the land that was cleared for farming in the 1800’s grew back with trees. The deer, bear, turkeys, coyotes, fischer cats, bobcats and even occasionally moose are all living in the suburbs where it is almost impossible to hunt with a gun.
We had 9 deer go through our 12 acre property on Friday afternoon. My son took a video with his cell phone as he was pulling in the driveway. A beautiful 10 point buck was bringing up the rear of the herd. However, even on my property it is hard to find a spot that is not within 500 feet of my closest neighbor’s house to fire a gun during hunting season.
We tend to have bigger single family building lots here in NH. So, the wild game have learned that they can live in our backyards. The lack of dairy farms means there are no more large plots of corn for the deer to eat. The deer around here eat acorns, apples and twigs.
Turkeys are everywhere around here. Twenty years ago is was rare to see them. Now, it is rare to have a day when you do not see them. I have seen flocks of over 30 birds. I had two toms and two jakes hanging out on my property all last summer. They were so accustomed to us that I could walk up within 25’ of them before they would move. Every night they would roost in the white pine trees out front by the road.
Shooting them would not exactly be hunting. It would just be culling the flock. The issue is, I am not a big fan of turkey anyway. Now, IF I could hunt for rack of lamb, I am in.
12 acres? Know any bow hunters? Tell them about that 10 point and invite them over!