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The Chateau Rudee'  Hunting Topographical Map.

(Click the map for an enlarged version)

NOTE: Actual USGS map datum used along with GPS plots so this is fairly accurate. Some of the property lines (marked as OUT) are not exact and are best guess based on knowledge of terrain.

MAP Legend

Redline - Crushed Stone/Dirt 4x4 and ATV Road/Path

017 - Masthope upper quarry pit

022 - n/a

023 - Hooper's feeding area (clover field and trout pond)

CHTRDY - Chataeu Rudy - Home Base

Feed - Current Feed Bucket and Salt Lick

H-STD - Hooper's, fixed permanent tree stand

PAFEED - Last years feed area

PASTD1 - Good Stand Location

PATV - Top of the mountain, old TV antenna

PAQARY - Quarry Pit Entrance

PASHOT - Trap Shooting Range (Bedding & Feeding Area)

SPRING - Natural Spring

STD2 - Good Stand Location

STD3 - Good Stand Location

STD4 - Good Stand Location

STD-D - Good Stand Location (Dad's Tree)

Terrain Orientation: Holbert mountain is approximately 600 acres of hardwood terrain on top of bluestone rock. The terrain consists of a series of ridges and ledges that top their way off to an 1,100ft rise above sea level. The mountain is clearly accessible by a well traveled crushed stone road (track: redline) that makes it way to the other side of the property toward the town of Masthope (waypoint: 017). Most 2x4's can make it all the way up past the Spring (waypoint: SPRING)on a clear day, however its best in a 4x4 since the rain snow and mud sometimes makes the steep hills (indicated by the maps thick brown contour lines) a bit tricky. Just as it was in the 1800's, the area is mined for Bluestone. Towards the upper section of the mountain (waypoint: PAQARY) there is an active quarry. Although it has seriously impacted the natural settings in some area's, it has actually helped the hunting to provide a potential some long distance shots (150-300 yards are possible). Be aware that using the river as a reference point while in the woods often disorients you if your unfamiliar with the territory. This is due to the almost 90 degree bend it makes around the property.

Scouting: The lower valley near the river was originally farmland and apple orchards. Loaded with apples, acorns and natural tall grass. These areas provide ideal natural bedding and feeding area's for Deer. Deer travel to and from these areas at dawn and dusk making their way up the mountain for better cover. Deer scrapes and rubs are typically scarce primarily due to the over population of Doe (although this may change this year as we get closer to the rut). Good indicators to use are heavily traveled runs (used to come out of the fields) as well as concentrations of droppings in busy sections. The deer are tricky and will use the steep ledges of the mountain to their advantage so consider this during the hunt. Also,  don't be fooled by areas of the forest floor that have been trampled heavily. The Turkey population is very strong here and they really know how to rip up an area. The private property to the south of the hunt area (green line marked OUT) belongs to a hunting club (Hooper's). In the past few years Hooper has created and incredible environment for deer inclusive of clear cut areas, clover food plots (waypoint: 023) and re-plantings of apple trees. This is a major contributor to the Buck population increasing in quality over the past few years. Due to the locale of the property there are definite advantages for our hunt. However, you need to be respectful of the property lines (which are well marked while in the woods with fluorescent green posted signs).

Weather Conditions: General rule of thumb - be prepared for everything and use layers. The last few years have had major swings in temperature being in the 20's at daybreak and moving to the 70's at mid-day.  There are occasions you can expect several inches of snow and bone-chilling cold winds towards the top of the mountain. Rain is also  typical for a day or so during the season. Also be advised that daybreak is much later than hunting in the Southeast and sets earlier.