Okay, don't laugh but...

[CuseHunter]

I was thinking about buying a canoe. Yes a canoe. It won't be anything nice, just need one to float. So what do you guys think about using a canoe to get through those spots where you know of the untouched island or deep marsh land. I'm just trying to think outside the box to get a possibility of a massive buck this season.

[Geno C]

Great method for sneaking into those untouched or back door spot when coupled with the right wind. I know a guy who does it and has great success in doing so. Hey in this sport we sometimes have to think outside the box. The things we do to kill a big one lol

[crappyice]

Just make sure you ask PREDATE how to best store them while not in use....feel better PREDATE!

[PREDATE]

That's not a laughable idea at all. It just shows how willing you are. I'm gonna do it this year too, if river levels are good. Stay safe and be sure someone knows where you'll be and what time you plan on being out. Get yourself a good drybag and strap it in the canoe. In the bag you should have food, water, dry clothes, lighter, cellphone, etc.

[growalot]

Why not a kayak?...I'm looking at fishing kayaks

[Elmo]

Why not a kayak?...I'm looking at fishing kayaks

I think he would want to be able to lug the deer back across the water if he succeeds.

[growalot]

If you can strap gear to a kayak ...why not a deer

[wooly]

Too many deer on higher ground to go through all that trouble.

In theory, it sounds like a great idea ..... but in reality, I'll bet your odds are better at killing a whopper where they have something more to chew on than water.

[deerpassion]

I used to use a two man ocean kayak open seater back home in Florida to go deep in the swamp... Pretty humerous with the deer or 200 lb boar hog I came paddling out with one time strapped in the front seat with my climber on top of it, haha... I like the kayaks better than the canoes cause u can go in skinnier water and they are WAY easier to paddle .. But they can get pricey , but I'm sure u could find one on Craig's list or something like that...

[PREDATE]

Too many deer on higher ground to go through all that trouble.

In theory, it sounds like a great idea ..... but in reality, I'll bet your odds are better at killing a whopper where they have something more to chew on than water.

Not trying to sound rude, but this is the reason that better bucks might be found in the soggy bottoms. There's less human pressure. I know islands on rivers that harbor deer all year long.

  My river spots may be different from the marsh though because I can scout/glass the deer from the other side and pretty much pattern them before opening day.

It's kind of hit or miss though, there's nothing more aggravating than raging river currents on opening morning when you've patterned 2 bucks on a 6 acre island for a month! 

I say go for it as long as you can do it safely.

[landtracdeerhunter]

Anyone ever try landing a deer into a boat by yourself. Can make for an utmost interesting experience, believe me.

[Lawdwaz]

Other than finding the space in a kayak for a deer, I'd think it would be pretty tippy with one in it as it will always be fighting the right way to balance the boat.

 

Leave the deer with the guts in it and tow it back across the water!  (I just don't know if they'd float gutted??)

[Doewhacker]

Other than finding the space in a kayak for a deer, I'd think it would be pretty tippy with one in it as it will always be fighting the right way to balance the boat.

 

Leave the deer with the guts in it and tow it back across the water!  (I just don't know if they'd float gutted??)

 

 

They do indeed float after gutting, we float them across a river every year. That is the easiest part of getting them out actualy.

 

I would say you would want a canoe for hauling gear, where would you put a bun or bow in a kayak?

[CuseHunter]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I'm just looking for a used one. I drive a lot while I work so I always used to see them. Next time I'm going to stop. I also plan on taking a piece of conduit and making a stabilizer with something buoyant attached to the ends. Sounds like my canoe idea isn't the first nor as dumb/odd as I thought.

[ants]

I use to use a canoe when I hunted up at black lake. we would cruise the creek that ran in the back of the lake. you can move fast and quietly. Sometimes it payed off.

 

Good luck.

[CuseHunter]

Thanks ants. I just now need to find a couple spots to go to. Off the top of my head I'm thinking there may be a honey hole somewhere in montezuma public land. Looks like I need to get goin on google earth

[Five Seasons]

why would we laugh? I own 3 canoes and 2 kayaks. man power transportation is awesome and helps you get quietly to some real cool spots.

[jjb4900]

if you go with a canoe, avoid aluminum......... they're very noisy

[G-Man]

paddled both and both are easy to use, canoe is better for carrying gear period . think of a kayak as sitting on top of a plank, indians built dugout canoes for a reason or thye could of just sat on a log and paddled... 

[growalot]

http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat653.html

[thphm]

What ever you get Make Sure You Get And Use A Life Vest or other Flotation device.We just lost a 21 year old last week near here,did not have any. And quite a few years ago lost a good hunting,camping and fishing friend and his friend for the same reason, sad they lift behind wives and very young children.

[josephmrtn]

I was thinking about buying a canoe. Yes a canoe. It won't be anything nice, just need one to float. So what do you guys think about using a canoe to get through those spots where you know of the untouched island or deep marsh land. I'm just trying to think outside the box to get a possibility of a massive buck this season.

Its a great idea!!!

 

Great method for sneaking into those untouched or back door spot when coupled with the right wind. I know a guy who does it and has great success in doing so. Hey in this sport we sometimes have to think outside the box. The things we do to kill a big one lol

+1

 

That's not a laughable idea at all. It just shows how willing you are. I'm gonna do it this year too, if river levels are good. Stay safe and be sure someone knows where you'll be and what time you plan on being out. Get yourself a good drybag and strap it in the canoe. In the bag you should have food, water, dry clothes, lighter, cellphone, etc.

+1

 

I think he would want to be able to lug the deer back across the water if he succeeds.

LOL

 

Other than finding the space in a kayak for a deer, I'd think it would be pretty tippy with one in it as it will always be fighting the right way to balance the boat.

 

Leave the deer with the guts in it and tow it back across the water!  (I just don't know if they'd float gutted??)

Yeah... i'd just go w the canoe then you can always take a friend along... also it is very easy to load a deer in a canoe (much more so than lifting it into a truck bed anyhow...) just drag it up on the bank and flip it on its side, roll the deer in, flip back upright, launch.... and no ive never done it... lol just my mental imagery of doing it... lol

[WhitetailAddict11]

I too have toy'd with the idea of accessing certain locations by water, but to me, it seems like a nightmare from a scent control standpoint. I would have to think paddling of any sort will bring on some degree of perspiration. At the same time, I know of plenty of good deer killed along waterways every year, especially wooded swamps with decent size islands in them.

[CuseHunter]

What ever you get Make Sure You Get And Use A Life Vest or other Flotation device.We just lost a 21 year old last week near here,did not have any. And quite a few years ago lost a good hunting,camping and fishing friend and his friend for the same reason, sad they lift behind wives and very young children.

Yeah I'd definitely be wearing one. I know if it tipped it would be cold and with all my gear I'd be trying to swim with an extra 50 pounds soaking wet and mucks filled. I already sink like a rock being as lean as I am.

I'll make sure I keep ya updated on when I find one and post some pics of the DIY canoe stabilizer I male

[NFA-ADK]

The canoe is by far the best choice, consider weight when purchasing!!!  Your back with thank you and it will make it more enjoyable to use.  The second person/ or game animal is a factor, DONT get one that is too small!!!   Stabilizers are great for fishing but you should not need them when hunting/scouting...  If you are inexperienced it's a great comfort/safety feature!!!  Depending on how far you might hike the boat in if that's an option get a good set of tires w/spare or pump or what ever might be needed in case of repairs...  I am debating  a 7 mile hike then put in, not a simple task and I need to get into better shape and finish my PT! 

 

Nov 1st to May 1st any person in a vessel in NYS under 21 ft must wear a PDF.  NOT have, MUST wear!!!  This is law...  Don't risk your life, if you have clothes and boots on wear a PDF regardless of what time in the year...  Any time you are going solo you need to take extra precautions! 

 

 OK now I am debating a scouting trip with my Hobie!  One of my hunting buddies swears by this method.   Good luck and be safe!  O and show pics when you get your vessel please...

 

ARG Now you have ME shopping for a new canoe, lol.  I love hunting!!!