Camp Blanding

aimlesshunter

So I am new to hunting and got Camp Blanding still hunt area 2. I know I'm not allowed to scout beforehand so does anyone have any tips of what I should do so I'm not hunting over top of someone? Also when I find an area I want to hunt do I just pull over on the side of the road there or is there a designated place I need to park? 

gmiller0737

Park on the side of the road (I always park on the side I plan to hunt) 

aimlesshunter

Thank you. That's what I thought but just wanted to make sure.

DoradoDreamin

Be sure to call the hunter hotline before you go.  Military can change open areas at the drop of a hat so good to call before you drive there.

plumber1969

What Dorado said. I've hunted it a lot and then they changed the sides of 16 so the dog hunters took over the old still hunt side and visa versa. Spray ALL of your clothes with Permathin. There are ticks out here on steroids. Have patience, people will walk all over you and not care. Get far away from a road and people will still drive down the closed roads with no fear. When its time to go, go! Be wary of what time they close the gates. Shoot the first legal deer you see, it my be the only one you see. 

inshore

There are a lot of deer in area 2.  The herd is concentrated in the thicker areas off impact rd.  I would start by scouting off impact rd. Due to the large closed area bordering impact, a lot of the deer move to the closed area throughout the day. Once you find a block or area you like I would set up within 300 yards of impact.  There are nice bucks around lake magnolia and Lowery but much harder to hunt. As with a lot of places, there tends to be decent deer movement mid-morning thru lunch time. If you can get in early, hunt from lunchtime til dark. Good luck!

Owlsey

I wish everyone would read this thread. The responses were polite and informative. Great thread. Why can't they all be like this?

no slack

I live REAL close to this area and have been seeing more deer feeding on the fence lines this year than ever before.  Lots of fawns also.  Must of been a good rut.  Good luck.  

FloridaOD

Camp Blanding is great.
When I moved from Miami/ Everglades to a place just a couple of miles from Camp Blanding I could hardly wait to step foot on sand hills and what is some of the most diverse topography anywhere.
As far as hunter “ pressure”, be assured that other hunters will be present, but also, the pressure no worse and, depending on exact location, can be much less than area private leases.
Open oak sand flats and pine forests  are inviting to walk on and through. You could be set up just inside the heavy stuff at the edge of such sand flat and pine and never see another person.

Ghostrider11b

I know it was already stated but like they said at the top, I parked on the side of the secondary road then hoofed it just a bit to my location. As far as open/closed, definitely call ahead. I had at least three days I drove down from west Nassau county only to find it closed. Good luck though! I drew Cary for both general gun and archery so that’s my plan this year instead of blanding

aimlesshunter

Thank you everyone. I just finished my hunter safety course today and this is going to be my first hunt. I grew up listening to stories of my dad growing up in Indiana and hunting all the time but never had a chance to go myself. We were actually planning on doing this hunt together this year before he was diagnosed with stage small cell lung cancer.  More than likely he wont be around anymore when the time comes for the hunt but I am still going to go for the both of us.  I really appreciate all the input. Thank you.

Walker Dog

Sorry to hear about your dad. Good luck on your hunt 

elpolloloco

You can scout when it is open for archery hunts. There is no quota required. Only thing is that archery are tue-thur 

swampwalker

Hate to hear about your dad aimlesshunter. Good luck and be sure to spend time w him.

Pinman

Praying for you and your Dad Aimless..

Hope you drag out a big 12 pt

inshore

Sorry to hear about your Dad.  Praying for a recovery. Pm sent.

FloridaOD

My dad and I hunted and explored Camp Blanding together.
Great time.
Thinking about you and your dad.
Go there.
Next time I go to Camp Blanding it will be without my dad......