A serious deer hunter knows that understanding how deer, especially big bucks, use terrain features is key. However, this knowledge is just the start for consistently harvesting mature bucks. Two topics that get a lot of attention each season from deer hunters trying to up their game are funnels and pinch points. But what exactly are funnels and pinch points when it comes to deer hunting?
What are Pinch Points and Funnels?
Funnels and pinch points are types of terrain features, both natural or manmade, that influence deer movement in a area. While both of these features nudge deer in a particular direction, they are not exactly the same.
Funnels are places where you will likely find deer traveling between two spots, like a bedding area and food source. They take these routes because they are the easiest route from one area to another. Some potential funnels include:
- Narrow Strips of timber between two fields or two larger blocks of timber.
- Edges where two types of habitat meet (thick cover meets open hardwoods).
- Rivers or Creeks.
A pinch point on the other hand is similar to a funnel but chokes deer movement and trails down to a narrow point where a funnel is more of an edge that deer will follow. Some of the most common pinch points include:
- Creek Crossings
- Terrain features like ridgetop saddles or the head of a deep draw
- Fence gates are a great example of pinch points that are man made
Funnel & Pinch Point: How to Locate
Now that we’ve establish what a pinch point and a funnel is, your probably wondering how to locate them on your hunting property. Personally, I like to start with aerial maps to find funnels and pinches due to them allowing me to get a birds eye view of the area.
Satellite Imagery
With aerial photos you can see potential funnels like a narrow strip of timber connecting two blocks of cover and edges created by two types of habitat. Aerial imagery is also great for spotting manmade pinch points like fence gates. These types of terrain features tend to stand out when looking at aerial imagery. When I find a area that looks like it could be a potential funnel or pinch point, I mark it on the map for future scouting.
Topo Maps
After marking potential areas of interest on the aerial maps I switch over to topographical maps or topo map. The topographic map allows you to see the other terrain features not noticeable on normal satellite imagery like ridge saddles, benches, and other features in the elevation that deer could use as a travel route. For more information on how to read topographical maps check out our post, How to Read Topo Maps for Deer Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide.
Confirming Terrain Features Visually While Looking for Sign
Once you have several pins dropped its always a good idea to head to the walk woods and visually confirm what your aerial and topo maps told you. Just because you find what looks like a perfect funnel or pinch on the map doesn’t mean a big buck is using it. Look for several trails intersecting and put some thought into why deer are actually using it.
Ask yourself the following questions when deciding if if a funnel is worth throwing a hunt or two at.
- Are their any primary bedding areas or food sources nearby?
- Do you see any buck sign?
- Where to hang a stand depending on the prevailing winds? Can I hang my stand within bow range of the deer trail? (if bowhunting)
Deer Hunting Funnels and Pinch Points
Not all funnels and pinches are created equal. Some can be great to hunt throughout the season while others see the most action during the rut while bucks are constantly on the move looking for the next doe.
During the early and late season, I prefer to hunt a funnel that is located between quality bedding cover and food sources. During this portion of the year both bucks and does are on a bed to feed pattern and can be fairly easy to pattern when done with caution. A narrow funnel or pinch between bedding and food can be great location to get within bow range of a unsuspecting buck.
From the end of October through November, funnels and pinch points that provide bucks with the path of least resistance between doe bedding areas can produce action packed sits. I find that some of the best funnels during the rut are saddles that provide an easier route from one ridge to the next, ridge benches, and creek crossings.
Wrapping Up
Understanding and effectively utilizing funnels and pinch points can significantly enhance your chances of success during the season. By recognizing the differences between these terrain features and knowing how to locate them, hunters can create a strategic approach tailored to their personal hunting style.
Throughout the early and late seasons, focusing on funnels that connect bedding areas to food sources can yield consistent results, while the rut presents unique opportunities to capitalize on the heightened activity of bucks searching for does. By combining thorough scouting with an awareness of deer behavior, you can identify the most promising locations and increase your chances of encountering your target buck.
Ultimately, mastering the art of hunting funnels and pinch points is not just about finding the right spot; it’s about trail and error and learning something new every time your in the woods.