I was selected for a deer hunt at Donnelley WMA mid October. Anybody have any advice? That is a big area. Do the deer feed on the planted fields or stay in the hardwoods? How about Mary island? I’ve dove hunted there and am a little familiar. Any help is appreciated.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
Have realistic expectations. I hunted on several of the draw hunts that include numerous trips to Webb, Donnelly, Palachucola, and Bonneau Ferry. My father-in-law and I joke that we see the same thing every time - 1 guy shoots a legal (not monster) buck, a couple of guys shoot does, and some guy shoots an illegal buck. Enjoy the scenery and hopefully youll see a legal deer to harvest. And the most important thing unload your gun (not just the chamber) because there are always a high percentage of hunters checked coming and going. Good luck!
Thanks DH. I got Bear Island last year and shot an 11 point and my brother got a basket 8. But Donnelly is a different habitat. There are planted fields, swamp and a whole lot of woods. The woods are mixed pines and hardwood. I just didn’t know if everybody camps out on the fields or if they head to the swamps. Thanks for the reality check though. 
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
I forgot the report back so here goes: I watched a deer early one morning but couldnt shoot it because I couldn’t tell if it was legal and the next morning my brother shot two does and let the third one walk because it was too small. The does were 100 and 105 lbs. not a bad hunt. We stayed on a swamp edge the whole time. Paid off.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
Congrats! I consider any hunt where you see deer a success. We let small bucks (3 ? and younger) walk and shoot does for meat and management. But I just love seeing deer even if I do not shoot.