Otter Tail County Leaf River Bottom = Big Deer! I probably don’t need to say much more than that—the reputation of the Leaf River Bottom speaks for itself. Year after year, Boone & Crockett caliber deer are taken along this river system. This property sits just north of the Leaf River and just south of the Finn Creek Museum—two landmarks that should already grab your attention. Now, let’s talk about the property itself. While much of it is low ground that can be difficult to navigate in its current state, that’s exactly why the big bucks call this place home. The crown jewel is the oak island right in the middle of this big-buck sanctuary. I was able to walk out to the island—it wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. The oaks were full of acorns, and the deer sign was incredible. Add in smaller ash and poplar islands, plus a knife grass flat, and you’ll find this property is more huntable than the aerial photos suggest. With some elbow grease in the winter, when the ground is frozen, access in and out will become much easier. You could stick to hunting the north edge near the food plot area, but trust me—you’ll want to make the effort to reach that oak island. This property isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a challenge and willing to put in the work, the reward could be the hunt of a lifetime.