I've never really been one to scout much if at all. I usually show up with a weapon in hand when the season opens and give it hell. However, I need to spend more time outdoors, and what better way than scouting. Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how scouting effectively is different from hunting? I know in many ways it will be similar (I hike in and still hunt with lots of glassing) but what do most guys mess up when scouting? Not covering enough ground? There are a few new areas in the D16 I want to explore.
Scouting tips.
- Thread starter 180ls1
- Start date
Depends on the timing of your scouting and your goals imo. If I’m in a hunt area that has big migrations, I try not to get down on not seeing animals. I would concentrate on finding camp spots, water, animal signs, pinch points, etc. if I’m two weeks before the actual season it’s totally different. I’m trying to find animals I want to shoot!
I would say as far as messing up goes it would be giving up on an area if they don’t find animals at all as that could be caused by a lot of different things. Some places look great and don’t hold animals, sure. Some places have migration, weather could F it all up, who knows. Just awesome to hear you want to get out there more!
Thank you!
I've definitely learned the hard way to hunt where the animals are, not where it's perfect looking and where you think they *should* be.
My post was more geared towards D16 deer scouting in the spring and summer where they dont really migrate to my understanding.
Our deer are pretty similar to white-tail...Studies have shown bucks live in about a 1 mile radius year round (rut excepted)...Also, finding does IMO is the key...They hardly move at all here in the "16"...So, bucks will find them in the fall...Finding water sources (many of which are on private) is one of the keys in this dry country...Finding deer trails, to and from, are signs that you should look for...For the most part, food for these southern mulies is everywhere and food plots are almost non existant...BUT, finding an oak tree that is baring acorns this year is super attractive to deer.
ps...Does & bucks are pretty reclusive right now...Start with trail cams in good places...Then after fawning, start your scouting...2 cents
.
ps...Does & bucks are pretty reclusive right now...Start with trail cams in good places...Then after fawning, start your scouting...2 cents
.
So I really should be looking for sign, water and historical deer trails at the moment. When do they become less reclusive? Won't they go nocturnal during the summer? I guess I just assumed with no hunting and cooler weather they would be out and about more right now.
Off season scouting for me is all about logistics. I’m figuring out how I’m going to get in and out of an area, how long it takes, where there is water or where I’m going to stash water if needed, where I will camp, what roads are open etc…. Deer sign is year round around here. You don’t need to see deer to know they are there. Bucks don’t have much for antlers right now either so it’s very difficult or impossible to scout for a particular deer.
Early morning and late evenings are still your best times (Rainy days are great)...Knowing the lay of the land is super important for hunting any game...Not knowing the lay of the land cost me a gobbler last week in Utah...
Very helpful. Thank you!
Sounds like I should do some predator stands as well. That is something I need to get better at also.
Point taken. Funny, it almost cost me the gobbler in CO last week (hidden logging road that they just wouldn't cross).Early morning and late evenings are still your best times (Rainy days are great)...Knowing the lay of the land is super important for hunting any game...Not knowing the lay of the land cost me a gobbler last week in Utah...
The way gas prices are...I'm afraid there will be no scouting for me this year...just hoping that Forky will be standing under the same oak tree that he has been for the last 40 years...He's gonna get it!!
Well, I decided to go out anyways. No point in having new info if you dont put it to use... Didn't leave until mid day but I got to the new spot and turned up 5 does and 4 bucks spread throughout the area. No doubt my best day ever in terms of buck numbers on public. Funny to think because I almost just stayed on the couch telling myself "its the middle of the day", "now is not a good time" or whatever else BS we tell ourselves. Luckily I asked myself "what would Theodore Roosevelt do" and that got me off my ass lol. Here is one of the bucks, the rest has better development but I didn't take pics.
Thanks everyone for the tips! I'll take all of it!
Thanks everyone for the tips! I'll take all of it!
Last edited by a moderator:
I often ask myself "what would Steve do??"
Never met anyone who spends more time afield. Way to turn them up! Should be a solid season for ya. Seems like you always turn stuff up anyway.Thank you! No, doubt there are some killers here. I cant imagine how much Steve knows.I often ask myself "what would Steve do??"
I just got done reading "The Strenuous Life" by Teddy. Hell of a book.
Teddy was no slouch that's forsure! I'll have to pick that one up.
How far will the go for water? From my understanding they only need it every couple of days but I am not sure if they prefer water every day or what the deal is.
Around here, they stay on the lakes we use for water to our houses. When it's winter there is water all over then they converge back to property on land we cannot hunt . Hunt on these areas next to these lakes or properties that have water. ONX and google are your friend. Find water. The rut will bring out smaller bucks that get pushed out by the bigger herd bucks. They will grab a girl friend or two and expand. These are the easiest deer to snag. Late season has been the best hunting locally. If you can find a pond or a cattle tank you can probably score if you have patience. The basic line is Deer need water as does every mammal. It's no secret.
Last edited:
The water thing is tricky. They don't need much. A puddle or small left over pocket on a dry creek can get them by. They get water from plants they eat.
Many springs people find on onx that gets folks excited is almost either dry or non existent. The ones with water are crowded hunting spots.
I see deer in the most unexpected areas.
Deer like most animals like to be as close to water & feed as possible....Studies show they will travel as far as 1-3 miles to get it....This time of year with little pressure, I'm sure they're closer than when the hunting seasons starts....The does are very close, because of their fawns....Here is where this drought hurts our wildlife....They start with a pond or stream with water....Then it goes dry (I can think of 3)....Traveling very far with youngsters is very dangerous.
ps...Turkeys are much the same way....Hens roost near water most every night.