When to start scouting?

Steelie Ben · 12-11-2003, 04:24 PM

Next year will be my second season of hunting, I will be trying to fill both my elk and deer tag. When would most of you start to scout for your hunt? I am not sure whether or not I will be shooting bow or rifle, but lets just assume bow.(I like the Idea of a longer season!!) What type of terrain should I be scouting, the exact area I will hunt or the surrounding areas? I am gonna be eating beef the rest of this year and I would like to change that next year! Thanks for any insight.
SB

Mello-Yello · 12-11-2003, 04:54 PM

Kinda depends on where you're gonna hunt. If you're gonna hunt west side, you can scout all year. I like early to mid summer...the bucks and bulls antlers are tender and they tend to like to stay in the open more.

East side...perty much want to wait till the snow's gone and they move back into their summer range.

Gun Rod Bow · 12-11-2003, 05:55 PM

Exactly what M-Y said

BigFishFever · 12-12-2003, 05:27 AM

Steelie

While it may be best to scout as the others have said, I personally will go any time that I can, with the thought that the more time you spend in the woods, the better you get to know the environment...I find that if I only go during the "optimum scouting times" (ie late summer in my hunting grounds) I am somewhat de-tuned...When I get out and get into the brush throughout the year, I find that I pick up more of what is going on around me..I hear better, pick up moving critters better, and in general see more wildlife.

Plus what better way to spend a cold saturday morning than sneaking through the brush just looking for looking's sake!

Mello-Yello · 12-12-2003, 06:21 AM

You make a real good point BFF.

If you're scouting Mule Deer, wintering grounds are a pretty good place to start if you're looking for MONSTER bucks. While these bucks won't be in the same place come hunting season, you will get a pretty good idea the caliber of bucks available in adjoining areas (typcially, higher, steeper, yuckier areas). And, when scouting wintering grounds, your apt to see a couple of these monsters. I can think of no better motivation come hunting season than this...

As for Yellowstone Elk, I'm not so sure this is very dependable as elk are capable of migrating a long, long ways. A giant Mule Deer buck generally won't migrage any further away from his favorite haunts than he absolutely has to.

M-Y

buckgtr · 12-12-2003, 06:26 AM

"Yesterday", Now is the best time to scout. Trails, rubs, sheds, animals etc. are more visible right know. You will find out what is still around in your hunting area. Most people put away their bows and rifles as soon as seasons are over. It never quits for me I am a Blacktail addict. More time in woods = more hunting success I guarentee.

Good Luck,
Buckgtr

[ 12-12-2003, 08:43 AM: Message edited by: buckgtr ]