Winter and Spring Scouting

[Baker]

I plan on bow hunting some knew ground for the 2002 season and want to start scouting for stand locations. I plan to go out this winter to look for well used trails in the snow, as well as rubs. In the spring I plan on looking again and hopefully use the trails scrapes and rubs I see to decide how the deer move in the timber. I live in the immediate area and know the crops around and a few good draws that they like to travel trough, so that is a start. I was wondering if anyone had any tips that they wave found useful in scouting when the seasons are over? I'm am no seasoned veteran so everything helps.

 

[MO-Antlertips]

Baker, sounds like you've got some pretty good ideas on how to get started. In late summer, mid-July or later, I like to take the binoculars and go for a drive around areas I have permission to hunt.

In late afternoons, when the deer come out to feed, you can sometimes catch a group of bucks together feeding, and get a look at what the upcoming season might have in store. Antlers are pretty much developed by then and you can sometimes sneak a peek at some nice bucks. Keep in mind that feeding patterns change later on, but you might find an active feeding area for early bow season.

I like to take my kids along and it's a fun outing for them. Good luck.

MO

 

[BW]

Excellent idea, and lots of fun for off season action to boot. 90 % of the hunt is the anticipation anyway......

 

[tineseeker]

Keep an eye out for those elusive racks the the bucks drop. The thicker the cover the better. (indications of core areas)

Keep a journal of what you find so you can review when next season comes.

You will find the area looks totaly differnt when its green.

Good luck.

 

[Bobcat]

Baker, something I like to do now(winter/spring) is to trim out any trees that I've picked out this past hunting season
for next season. Being trimmed out now instead of a month or two before the season starts seems to be less disruptive to the animals daily patterns. Just my .02cents

Steve

 

[Baker]

Sorry I'm so late with this reply, but I've had computer problems of my own. I wanted to thank you guys for you help. I'll remember it when I go Scouting.