Going in cold... Hunting with minimal to no scouting

[Wolfshead]

I have been awarded a permit to hunt a wildlife preserve this year. I have to attend a meeting next Tuesday to learn the ins and outs of the area, where we can hunt and where we can't, specific rules, etc...
I just found out that I was awarded this permit and my schedule is so crazy right now I  may only get one chance to scout, if that.
I will know more from Tuesdays meeting but, I would like to know what you would do if presented with this situation.      

Thanks in advance
Doug

[Rick Butler]

Can you get a topo map of the area or satellite photos?

[DanielB89]

Before I go in to scout an area, I ALWAYS look at an aerial view of the area.  That way it will give me an idea of potential bedding areas, water sources, etc.  

Hope this helps,
Daniel

google maps is a great source.

[ChuckC]

There are on line sources available.  Get a map of the area from the govt so you know exactly where you can and can't hunt; look at the area via any number of satellite views, including Google earth,  you can look at it from a topographic view and even get a topo map made, or just print it off if it is not  a huge area.   Using that info right there I think you can cut in half at least the area of concern.  Often you can scout using this info and get to within a dozen yards or so of potential good spots (funnels, trails etc).

Then. .  you gotta walk and seek.

Also, see if you can talk to the local ranger and maintenance folks briefly.  They see the deer and where they are, and even if there are any big boys out there.

I would do the above first, whether I had all the time in the world or not.
ChuckC

[joe ashton]

google earth!!

[buckeye_hunter]

Originally posted by DanielB89:
Before I go in to scout an area, I ALWAYS look at an aerial view of the area.  That way it will give me an idea of potential bedding areas, water sources, etc.  

Hope this helps,
Daniel

google maps is a great source.

x2

I have gone into areas totally blind except for aerial views and been on deer immediately. Google Earth/Maps is SUPER helpful. It will show all kinds of funnels, possible feeding areas and then you can pick an ambush site.  Good luck!

[shirikahn]

Everyone suggested google earth...so I'm just here to reaffirm that possibility, I guess lol

[LB_hntr]

Bing maps often is more upto date than goodle earth, atleast in my area. i buit my house 8 years ago and google aerth still doesnt show it but bing maps does. So check both to see what is most upto date.
  look for funnels, and anything that will channel movement. Look for possible feeding areas and bedding areas, look for channeling terrain features (topo map works better than aerial photo for this).  Also look for areas where other hunters will likely go if there will be other hunters. try to use them to your advantage and think of them as another object that deer will try to avoid. think about how other hunters will enter and exit to get to those "easy to hunt" areas. put a few hours in on the computer with bing, google, and topos, and key in on areas you want to check when you put you feet on the ground.
  I hunt "blind" like tihs alot when i check a new area that is miles away. instead of just going and scouting i will often go into an area early in the morning before first light and set up in the area i picked using comuter data and hunt. then get down and scout mid day. more times than not im in the deer action right off the bat from my computer scouting.

[Mike Vines]

USGS topo maps, google earth AND the book Mapping Trophy Whitetails.  That, in my opinion, is the very least you can do.

The reason for the book, is beacuse a LOT of guys don't know what they should be looking for.  I do not know your skill level, but if you don't understand Funnels, Topo lines, benches, saddles, ridges and whatnot, it might as well be written in Chinese.

[Bill Carlsen]

I would look for food sources with fresh sign and start from there.

[Cwilder]

I do it all the time. Look at google earth find and area. Then when it's time to hunt I go in blind. If it a morning hunt I go until I smell where deer have been. If an evening hunt I look for the normal sign.

[TroutGuide]

What they all said. I get close by maps and get to an area in the dark. I set up a tree seat as soon as it gets light enough to see where I should really be in the area. Sometimes it is only 20 yards down to a good trail of shooting lane. Sometimes I have to go 50yds  but never far. Sure I get busted occasionally but who doesn't and it is better to be ready to move after you can see your surroundings than to be set up in the wrong spot with no chance.   Afternoons are of course easier. I also use a weather app "hi-def radar". that uses satellite images and it is really easy to check your location and see the area to know if you need to move further. It is quicker and easier to use on the fly than google earth.

Another tip for public areas is to look near the entrance. Most people will drive into an area looking for the best spot. There is almost always a nice thick bedding area near the entrance that gets driven past.  It's worked for me!

[woodchucker]

If you're a halfway decent hunter, why not scout & hunt at the same time??? You can walk field edges at a pretty good clip, looking for runs coming in & out. Get the lay of the land as you're checking things out... When you see a patch of decent/promising cover, slow down & stillhunt your way through it!!!

I've hunted "Big Woods" & strange cover, all my life... Always wondering what's on the other side of the mountain... Always looking for something new!!!!!

[Todd Cook]

What Bill said. Always: find the food= find the deer. Google Warren Womack and read how he scouts and hunts.It is a wealth of info.

[swamper]

I use a climber and hunt fresh sighn.

[mcgroundstalker]

Hunt into the wind, keep the sun out of your eyes, stick with the heavy cover and most of all- move sloooooow! Just have a good time being in the woods... You don't have to cover a lot of ground to have a close encounter with a deer... They like the edges too.

... mike ...