Best time to scout

[Wolfshead]

I know that everyone has their opinion on things and I would like to hear yours if you would like to share.
I am asking in preperation for next season as I am just beginning this quest as a tradbow hunter, and basically as a hunter for that matter.
When is the best time to scout?
I am refering to mostly whitetail deer, but will listen to elk, blacktail, etc...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'd strongly recommend getting together with another seasoned hunter, or a group of hunters, and learn the basics first. there are tons of things to look for when scouting, and learning to read sign and tracking is just a small part.

regardless of what you are hunting, you need to learn your preys patterns. Where they are bedding down, and where they are feeding and the routes they take to and from the bedding area...it's wise to leave their bedding area as undisturbed as possible too.

The best time to scout is during the period you will be hunting, or while hunting. weather plays a big part of an animals movements too. If you are going to hunt this time of year next year. Get out there during season now and hunt with a camera.

good luck on your adventure.... you'll never stop learning about woodsmanship.   Kirk

[Yota4me]

The best time is whenever the game is least likely to be disturbed. Unless your trying to spook it deliberately, like after the season ends and you're looking for its escape route. I like to scout right after the season is over then if they're spooked, it won't mess up my hunt.

Have you ever been selected for a special draw hunt and you've never been there before? Sometimes they give you a day or half a day to scout before the hunt. So just like preseason scouting, use Google earth and use extreme caution not to alert the game to our presence. Scout slowly, downwind of where you think the game may be. You can't be to careful, quiet or to slow when scouting.

As you know prey seeks security above all else an will move to more secure areas if they feel threatened.

[jonsimoneau]

For whitetails the best time is late january February and march. However if it is a new area even during season I find it better to scout rather than hope for blind luck even if it means disturbing the deer somewhat.

[ron w]

Every time you step into the woods.......keep your eyes open for any deer sign......new, old, this years,last years........be aware of your surroundings. You can never learn to much....

[Medina1]

Best time to scout is after the season! Everything is very dead even small trails look like a highway and moving around is very easy. 85% of my scouting is done in late January and early February. Deer aren't pressured so they move freely and it's easy to watch them from a distance. Right about now I'd be going to look for mast food sources like acorns. They will pass anything if they know there are acorns around.

Caleb

[Yota4me]

Originally posted by Medina1:
Best time to scout is after the season! Everything is very dead even small trails look like a highway and moving around is very easy. 85% of my scouting is done in late January and early February. Deer aren't pressured so they move freely and it's easy to watch them from a distance. Right about now I'd be going to look for mast food sources like acorns. They will pass anything if they know there are acorns around.


Caleb

This is the BEST answer in my opinion.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Every trip to the woods is a scouting trip.

[JamesV]

I hunt mostly in the afternoons so I like to scout mid-day for a hot tree that the deer were on this morning and set up on it if the wind is right. If you hunt mornings be very quiet leaving camp because I am grumpy in the mornings.

[BrownA5]

Anytime you have time is a good time to scout.