Topo advice

[tradarcher816]

When looking at a topo map for ideas regarding stand placement exactly what should I be looking for? I've never asked so I don't know lol. Just got a topo map for an area I'm going to hunt soon and I can tell that it's full of ridges, steep hills and a couple of creeks. When trying to figure out spots to try by terrain features what should I be looking for? I'm still going to get out and hike it to get a look for myself but thought I'd ask in the mean time.

[McDave]

There is a book, "Mapping Trophy Bucks," which is available on Amazon, that goes into your question perhaps in even more detail that you even wanted to know.  As the ancient Chinese said, be careful what you ask for!

[tradarcher816]

Lol thanks, ill have to check that out.

[BMN]

That is a great book.

[wooddamon1]

Saddles/dips in the ridge tops are good places to start looking, as are creek bottoms as long as they aren't constantly pounded by fisherman.

[VictoryHunter]

Sorry I misundertstood the question completely with my previous response. Look for low spots in ridges know as a saddle. Inside corners of fields are another of my personal favorites. Also look for small funnels of trees that may connect two or more larger chunks of timber. Hope this helps.

[ron w]

Check out the ridges that look like fingers that lead to creeks........or junctions of creeks.

[tradarcher816]

thanks guys, there are definitly some fingers that lead to the creek bottoms. I'll certainly start there.  Forgive my ignorance, but why do those areas draw them? and why the junctions of creeks? I hate to sound stupid but ya dont know if you dont ask.  I'm forever a work in progress, and I'm still wanting to learn. Thanks for the help.  Please keep it coming.

[VictoryHunter]

Deer use those areas because they offer the path of least resistance while still providing them with cover. For instance the inside corner acts as a funnel because deer may want to go somewhere on the other side of the field, however, an old smart buck would rather not walk through the middle of it so he will take the easiest route. That path will lead him to hug the corner of the field so he can get to where he is going.

[VictoryHunter]

x2 on mapping trophy bucks!

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by McDave:
There is a book, "Mapping Trophy Bucks," which is available on Amazon, that goes into your question perhaps in even more detail that you even wanted to know.  As the ancient Chinese said, be careful what you ask for!

My answer EXACTLY

[tradarcher816]

Originally posted by VictoryHunter:
Deer use those areas because they offer the path of least resistance while still providing them with cover. For instance the inside corner acts as a funnel because deer may want to go somewhere on the other side of the field, however, an old smart buck would rather not walk through the middle of it so he will take the easiest route. That path will lead him to hug the corner of the field so he can get to where he is going.

Thanks!