Last minute scouting advice

[Nantahala Nut]

I got access to 500 acres across the road from my house.  I know nothing about it other than what I have seen on google maps.  Now is the time to get out there and figure it out so I can leave the area alone til season opens.  What do you guys like to look for when doing your last scouting trip of the year before season?  The area is wooded with christmas tree fields at the north and south ends on either side of the ridge.

[Roadkill]

Get a topo map and locate low ground and any ridges.  Sometimes you can get a feel for how to scout by looking at the terrain without vegetation. That might help pattern and as you work it, pencil in old rubs/scrapes/beds/oak stands and obvious runs.  Then lay out you normalwind patterns.  Gives you a good idea. Of course slipping in carefully and actually seeing deer is better

[Warden609]

I'm always trying to identify the preferred food source. Early in the season I look for staging areas between bedding and food sources. Avoid crowding bedding areas early. Tactics are ever changing the closer the rut gets. Good luck this year >>--->