Topo help

[Formby]

This is a new hunting area for me and before I go physically scouting the area I would like to know some spot I should check out specifically.
I know that using a Topo map can help locate some travel areas for deer in just not sure what to look for. A little info for the property. It is 90% 15-20 year old pines with a good bit of thick underbrush. The small field in the middle is centipede and Bahai grass. The field at the bottom is all bahai grass. There are two small seasonal springs that i lined in blue.

 

[George Vernon]

Here are some initial thoughts.  The photo seems to show more woods on the top, right hand and bottom sides.   If there are no nearby crop or pasture land beyond the woods, I would concentrate my initial scouting on the edges of the several open fields on the left and lower left side of the photo.  Deer are typically edge 'dwellers'

It appears there is a 200' rise in elevation going from the left to right side of the photo.  So I would look for natural or man made 'shelfs' above the open fields.  They are natural travel paths for bucks.

There appear to be several  drains or ravines that go from the lower left to the higher elevation on the upper right.  They might also be natural paths/funnels to explore.

Good luck.  It's an interesting property.

[Formby]

If this helps the yellow lines are approximate man made trails and a wider view of the surrounding land.

[YosemiteSam]

The area isn't too big.  Can you get out in the morning with a lunch & just wander around?

[Formby]

Yea I can. I was just curious what to look for as far as terrain. The area is only about 105 acres

[Biggamefish]

I would look at the ridge in the bottom right. If it is higher that the surrounding area it would be a good place for them to lay up as they can watch there back and smell the wind good.

 I would also check the draws on the top of the map and that knob.

[nek4me]

If nothing is disturbing them they will probably use the man made trails to move around the property.I would first check those for sign of deer using or crossing them especially the trail along the right hand side bordering the other property that looks to have some clearings and edge in contrast to the thick pines as well as the trails around the clearings on the property itself. A stroll around those should tell you a lot on first pass.