Deer Hunting Strategies | Scouting A New Property

STEVE SMOLENSKI

09/12/2015

There is a wrong way and a right way to scout. This especially true when we are just months or even weeks out from deer hunting season. The key during this late summer period is minimal disturbance and scouting smart.

There is a wrong way and a right way to scout. This especially true when we are just months or even weeks out from deer hunting season. The key during this late summer period is minimal disturbance. Whatever advice I am about to give you on how to scout a property must be done as quickly and noninvasive as possible.

A good start before you go into the property, is to get on the now free Google Earth Pro to start virtually mapping your property. Use all the features including polygons, points, and paths. You want to start with the big picture and Identify property boundaries, organize hardwoods, old field type habitats, what you think might be bedding areas, and food sources. Then go small, focusing on terrain features, creeks, and anything creating a funnel. Set points of interest that you want to check out once you’re on the ground.

Print off a laminated or durable map and bring a notebook or something to record any observations and key places of interest especially stand locations. You should also take a couple trail cameras to put on areas of high interest to start scouting for the upcoming season. Already knowing the key areas you need to look at and confirm will help you get in and out fast.

Now between Google Earth, your map, trail cameras, and scouting on the ground a couple times you should have a good idea of how the deer move and use your new property. After that the best thing you can do is grab a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope to scout summer food sources and open fields to see if you can catch big bucks moving into or out of your property. Keep your distance though, either stay in your vehicle or in the blind to keep from pressuring your deer.

Use these strategies to scout your new deer hunting property this summer and fall. You will then be ready for the upcoming deer hunting season. For more information on this or anything else white-tailed deer find the buck advisors online at www.buckadvisor.com