10 Tips To Scout The Hunting Ground

 Do you scout the hunting ground before the hunting season begins? Would you like to know how to scout the hunting ground more efficiently? In this article, we share tips to scout the hunting ground more efficiently.

1. E-Scout

Use Google Earth to study the area you want to scout. Observe the topography for possible bedding areas, food and water sources, funnels, creek crossings, swamps, and farmlands. Additionally, look to see if there are any major roads, parking areas, walking, and access points that are close to the area you want to hunt. 

The area may not be a good hunting ground if there are major roads, parking areas, walking trails, and access points close by. Use apps like HuntStand and onX to study the possible hunting ground and document your findings.

2. Early Morning & Late Afternoon

The best time to scout the hunting ground is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. You can use binoculars or a spotting scope to glass for your target without alarming them.

3. Funnels

Once you are on the ground, look for the possible funnels you located on the online search. Deer often use funnels when moving from one area to another. Look for travel routes being used by deer. The travel routes will usually be between bedding and feeding areas.

4. Transition Lines

Where two types of vegetation meet are referred to as transition lines. If you identified possible transition lines when you did the e-scouting, now while you are physically on the hunting ground, look for the transition lines. Deer loves transition lines as they provide food as well as cover. 

Hardwoods to pines, field edges, powerline clearings, mature hardwoods to clear cuts, cattails to hardwoods, and dry grounds are all examples of transition lines.

5. Swamps & Marshes

Look for swamps & marshes that you may have identified when e-scouting. Deer love marshes and swamps as they provide security and are a good habitat. If you would like to learn more about how to scout the hunting ground, then click on this link.

6. Trail Cameras

If you detect signs of deer activity in some zones, set up trail cameras to collect information on your target. Some signs of deer activities are scratch marks, deer rubs, droppings, deer tracks, signs of grazing, etc.

7. Food & Water Sources

Look for the possible food and bedding areas you identified from e-scouting. Find those areas and get as close as possible without being detected and observe them. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to study those areas.

8. Bedding Areas

Keep an eye out for possible bedding areas. If you find bedding areas, you will be one step closer to locating deer. Deer have bedding areas that provide cover and protection when they are resting. If you located possible travel routes or feeding areas, the bedding areas will not be very far from these.

9. Wind Direction

Study the wind direction so you can position yourself downwind of the area. Deer like to set up bedding areas downwind of habitats. This allows them to smell and see the danger that is coming in their direction.

10. Local Wildlife Biologist

Find a local wildlife biologist and find time to chat. You will learn a lot from the biologist about the habits of your target in that area and the areas hunters have been successful in.

Conclusion

Scouting the hunting ground before the hunting season begins is very important for a successful hunting season. In this article, we share tips to help you successfully scout the hunting ground. If you would like to learn more about hunting, visit thehuntingterrain.com.