How to scout and hunt public land

I am going to try to bowhunt ft Knox and a couple of public land areas in Kentucky but I have now experience out side of some private land and need some advise. Ft Knox to my knowledge does not even allow scouting until sept. I work overseas so limited time when home. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Map scouting is going to be the tool you need to point you in a general direction. Then once you get to that general area you will need to fine tune the set up.

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Yup as Virginiashadow says...topos can be your best friend. Match that along with satellite view and you can get a good idea. I’ve even been able to see deer trails and hone in that way too. I use huntstand but a lot of guys prefer onx. The property lines are necessity too. What I do is look for a big parking area and figure out how to get in on the back side of it. Most people give permission to me when I ask to access the public through their land..no experience on the area your going but best of luck to you bud.


Mathews Halon
Black Eagle outlaws
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Nasty combo

 

I can already tell that I would love to hunt a place like this...awesome terrain and water.

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Thanks for the reply. What do I look for in those maps?

 

get "Mapping Trophy Bucks" by Brad Herndon and start by skimming through his illustrations...so much good stuff there

 

Public land...I look for the hard to get to spots.....most people are lazy

 

virginiashadow, that might be the best place to hunt as others will avoid it. Many years ago, a biologist told my father and I where to find 16 and 18 point bucks. However, it would take over half a day just to walk into the back country. Planning on hunting in 2019 and already looked at a Delorme Tennessee topo map. Need to get one more detailed. Good and safe hunting to all in the New Year!

 

That stream in Hog Hollow looks like it would be good wild trout water?

 

Wouldn't be any trout in there....we have designated trout streams (all stocked), but they wouldn't drop a batch of trout in this one, not with it dumping right there into the Ohio, it would be a waste of resources.

 

My bad...after looking, Otter Creek at Ft. Knox is one of the streams the state keeps stocked with trout....there very well could be some trout up the little creek.

 

In the off-season here look for bedding for the upcoming year.


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Knox has some awesome deer. Trout get stocked in the winter but all die out in may/June when the water heats up.