Help Reading Topo Maps

I know there are a few people on the site that do a great job reading topography maps. I've read a guide for figuring out deer movement, but they still confuse me!

I'm headed out to Western KS in October to chase Mule Deer for the first time. I've gained access to thousands and thousands of acres, however this seems like one of the better spots. Years ago I remember seeing a huge heard of Muley's in this area while pheasant hunting.

Anyhow, the landowner says he has shot multiple trophy Whitetails and Mule Deer off these properties. Most of the land is pasture land from what he made it sound like. He suggested hunting the 3/4 section by putting stands in the trees along the creek that runs through.

I've attached a topography map, a hybrid map, and one where I combined the two and marked the borders of the properties I can hunt. The Topo and Hybrid maps are cropped differently than the combined map, but I think you can tell the property lines.

Obviously scouting with be a huge part of my trip the first day or so, finding food sources and bedding locations. Anyone have any suggestions for stand locations? I'd really like to see lines drawn through the funnels and peaks and valleys of the Topo or Combined maps where the deer will most likely move to and from.







Hopefully the images upload correctly. I appreciate the help. Also any input or suggestions to successfully hunt Mule Deer are greatly appreciated.

 

Here are the Hybrid and Topo maps alone with drawn in property lines if it helps.

 

If you need to learn map reading you should look up the land navigation classes on 550chord.com. That is a tool we used to teach map reading to young infantry privates when I was a drill sergeant. You won't learn anything about deer movement from the classes but you will learn how to read the terrain on a map very well.

 

If you're hunting with a bow I'd do what the farmer suggests put on right in the trees along the creek in the 34 section, with other possible locations in trees along the creek. It looks like almost 100% open ground otherwise.

 

Yes I will be bow hunting. Any suggestions where along the creek?

 

i would walk that creek out till i found a good crossing even the smaller creeks that run into that creek i have killed a lot of deer on a creek crossing

 

Here you go Kyle, focus on the spots were the cover and terrain come together and make real nice little funnels. Spots where the points and draws dump into the cover along the creek. Good luck buddy.

 

He does it again! Thanks a ton I'll definitely check that out!