I'm a new hunter and learning on the fly. I was wondering if I could get some feedback. I recently was out still hunting/scouting, since I hadn't scouted this area in a couple years and failed to scout pre-season. I ran into a nice buck bedded down with a doe. Due to some bushes between us, I could not get the shot off, and I couldn't move without him seeing me move. He eventually scented me and bolted. I have an aerial photo with some points of interest. I am trying to devise a strategy, and was wondering if anyone would be willing to take a look and give me some feedback. I appreciate it!
Send me some info and Lat and Lon would be great and we can pull it up on google earth always fun to look at a spot and try to see the plus and minus
Captn Kirk will give you some info and once you get your stand locations. Commit on different entry angles based on the wind, into your hunting locations. Do not go into the area with the wind at your back. I hunt on private land, but I have noticed when I walk in, wind in my face, and further than 1,000 yards, the deer are more relaxed. The more mistakes I make on the approach, we may see them, but they are just jumpy and harder to hit clean. Also, rubber boots. Holy smokes can a deer smell your footprints! I remember when I was a kid quail hunting with the old guys. They always said "the dew helps the dogs smell the birds". Same for the feet!
PM the lats/long to me too if you dont mind, there are a bunch of great youtube videos, articles & other resources out there that have really helped me understand how to read a topo map in search of deer. Jacob Schmidtt has a channel on youtube devoted to aerial maps, here is a link to some of his vids, there are other guys that I also like to go back to in order to resfresh my memory,and they all have their own way of explaining things which helps me understand everything a little better. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO4IEV2GRCTAFm1-lBIXpDV7jVFoExAek EDIT: alot of his videos are long, and he can drag on a bit But I haven't seen any other youtube channel with as much depth as this guy, here is a good video of his that covers alot of basic map reading quickly. Also, make sure you understand all the topographic map terms: Saddle, Draw, Point, Ridge lines, etc. Alot of reading a map is just trying to think logically, for example if you know deer are bedding in a certain area, and like to be in a certain field, or apple orchard etc. Then once you have made your predictions on the map as to where you think they will be, go scout those areas and try to find evidence that backs up your theory. As you begin to understand how a whitetail thinks, you become better & better at picking out these travel routes and ambush sites! You can always PM Gri22ly, he likes helping people out with maps and whatnot.
