E-scouting has revolutionized the way hunters prepare for their hunts. With the world becoming increasingly digital, scouting can now be done with the click of a button, thanks to the advent of e-scouting tools. These tools provide hunters with a wealth of information that was unavailable just a decade ago. In this article, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of e-scouting and show you exactly how to make the most of it for your next hunting trip.
Choose Your E-Scouting Tool
The first step in e-scouting is choosing an e-scouting tool that works for you. There are many different options to choose from, with each offering its own unique benefits. Some popular e-scouting tools include maps and imagery platforms such as Google Earth, satellite imagery platforms like TerraServer or online hunting tools like HuntStand or OnX.
Research Your Hunting Area
Once you have your e-scouting tool, it's crucial to make sure you're using all the available resources to get the most up-to-date intel on your hunting area. This includes researching topography, hunting regulations, vegetation, and animal behavior. You can often find this information on state wildlife websites or ask local hunting clubs for their advice.
Use the Tools to Find Patterns
The key to e-scouting is finding patterns you can use to locate or predict game movement. You can do this by studying topographic maps to locate natural funnels, geographical transitions, or terrain features such as creeks or saddles. In addition, satellite imagery will allow you to pinpoint potential roosting areas, feeding, and watering grounds. With OnX you can often see trails, bedding areas, and even some feeding times of animals.
Keep Detailed Records
Make sure to keep a detailed log of what you're seeing so that you can come back to it during scouting trips and hunts. This information, in addition to your notes from hunting or scouting trips, will allow you to track movement patterns and predict feeding and movement times. In addition, cataloging images will provide great resources when talking to other hunters or as reminders when it comes time to make your way back to the area.
Get a Fresh Look at Your Hunting Spot
Once you've taken advantage of technology and e-scouting tools, it's important to go out on scout missions. This gives you the chance to fine-tune your knowledge, and to get a fresh look at your hunting spot. During this time, mark points of interest such as trail junctions, water sources, food sources, and bedding areas so that you can use them to your advantage on your next trip out. This step is vital to studying the behavior of the game within your hunting area.
In conclusion, e-scouting can be a valuable tool for hunters as it allows for data-driven decisions for the most successful game outings. A combination of using topographic maps along with online hunting tools and savvy searching skills provides users with invaluable insight. For the upcoming season, subsuming these steps will give you the edge you need to bag your target animal.
