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Summer Scouting

Northcountryman
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Shoots100 Mentor

Shoots100

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We have solar cell cameras set up around the areas and stands we hunt, So all we do is minimal trail maintenance and try to keep as low a profile as possible.

Remember to wear treated clothing or treat your clothing for tick's, as those bloodsucking POS's have been out in full force.

SJC

 

 

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airedale Grand Master

airedale

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I have no cameras, but I do quite a bit of early scouting for both Deer and small game and it is usually combined with other activities like stump shooting with one of my recurves or plinking with one of my air guns. Also a good time to get my dogs in the woods and do some training.  I go along observing mast crops and game trails along with finding other game sign, I just like being in the woods taking a walk and see what is out there, it is good for the soul.:good:

Al

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Shoots100 Mentor

Shoots100

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Nothing beat's boot's on the ground scouting. 

Cameras are just another tool in the shed. 

If you have reception, Cell cam's are a great investment.

We really only use them if we're having an issue with trespassers or have a big buck pinpointed in an area.

I use them a lot more during coyote season.

During the deer season we see a lot of bucks that have never been seen on camera and some of the big bucks we do see on camera aren't seen till after the season ends.

If we lease or get permission to hunt a new property, we use the spy high camera mounts to avoid theft.

For me, It's too hot out to scout.

I sit in the AC and view pics on my cell phone with a cold beverage.

SJC

 

 

 

 

 

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Doc Experienced

Doc

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I have to wonder about the value of summer scouting. I guess it does give you an idea of what deer are in the area. But I have to say that patterns and areas where they might be now, are no indication of where they will be when Fall weather comes around. The feeding patterns are 100% different. The cover is different, and of course when rut slides in whatever you think you are learning during the summer months is all changed.

I like to see what the fawn crop looks like and see if I recognize any of the survivors from last hunting season just out of curiosity, but little else is learned this time of year. I am way too busy this time of year to get too involved with learning things that will be completely different when hunting season comes around.

But I am willing to learn new stuff. What do you all learn from summer scouting?

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Shoots100 Mentor

Shoots100

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Summer scouting is good to see if you have a good population of doe on a property.

Doe are one of the best buck attractant's.

Since doe are homebodies and will usually stay around their home turf unless really pressured, they will keep buck's on or around a property looking for a chance to breed.

SJC

 

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GreeneHunter Grand Master

GreeneHunter

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I've just been granted access to an additional 50 acres which is alongside a 360 acre Wildlife Manage Area (4B) !  I requested to put up a Ladder Stand and been given the " Go Ahead " .... yippee !  I'm going to take my ATV for a ride there in the next couple days , do some scouting and if I see any trace of activity I'll be setting up a Trail Cam !

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First-light Grand Master

First-light

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Now I'm not in my woods all the time. I do live here and will go cut trees, take the dogs for a walk and mow my paths. It doesn't bother the deer. I think we all "over think" pushing deer out of your area if you out and about. If you have good cover and food they will be right back in it after you leave. 

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airedale Grand Master

airedale

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The game animals seem to know when it is open season and when they are being hunted. Back when I was hunting and training Coon dogs I would be running into Deer all the time. I always made sure my dogs were broke off from running them and they just would give way to me and the dogs and run off for a 100 yards or so and watch the festivities. One night my brother and I were out training and I had three dogs make tree and were treeing hard, as we walked in to the tree I saw a set of eyes shining about 35 yards from the tree the dogs where treeing on. A closer look revealed a big Doe just laying on the ground watching the dogs. I thought something was wrong with her being so close to the dogs with all that racket going on. I went over to have a look see and she got up and bolted off looking perfectly fine. I think as long as we kept our distance she might have stayed right where she was.

Bottom line, I was in those woods night after night with my dogs and when Deer season came around I never had much problem getting in there, finding and killing a Deer, they stay home.

Al

2024-08-23_084833.png

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Northcountryman Veteran

Northcountryman

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1 hour ago, First-light said:

Now I'm not in my woods all the time. I do live here and will go cut trees, take the dogs for a walk and mow my paths. It doesn't bother the deer. I think we all "over think" pushing deer out of your area if you out and about. If you have good cover and food they will be right back in it after you leave. 

I agree. I think it has to be more of a consistent presence to bother them enough to avoid areas.

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Shoots100 Mentor

Shoots100

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This is a video from a late October 2020 hunt.

I hunted this spot pretty regularly that year and you can see the deer in the background didn't even flinch at the shot.

They bolt at the shot when I hunt at night after deer season opens.

SJC

 

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