Post Season Scouting

[Bushman]

Just wondering what guys have found when they do their post season scout. I saw tons of deer during the season but I was not in very good position 90% of the time. I went scouting this past weekend and found 3 super highways about 100 yards away from where I had set up. I now know where I will set up my stand in early season!!! Only 10 months away.

[JimT]

I also set up a little off this year also. I was about 50 yards off from a major run. My scouting is done. GPS is loaded with places to look at next fall. Can't wait.

[Chrud]

I can't wait to do some scouting this winter! Should be great!

[billygoat]

Took down my last stand yesterday, 12 hours after a fresh snow... not one track... I am fearful that with our DNR's effort to curb the deer herd due to CWD, that the kill was very hard on the herd... time will tell.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

The guy that runs the big ranch I hunt on has several quail hunts booked for Jan and Feb, so I'll probably guide a few groups and use that time to do some scouting.

Might as well get paid to do my scouting!!!

[Hillbilly]

I scouted hard this year and still came up empty, but thank goodness of next year. Shot my bow at 3 bucks this year and all three went inches over their back. I saw a lot of bucks, than I did last year. Was a challenging year with the deer winning, but thats ok, I can always eat some rabbit stew.

[RyanH]

Yea! I do alot of my scouting while predator hunting and stuff! But Im not done this eyar though!

[Doc]

Keep in mind that the deer are now into their winter diet and also seeking out areas that afford southern exposures and areas of windbreaks to help defend against the colder weather. What I am trying to say is that their current patterns may not even be close to what they will be doing in the warmer, early hunting season. Some of the southern areas may not see much difference, but here in NY, the pattern changes can be quite pronounced in some areas. The changes will become even greater as the winter goes on.

One thing the winter months can be good for is assessing how many deer you have going into next season and the size of them. In my case, I will be looking at whether we even have any deer left....lol.

Doc

[VermontHunter]

I agree Doc, the same here in Vermont the routes they travel in the winter when snow is on the ground, aren't the same routes they use in the summer and fall times. While scouting here in Northern Vermont it has to be done fairly close to the opening season and very cautiously not to deter them from thier routes.

[SaskMan]

Smitty, don't want to rain on tha parade but alot of that sign will be "yard up" sign, they've already yarded where I think you are talking about. I was visiting my favorite landowner last night and saw a pile way down by his house, the super highways will only get bigger as old man winter gets tougher. Alot of those deer will disperse miles away come spring again. Granted some will stay, get way back in the bush next fall!!! at least 500 yards off that field edge!

[wtnhunt]

Think we might hang a few new stands before the next season, but most of them will remain where they have been proven.

[camelNS]

Been scouting since i got my deer on NOV 15.I usually scout until the snow(deep)hits.I like to see where the bucks have l;eft some sign(hopefully fresh)and locater trails and bedding areas.So far i found one shed already(64B/C)and about a dozen spots for bow season.Looking good for next year,except for what old man winter takes.I scout as much as possible all year round.