Everything I got wrong about deer scouting my first three seasons

[Coopa02]

I scouted too late in the season, walked too much of the property, left too much scent and ignored water sources entirely. On my fourth season, I changed everything and shot a doe on day two. Scouting isn’t just walking around it’s asking the land questions.

 

[Brisky1]

I made those mistakes too. I thought I was doing everything right, but I was just teaching deer what to expect.

 

[Alan]

“Asked the land questions” is a great way to put it.

 

[Bob W]

Grab a nice shady spot and glass. Near water sources is a bonus. If you see deer, pattern them and note when they bed down and when they get up to feed. All this before the hunt starts. Success rates improve with just that knowledge.

 

[Rizlord]

It took me way too long to realize that scouting is mostly about listening, not so much walking around. Now, I just find a good spot with a clear view and sit there for hours, binoculars in hand. Deer tend to show you where they hang out if you stop announcing your own location to them.