Scouting typically means hiking for hours to learn a property or discover what’s new on lands you’ve hunted many times before. Either way, time is precious and you should maximize your hours by scouting thoroughly before stepping outside.
Satellite-based programs and hunting apps like HuntStand give detailed views of nearly every possible property in the United States. If you know what features to study on satellite images, you can pinpoint potential hunting spots from the comfort of your home.
A key feature to look for is an edge, which is where different habitat types come together. Any habitat change can create edges, but an obvious example is where woods meets a field. Another thing to look for is topography that could funnel animal movement like, a low point on a ridge, called a saddle.
After locating promising areas with help from your computer, you should visit them in person to scout for sign and set up trail cameras to help pinpoint potential bowhunting sites. If you find good deer sign and download a memory card full of deer photos, you’ll hunt with more confidence.
Watch the above video for more information on e-scouting, and subscribe to the Bowhunting 360 YouTube for how-to videos.
