3 extra days scouting b4 seasons or 1 day of hunting at the end?....WWUD?

[ureyes]

Would you rather have 3 extra days of scouting before the season opens or only have 1 day of scouting and be able to hunt the last day of season?

I'm trying to plan the exact dates for this falls hunt. Going into an area that I have never hunted before.

I was planning a Tuesday departure which would put me there 2 days before the rifle season opens. Or I could move one of my vacation days from the end of the trip to the front which would allow me to leave on a Saturday (3 day earlier)....but I would then not be able to hunt on the last day of season and would need to leave that day.

which is better?

 

[rhendrix]

I'd rather have three days to scout personally, that way I'm able to stay mobile and don't disrupt any pattern the elk are in before the season starts. Determine a few areas you want to check out on a map, hike into them, if you're into elk on day 1 of your scouting trip, then stay on them until the season opens and kill one opening morning. If you're not, move until you are.

Just my two pennies worth.

 

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Extra scouting since you don't know the area its easy to decide. If it was my honey hole I would do option 2

 

[WRO]

Scouting for sure, I'd rather have some idea what's there than passing with out knowledge of what's available.

 

[Tino]

Separation is in the preparation. Proper preparation can literally save your year if you learn travel routes or learn from a mistake that may save your season when opportunity arises.

 

[Bar]

It's a no brainer. 3 days of scouting, and you may not need the extra last day to hunt.

 

[Ross]

For me personally, if you have some idea of the drainage or mt range your going to hunt and that the area has elk, I would prefer two days of scouting and a further day of weapon in hand. If no idea of elk numbers or any plans, then go with the 3 days of scouting.