I think many people, me included to an extent scout “deer” but I think there is way more value in some other information that is so critical to obtain for even a 3rd season tag in Colorado when most of the deer aren’t even there.
I have scouted 3rd season units ahead of time and saved myself days of wondering around.
Things I look for in the summer for a late season hunt- Can I pull a trailer in here if it snows, campgrounds, road conditions, possible access points, vegetation, shed antlers, and the most valuable info in my opinion, Glassing Points! I want areas I can cover a ton of country from with my optics. I really like to have 25+ great glassing spots in my pocket, ready to roll for opening day. Places I can be, 45 minutes before sunrise and KNOW I can see some prime migration/winter range and cover big numbers of deer. (Sometimes it’s a bust
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When I arrive 3-4 days before the hunt starts, I only want to concentrate on one thing finding deer.
Maybe you know the unit inside and out already where you live close... but man if not and I was in your shoes I’d be tearing that winter range country and established migration routes apart learning every detail I could.
I know I’m going to be driving from Idaho to Colorado to scout and spend a few days for my 3rd season hunt here in a few weeks. It’s priceless to me.