E-scouting doubts

[Zackw]

In the process of e-scouting, I keep finding basins that look absolutely perfect. But then my first thought is ‘it looks so good that everyone else sees it, and it’ll be full of people’. Am I the only one?

 

[CorbLand]

One way to find out.

 

[hoff1ck]

In the process of e-scouting, I keep finding basins that look absolutely perfect. But then my first thought is ‘it looks so good that everyone else sees it, and it’ll be full of people’. Am I the only one?

That can still be helpful, have to think next step too.

 

[bozeman]

E scouting is a great tool....I located a spot out west from my house in AL via google earth and saw elk the first evening there.......what it is DIFFICULT to see is how rough terrain is.....the blow down that looks 'ok' on the screen was a total leg/hip killer for me stepping over it all day long........good luck!!

 

[Ducks N' Bucks]

I think it depends on the unit. Is it a draw tag with few tags or general season tag with lots of tags. How far from a road are the basins you are finding. Also keep in mind that overlaping seasons could boost the hunter numbers.

 

[isItFallYet]

E scouting is a great tool....I located a spot out west from my house in AL via google earth and saw elk the first evening there.......what it is DIFFICULT to see is how rough terrain is.....the blow down that looks 'ok' on the screen was a total leg/hip killer for me stepping over it all day long........good luck!!

I’ve also had real good luck with this. I’ve planned hunts based on eScouting in both WY and CO. Both times there were elk within a few hundred yards of my pins.

 

[hoothooters]

i've been feeling the exact same issue. also worried about the judgment on terrain. Might not look to bad on maps but could be a hell hole in person! i just started marking locations that look good and then locations that look decent were id expect less people for back ups. unfortunately we will never know and always have to accept the fact that there is people everywhere.

 

[awbowhunter]

My first elk hunt to Montana i spent a ridiculous amount of time e scouting and had plans and spots marked from A to darn near Z. My A spot put me on a 6 point 2nd day out. My hunting elk skills however did not close that deal lol. I'd trust your e scouting and make sure you have back up plans and move based on pressure and sign you are seeing. If your not seeing elk or sign MOVE until one of your e scout spots pay off. Good Luck!

 

[Brillo]

E scouting ain't perfect but it sure is good. Without e scouting you could take half a lifetime to discover a good area. Similarly, boots on the ground, are required to know for sure if a good looking spot on the computer is good in person. Back ups are essential but they always were.

 

[Bowhuntone]

You need to look at the other factors to decide on how many people will want to be there. Accessibility, steepness of terrain, distance, or maybe they will not go there because everyone else will be there. E scouting is just one step in the process. The only way to know is boots on the ground. E scouting is trying to either identify areas that you think that you target animal with be in or nor be in. Use it to try to shrink the amount of area you need to cover by foot to locate animals. As most have said have as may back up plans as possible so if there are no animals or too many people you have the next location picked out and aren't wasting time trying to decide where to go.