Map Scouting?

[AHP27]

Hey guys,

I was wondering how everyone does their "map scouting." At the moment I normally just get on google maps and look for thick timber and aspen grooves that are a ways away from the any roads. Seems like the best hunters out there can look at a map and have a good idea of where the elk are going to be but what exactly are you looking for?

Thanks for any advice!
Adam

 

[daddie63]

I'd like to know this too. Hopefully you get responses.

 

[Arbutusbucks]

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?17126-Google-Earth-Scouting

I asked a similar question not long ago. I found the replies very helpful.

 

[Rizzy]

Around here;

A bench with water that is going to take a 1500'+ (per mile or less) off trail climb to get to.
The highest meadow where the creek comes out of the mountain.

These are usually good bets. In some areas it's almost a sure bet, others it may take a couple empty ones before you find the herd. Pressure is the key factor. So with maps look for limited access on that.

 

[AHP27]

Thanks for the link and the info guys, very useful information!

 

[InDeep]

Around here;

A bench with water that is going to take a 1500'+ (per mile or less) off trail climb to get to.
The highest meadow where the creek comes out of the mountain.

These are usually good bets. In some areas it's almost a sure bet, others it may take a couple empty ones before you find the herd. Pressure is the key factor. So with maps look for limited access on that.

^^^Good info here !

 

[larryschwartz]

It really boils down to this...

1) do you know what kind of terrain and habitat the elk will be in/on (basin with water running through it)? If you do, then

2) do you know what that looks like in an aerial photo or on a topographic map? If you do, then

3) look at your map or photo and search for those kinds of habitat.

For whitetails I look for knobs on ridgelines that big bucks often bed down in, saddles on ridges for crossing points, edges between fields and woods or even changes in elevation on hillsides that deer prefer for food or travelling, thick cover for bedding areas near probable feeding areas. The same thing goes for elk or rabbits or any animal.

 

[AHP27]

Does the direction of the terrain matter? Ex; would a Southern facing basin be better to check than a Northern facing one?

It really boils down to this...

1) do you know what kind of terrain and habitat the elk will be in/on (basin with water running through it)? If you do, then

2) do you know what that looks like in an aerial photo or on a topographic map? If you do, then

3) look at your map or photo and search for those kinds of habitat.

For whitetails I look for knobs on ridgelines that big bucks often bed down in, saddles on ridges for crossing points, edges between fields and woods or even changes in elevation on hillsides that deer prefer for food or travelling, thick cover for bedding areas near probable feeding areas. The same thing goes for elk or rabbits or any animal.

 

[airlocksniffer]

Does the direction of the terrain matter? Ex; would a Southern facing basin be better to check than a Northern facing one?

I'm under the impression that north facing timber is more likely to hold elk as it stays cooler for the day.

 

[AHP27]

I'm under the impression that north facing timber is more likely to hold elk as it stays cooler for the day.

Makes sense, thanks for the input!

 

[Ben]

One thing to keep in mind is to check various maps of the same area. I now always use USGS, Google Earth, Garmin Trails, some free maps from GPSfiledepot, and green trails maps. I do this because on multiple occasions I have found what appears to be a great area with no trails just to get there and find more than one trail going right through it. It's better to double and triple check than to hike a long distance to an area that ends up being filled with hiker traffic.

 

[Ben]

I also look for an area that requires at least one river crossing.

 

[larryschwartz]

One thing to keep in mind is to check various maps of the same area. I now always use USGS, Google Earth, Garmin Trails, some free maps from GPSfiledepot, and green trails maps. I do this because on multiple occasions I have found what appears to be a great area with no trails just to get there and find more than one trail going right through it. It's better to double and triple check than to hike a long distance to an area that ends up being filled with hiker traffic.

I always check the date the map was updated, normally on the bottom of the image, to see which one is the most current.

 

[AHP27]

I've never even heard of most of these maps haha! That post Arbutusbucks put up awhile back seems to have a bunch of good ones as well

 

[AHP27]

I also look for an area that requires at least one river crossing.

Wet boots does seem to be a good deterrent!