Scouting thread

[NDHUNTER24]

Hey all, I'm currently in a dilemma. The only way for me to go deer hunting this year would be to go in blind in a state new to me for deer. There would be no summer scouting, but I would be able to show up a few days early before the hunt. Is it worth not going this year and holding off until next year when i will have more time available? Also, i will add that i can't draw this tag every year, and this hunt is in september. Thanks.

 

[CorbLand]

Are you talking like an every other year type tag or a once in a lifetime type tag?

 

[8mille]

Go for it ! Enjoy- life is short. A few days out in nature will always do you good . And get there the few days early you mentioned.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@CorbLand roughly 5 years now

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[robby denning]

I like what @8mille said, but Corb asks good question.

I lean on going, especially where you can get there a few days early. Because if it’s five points to draw now, there’s no guarantee it’s gonna stay at that and from what I’ve seen it’s gonna be seven or eight next time you try to draw.

If it jumps one point between now and next year, it could block you out depending on which state it is and how they handle the point refund. Most of them will not let you earn a point on the year that you apply a refund. In fact, they all might be that way now.

 

[robby denning]

I like what @8mille said, but Corb asks good question.

I lean on going, especially where you can get there a few days early. Because if it’s five points to draw now, there’s no guarantee it’s gonna stay at that and from what I’ve seen it’s gonna be seven or eight next time you try to draw.

If it jumps one point between now and next year, it could block you out depending on which state it is and how they handle the point refund. Most of them will not let you earn a point on the year that you apply a refund. In fact, they all might be that way now.

 

[willfrye027]

I’d go. Personally have killed some nice bucks showing up blind or giving it a day or two before season. Scouting is ideal but not always possible. Unless you are trying to kill the absolute biggest deer in the unit you can still have a great hunt.

 

[CorbLand]

Based on five years, I would just go for it. If it was 10 plus years to once in a lifetime, I might would try to get a scouting year in.

No guarantees that it stays every five years and if you ask most people, their only wish is that they went sooner.

 

[Mike 338]

The following year, you could be unemployed, sick or dead. Maybe even the rapture in which case you'd have another hunting story to take with you to heaven. The going early thing sounds great. Personally, I like scouting more than hunting anyway.

 

[hereinaz]

The default answer is always GO!

You better have a really compelling reason not to go.

IMO, unless you can hunt it regularly, just go, especially if you have days to find game before the hunt begins.

I have hunted places that have been scouted for decades and it’s good one year and worse the next. We have to work hard for a few days even knowing the territory.

 

[8mille]

The following year, you could be unemployed, sick or dead. Maybe even the rapture in which case you'd have another hunting story to take with you to heaven. The going early thing sounds great. Personally, I like scouting more than hunting anyway.

Me too. The exploration of new spots is always interesting and quite frankly less demanding. As I age it fits. Besides, I hunt mostly to support hunting and encourage new hunters to come out . You’d guys can get the majority of game. I’ll keep waiting for trophies and I’ll continue to pitch in and have a gratifying day every day out. Wether I harvest or not.

 

[TaperPin]

Definitely go. A bird in the hand. . .

 

[Antares]

You’re not going to shoot a big buck sitting on the couch.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

Thanks all, you all made it pretty easy to make a decision.

 

[TaperPin]

Don’t let yourself feel discouraged going in since many guys are only scouting a few days before the season on a good year. Some of my favorite bucks were found during years of little time for scouting in pockets that looked good on a map, but I had never scouted at all.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@TaperPin appreciate it. I'll have fun regardless, but it definitely will be overwhelming. The country is far different from what I'm used to.

 

[Marble]

Thanks all, you all made it pretty easy to make a decision.

Some of my most successful hunts have been going into an area i have never hunted before. There isn't always a next time....So I'll sieze the moment and go regardless.

Having a couple days to get settled will help.

Just go. Finish the hunt with no regrets.

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[rogerdoger]

Definitely go, I cannot tell how many times I have been someplace and said I will be back here again and never made it back.

I drew a tag this year I did not plan on getting. I hunted one small corner of the area last year, I probably won’t have time to scout other areas before I go. I look at maps at night and plan to hunt hard when the season comes.

Hunting is scouting, you’re just able to shoot what you see. Learn what you can from the area this year and if you are lucky enough to draw a tag in that area again you will have that much more knowledge.

 

[Paddington]

If you don’t go you will regret it. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.

 

[Wildcats32]

I like what @8mille said, but Corb asks good question.

I lean on going, especially where you can get there a few days early. Because if it’s five points to draw now, there’s no guarantee it’s gonna stay at that and from what I’ve seen it’s gonna be seven or eight next time you try to draw.

If it jumps one point between now and next year, it could block you out depending on which state it is and how they handle the point refund. Most of them will not let you earn a point on the year that you apply a refund. In fact, they all might be that way now.

This is definitely true. I’d go for it. E-scout what you can, talk to who you can and then get out a few days early and hunt it hard.