Scouting time periods?

[Archelk]

I am a 12-13 hour drive away from our hunting area in Colorado. We have never pre-scouted the area and have just gone up during the archery season. As far as archery season is concerned how far in advance before the season starts would you guys recommend a quick weekend trip to scout the area before the season starts?

 

[2rocky]

Depends if you have been there before.

I've done 4th of July Week and not seen hardly any elk, but the purpose was to get to know the lay of the land, and where the roads and trails would take me. Then I could use Google earth and topo maps better after ground truthing. Some country just looks "elky".

If time is short. you can use the week prior to your hunt to locate actual elk. This is when you cover lots of ground and glass big country and know "I wanna be HERE" on Opening Day. I have had elk coming through camp on the night before the opener. I've also covered 14 miles on opening day to locate elk worth hunting the next morning.

 

[Archelk]

Thanks 2rocky. Just to clarify we have hunted the area for well over 6 years with good results. It has been 4 years since we have been back up there but I am very familiar with the area itself and what the area was capable of holding (4 years ago) as far as elk and mulies are concerned.

 

[weaver]

Id just go a couple days early for your hunt. You already know the lay of the land. You just need to figure out were the elk are currently.

 

[5MilesBack]

My "scouting" trips are more about me just getting up in the high country than actual "scouting". I know where the elk are, they'll be there during hunting season as well. I don't need to push anything out of an area, so my scouting trips are usually to places I don't hunt.....or maybe will hunt in the future if I do find something interesting. So, can't really help you with the timing thing.

 

[ElkNut1]

If I was hunting new surroundings & only was familiar with the country via google earth & topos I would head out there come July to get a good feel for the area & check out spots I had pre-marked on my topo maps as possible elky areas. 2-3 days is plenty if you know what you are looking for. I'm not really looking for elk while scouting but instead I'm looking over areas that have a high percentage of elk being there come mid Sept. I look for water, basins, saddles, long running draws with meadows here & there spread throughout the bottoms with water/cover.If your hunt is early season focus more on the high country & even above timberline. I enjoy calling to elk than ambushing although both ways can be highly successful.

ElkNut1

 

[trophyhill]

Last week of July to the first week of August. I look for the cows because they'll likely be in the same general area or not far from it come September. Just a matter of time before the bulls come out of hiding and show up.

 

[Archelk]

Thanks for all the comments guys! I appreciate it