When do you start scouting?

[Bulldawg]

I know much of the high country is covered in snow and the bucks are in the infant stages of antler growth but when do you guys start going out looking for big bucks in the high country?

 

[Slim Jim]

Usually from about the first of July

 

[MuleyFever]

July

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I like to get out in May if it's a new area just to get my eyes on the area of course if snow isn't a problem. Really looking for deer in July though.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

Late July early August. Deer aren't into there home spots around here till then. Best scouting is end of August

 

[Bar]

As soon as the snow is mostly gone. I love the high timber, and i'll be there even if i'm not scouting. I'd say i'm there at least 250 days a year watching muley's and elk. The best time to scout is during all the hunting seasons. Watching what they do during hunting seasons is invaluable.

The more you learn about your prey. The better hunter you'll be. Seeing how they live on off season, and hunting seasons help you get to know how they're thinking. After awhile you can almost think like they do, and be pretty accurate on what they'll do in different conditions.

Of course not everybody can spend that much time in the mountains. I've been retired for 15 years, and I have the time. However, when I was working I had it worked out so I could take off 1 1/2 months for hunting. Most all that time was spent scouting.

Looking at maps are helpful, but it can't compare to boots on the ground.

 

[Jason Stafford]

I typically start scouting mid to late July.

 

[In God We Trust]

At home in Colorado I start mid July. If I draw an out of state tag like Wyoming I will start beginning of July so I can learn the country as well as find deer.