Summer scouting?

[ID_Paul]

I'm going to try to do some scouting for elk season during my summer camping trips this year.

However, I have been wondering how much of what I see in July would be valuable in October.

What are your thoughts on this? Should I look for elk in July, or just look for spots that elk might use in October? I'm planning to camp in 6000 - 7000 ft. elevation areas that I am thinking of hunting this fall.

Thanks for your input.

 

[jcmuleys]

One of the biggest keys to scouting is not actually finding the animal that you want to hunt in July but more about learning the area and ways to access the terrain. More often than not the elk you see in July will not be in that same area in October. Hunters have pushed them around a bit and they could be miles from where you saw them on your summer scout trip. Deer on the other hand don't seem to move as far and often times you will find them in close proximity to where you saw them in July. At least until weather starts driving them out.
Scouting is very valuable to me. I try to learn trails as best that i can and then you will know how to get around better than going at it blind. You can never go wrong scouting ahead of time. The more time you can spend in the area you will be hunting the better off you will be when season is on. Good luck!
JC
Colorado Hunting Consultants LLC
www.cohunthelp.com

 

[Stubaby]

"scouting" is a great excuse to get out and look around. Esp. for deer. If you see a big deer or elk right now, just think of the motivation it will give you to keep gettin out. On the other hand if it looks good on google earth, but you go there and you don't see jack crap...then you can find other spots before its too late. It's always good to have spot, A, B, C cause you never know who else might be there and you have to go elswhere fast. I like the motivation...if a buck or bull looks good now, just think in 2 months from now..

 

[ID_Paul]

Thanks for the replies.

That's pretty much what I was thinking, it's most valuable to learn the land more than find specific animals. It would be nice to see some animals too - it would definitely keep the motivation up.