After you draw the permit

[southslope82]

I recently have been researching alot of info on alot of hunts especially deer in several states there are a few permits that I have a good opprotunity to draw. I have never hunted big game out of state yet and want to take all precautions and make all preparations as possible to make this a safe, enjoyable, and hopefully a successful hunting season this next year. So once you draw a permit lets hear how you do get going on your hunts, I plan to contact bioligists, people who have hunted the unit before, I would like to make as many pre season trips as time would allow to learn roads and boundaries, study maps, etc......... I am hoping to learn some useful insight and ideas on what you guys do? Most all of these units are places I have only read and discussed about and have not ever even been too.. So I am starting as fresh as it gets,

 

[firemedic56]

Sounds like you have the right idea to me. I will tell you of a great little tool that's free on the internet and is a lot of help...that's looking at maps and aerials on live.com.....go to that and then click 'maps' and it's pretty easy from there,...it has some great aerial photos. Not much beats scouting on your own which is hard to do when you live 1,500 miles from the unit your going to hunt. Good luck!

 

[1highpeak]

Google earth is also a great tool to use while in the comfort of home. You should see if you can contact people who have hunted the area in the past as well (if possible), that may save you abunch of wasted time. With that being said, there is no substitute for time in the field, if you can go out at least once or twice it will help aton when your looking at maps and google earth to really have a feel for the lay of the land.
When I draw a deer tag and scout an outta state area, I make sure I try to see the bucks I want to hunt so I know they are there, with elk on the otherhand I just look for sign such as rubs old wallows, trails, low saddles you know, areas that look like rutting areas, you dont have to see the bulls to tell if they will be showing up by the time the rut rolls around.
Hope this helps alittle.

 

[sageadvice]

After all the scouting , contacts, whatever... just make sure you roll out early and before daylight get back in there farther than the other guy. Once there, even if other hunters are seen, hunt very, very slowly and use them glasses a lot. When i'm in a good spot, i can "feel" it! Might not apply first time in a area but by day two, you should have a plan for a place, area, to be at by first light the next day. Good luck on your draws.

Joey

 

[Longun]

By the sounds of all the extensive research and planning....frame it and put it on the wall cause you'll never ever draw again...

 

[southslope82]

Man that 3d is awesome stuff I have never looked at that before thats really gonna help me out thanks for sharing thats exactly the additional help that I am looking for that I never would have realized otherwise thanks for your guys input