Scouting

[cootcaller]

Okay, I've been looking around on this site for a while now, and decide to finally join!

For my first post, I have a question. We hunt an area of private/ public land in Eastern WA, typical muley country of sage with hills etc. When we are scouting we generally drive around on ATV's or trucks and don't venture to far off the roads for fear of spooking deer.

Recently we found some new country that looks pretty good, we seen deer on a couple occasions about 2,000 yards off a dirt road. We think these deer are using a bowl to bed down in during the day that is about a half mile off the road.

So hears my question. We are planning to be over in the area a couple days before the season opens and I want to know if I should sneak into that bowl before it gets light and glass the area for a couple hours. My buddy says that I might spook the bucks, but curiosity is getting the better of me and I want to know if these bucks are using that bowl. I really don't want to just setup there for the opener before I know that the bucks we've seen are using that bowl.

So, do you think its okay to go into the area your going to hunt the day before the season opens?

 

[couesbitten]

I live and hunt in eastern WA and love to hunt the open sagebrush country.

I think that if you can't get close enough to adequately glass the area you are planning to hunt, then how are you going to get close enough to make a good shot on a buck if you see the one your after. I'm sure that if you're careful, keep the wind in your fac and keep yourself reasonably concealed, then you should be able to gain a vantage point that will allow you to survey your chosen hunting area. I'm assuming that you are using bino's and a spotting scope.

Good luck to you guys on your hunt, and let us know how you guys do. Scott

 

[WAstickslinger]

I agree that you should be able to glass without the bucks even knowing your there. Even if you spook them, it is very likely that they will come right back the next day, or close by. I live in Eastern washington too. Eventhough it is fairly flat here in the basin, I like to find a hump and watch with my spotting scope. You need to watch them so you know where they are bedding and what paths they take to and from water and food. You will be more successful the more you know their patterns. I would not feel comfortable like you said, just going in without knowing a little more.

I even bump them on purpose sometimes while scouting, then you can watch what paths they take out of their beds and where they go after a little pressure. It will help you opening morning if they get bumped.

Don't know if everyone agrees but it has worked for me for many years.