Breaking down the big woods. Best tips.

[johndeere506]

I always look for water... unless it is abundant.... next is points in both marsh and hills... access... food... then walk it

[ Post made via Android ]

What kind of food do you look for? I think I struggle with this unless there are ag fields nearby. Oaks in the woods are good, but require lots of scouting in person I think.

[cbigbear]

JD506 try caltopo.com. I recommend using the topo as a base map then adding shaded relief as a layer. The shaded relief gives that 3d look to the terrain.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[SonofUlam]

Check out bowhunter15 going in blind video. He really breaks it down on what to look for and narrow down areas.

[ Post made via Android ]

Went out and found the video- it's very good, at least in my uneducated opinion.

[bbvideo=425,350]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pg17-CIXSU&list=UUrWvet_L5H1_AV3kATmydnQ&index=3[/bbvideo]

[johndeere506]

Thanks for the video and for the caltopo info. Ill check both. Im using Onxmaps for mapping aerials on google earth and its pretty helpful. I cant seem to get topo and the onxmaps overlays to work at the same time.

When using topo's, are you guys generally looking for likely pathways for all season (like a creek crossing, a bench next to creek), or funnels during the rut (saddles)?

[seazofcheeze]

I'll second "micro topography". Most of the beds I've found in areas you describe are on small rises, especially if surrounding area is swampy/marshy. I also look at the bases of any good size tree that is in a marshy area or is overgrown/brushy , like Dan shows in the Marsh bucks video

[ Post made via Android ]