Are there any advantages to scouting in the snow right now?

[Dewey]

I enjoy getting out this time of the year and follow deer trails in the snow to see where they are traveling, feeding and bedding. It's really neat seeing things from a deer's perspective and try to understand why they go where they do. Plus, finding a bonus shed antler is pretty cool too!

The problem I have is how much can really be learned this time of the year? Bedding and some food sources change quite a bit depending on the season and in the marshes I hunt bedding changes quite drastically when everything freezes over.

I learn the most from my scouting after the snow is gone but really have a hard time waiting until then

Anybody else scout this time of the year?
What are you looking for?

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[dan]

There are some good reasons for snow scouting... Tracking a buck thru your property and seeing where and how he travels is one thing... Another is looking at the bedding he is using now for two reasons, #1 where he beds in the snow may be a good place to hunt near in late season... Also, some of the best primary bedding areas are used all year especially in areas where deer don't winter and stay on the property all year. The best part about that is that some of the spots are often in over looked areas, but if you follow the tracks right to the bed, it won't be over looked.

[Dewey]

The best part about that is that some of the spots are often in over looked areas, but if you follow the tracks right to the bed, it won't be over looked.

Great point!
This is how I found some of my best buck beds over the years. Not sure if I would have found them otherwise.

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[moosehound]

Last year was the first year I scouted in the snow. I found 2 trails the deer were heavily using that no one on the lease ever thought to look.

[Jackson Marsh]

The buck I killed this year was directly related to snow scouting. I had found two different mature buck tracks walking a certain trail. Told me that two buck used the area. Also had found buck beds and rubs, I still need to scout the area more completely, which I will so soon. Of course I have no way pf knowing if the buck I killed had made one of the tracks, but if a couple of mature bucks felt comfortable there, other bucks might too. Based on the closeness to prime bedding as well as the remote area, I was comfortable that the area would have daylight movement. Now I just have to figure out an early season access for a PM hunt.

[ Post made via Android ]

[dan]

Not this year... But in Wisconsin some of the early snows that occur in October or November catch bucks still on there fall patterns before getting into there winter habits. Scouting tracks and beds then can be really effective, but its during hunting season.

[whitetail007]

scouting around an urban area last night and was shooked to see where i found most of the beds. in town not 40 yards from 2 busy streets. 2 major trails leading in and out, one when into the neighborhood and the second out into a picked corn field.

[PLB]

Scouted a public marsh today!! Saw 7 deer, 5 almost ran me over in the middle of the swamp! Theres not enough snow to change their habits too much. They live in there year round. The fields are plowed over on private but they are browsing on red brush and going about their business. I think its a great time to be out.

[ Post made via Android ]

[Czabs]

I went out today, I learned some stuff and discovered some new areas. I don't like scouting in the snow though, I like finding the beds they were using during the season, not now.

[Zap]

Its definetly easier to see beds in the snow, if you are having a problem locating them it can be a confidence booster.

[dan]

Its definetly easier to see beds in the snow, if you are having a problem locating them it can be a confidence booster.

Good point.

[Buckfever]

I think just in general getting on a fresh big track especially if you get some fresh rub shaving to confirm and then just following it, back and forward, just to see how the terrain is used, where the bedding spots are, is just an excellent expererience, it helps you see things. Even if it's not what's used in the fall, in gets you inside their heads a little.