Scout to hunt ratio...

Unread postby **dan** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:32 pm

Whats your scout to hunt ratio?

Unread postby **Black Squirrel** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:38 pm

I voted 2 scouting to 1 hunting. I know what you do Dan, because I just got done watching the Marsh DVD for about the 10th time. You state it should be more than 3:1, at least thats what you do. I know I need to get more scouting time in. I plan on going tomorrow as I don't have to work.

Unread postby **venisonassassin** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:04 pm

I went 3 to 1. I like to scout.Sometimes I feel like I could just scout and be happy with that.

Unread postby **PredatorTC** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:44 pm

I used to do about 1 to 3

But now its in between 2 to 1 and 3 to 1

Im with Black squirrel. I love just going for walks and scouting

Unread postby **magicman54494** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 2:02 pm

As quality hunting on public land in Wis. has continued to spiral downward I have had to adapt to different hunting/scouting techniques. Most of my hunting is too far from home to do out of season scouting. I wish I would live near some of the places I hunt. I actually like scouting at least as much as I like hunting. Away from home I try to do as much in season scouting as I do hunting. My first year in Minn. I scouted with a gun in my hand for 6 days before I found a spot I wanted to sit. I sat from morning to 3 PM and shot a 210# 9 pointer. Another method that is paying dividends is tracking. I learn more about the land I hunt and the deer there tracking then if I just free lance scouted. I think thats why I love tracking so much. It combines the two things I love, scouting and hunting.

Unread postby **Singing Bridge** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:57 pm

I love to scout, and put thousands of miles on my truck each year to do just that. Other than shooting a buck, hunting drives me nuts and I have a hard time staying still. I would much rather scout than sit on stand.

I spend at least 3 days scouting for every day in the woods.

Unread postby **Zap** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:11 am

How do you count scouting while you are ready to hunt?
I cannot imagine walking in the woods during open season without my bow.

marty

Unread postby **Casper** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:20 am

Zap wrote:How do you count scouting while you are ready to hunt?
I cannot imagine walking in the woods during open season without my bow.

marty

Thats when you scout with a stand on your back and setup on the hot sign. I wont go into an area without a stand on my back because I dont want to leave scent in there without hunting it if there is fresh sign.

Unread postby **Casper** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:23 am

I voted 2:1. For winter/spring scouting. If I counted summer glassing and patterning bucks...it would be in the 3.5-4:1 range I'd say.

Unread postby **PredatorTC** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:27 am

Casper wrote:
Zap wrote:How do you count scouting while you are ready to hunt?
I cannot imagine walking in the woods during open season without my bow.

marty

Thats when you scout with a stand on your back and setup on the hot sign. I wont go into an area without a stand on my back because I dont want to leave scent in there without hunting it if there is fresh sign.

I too keep my lonewolf on my back when i am headed to perminent stands becase every now and then i find hot sign and need to set up. if not, i just set my stand down al little before my setup

Unread postby **dan** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:10 am

A couple comments bring up a good question... What do you consider scouting?
Is reading topo's a form of long distance scouting? Glassing for bucks? Taking the long way to your evening stand?
How about eves dropping on a conversation about where a big buck has been seen? Is that a form of scouting?

Unread postby **3dog** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:35 am

3 to 1 or better. For example I've got around 30 hours into locating birds for my first season and hope to have 2 down for my girlfriend and I on opening morning. So that would be 30 hours of scouting to 6 hours of hunting if it pans out. The thing I really enjoy about heavy heavy scouting is when it does finally come time to hunt you expect action instead of hoping for it.

Unread postby **magicman54494** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:53 am

dan wrote:A couple comments bring up a good question... What do you consider scouting?

I believe a good hunter is always scouting. Even on trips to your stand you should be aware of whats going on. I have learned to slow down and be aware. It's easy to rush in and miss a lot of stuff. I know Dan has noted in the past(when scouting) to cover every inch of ground. That is one way of slowing yourself down and seeing more sign.
I'll start a new thread on effective scouting so everyone can post ideas.

Unread postby **Slider1005** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:20 pm

I voted 2-1. I have spent numerous days so far out walking when I will never be able to sit an entire day during the season.
I'm with bridge on this one. I hate sitting still. I love going out and scouting, walking new areas. That's why I'm so excited for this season, my first with putting in the time scouting. I agree I expect to see deer this year instead of hoping to.

Unread postby **dirt nap giver** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:31 am

I did 3 to 1. Wish there were higher options. I scout all the time, It's the only hobby I have so, while the family is sleeping in, I'm gone. Don't really care for summer walks in the woods, but I know I have to. It's irritating when you shoot some nice bucks and people talk smack about you. My personal time is filled with all phases of scouting. It's gonna be nice to have numerous trail cams this year.