Scouting Ethics

[Jpmiller]

Due to some really busy times with my business and family commitments I didn't get a chance to scout much this summer. I have hunted the same area for a long time and most of my scouting is just checking what had changed in terms of road/trail conditions and getting back into some more secluded areas to see what signs of other people I can find.

I know the elk end up there once the season starts so I am less worried about that more trying to make sure the "easy" ways into my spots are still available. I am taking my cousin hunting for his first season this year and trying to get everything set up for a fun time for him.

I could get out during the archery season but I would hate to ruin someone's hunt with my stumbling around. I wouldn't be singing and running through the woods but I still would feel absolutely terrible to spook an elk someone was putting the sneak on. Anyone have a thought on this?

[pianoman9701]

The woods are for us all to enjoy. There will be mushroom and salal pickers, bird watchers, hikers, tweekers, guys on leashes (see the old "people on cams" thread). Be considerate when you're able. Go scout when you get a chance.

[Dhoey07]

I run into this issue when running my dog for grouse in September.  For the most part, if I can tell that someone is in the area, I don't go in there.  If there is no one around, and I end up seeing someone out hunting, I go the other way. 

[OutHouse]

Of course you are free to scout at any time, but you raise a good point. If you are going to be trampling through and you know that there will be hunters there trying to make a harvest, the decent thing to do would be to forego scouting this year. Also, it appears that you know the area well and understand the animal behavior in that region. The way I see it is if I was putting on a stalk and some guy comes trampling through and says "oh woops I am scouting for another season--that was a nice animal!"---I'd be really pissed. In my younger day it would be cause for serious confrontation. You have a true dilemma.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I see no more dilemma than with any other group, some of who think they have a greater right than everyone else (every group).  It is one thing to intentionally interfere when you know another hunter is in the area, but I don't avoid my favorite time in the woods to hunt bear, grouse, deer, mushrooms and berries in deference to someone trying to run a stick through an elk.  If I see someone watching or stalking an animal, I go back the other way, but I'm not staying out of the woods when I have the chance.

On a humorous note on this subject, I was chewed out on a WDFW wildlife area one time by a very upset ATV operator - she was indignant that WDFW allowed hunting on "their" ATV riding area.  It was opening day of modern firearm elk season on the Colockum.

[BDildine]

I would say do it, but just try and be as low key as possible, if your walking pretty normally traveled/walked roads or trails, people should almost expect it to happens, but if you were cutting brush and stuff to make a trail then I would maybe hold off, but if it's just a Walk in the woods, by all means do it, rather it be another hunter than some anti/tree hugger type purposely trying to ruin it

[coachcw]

do what you would want done to you !

[pd]

do what you would want done to you !

The best answer yet.  Is this not our common culture?

[fisheral87]

You could push some animals and give someone an opportunity.

Al

[Dan-o]

No dilemma here.   

Scout when you can, and be courteous. You have as much right to enjoy time there as anyone

I never begrudge seeing others use the woods.   Sure it can be disappointing, but anyone who would confront you over it is just plain wrong. 

[Thefisherman83]

I've run into muzzy guys scouting during early elk, never had an issue with them and have even gotten some good intel.  Just do everyone a favor and leave the bugle at home.

[Jpmiller]

Lol the bugle won't do me any good for my general cow tag. I'm definitely not one of those guys. I can't bugle well enough to try when I am hunting let alone scouting for two months away.

[DOUBLELUNG]

do what you would want done to you !

The best answer yet.  Is this not our common culture?

Agreed.

[boneaddict]

 

[GBoyd]

I thought about this for grouse season, but decided that I prefer to use the public land. Archery season is most of September and modern season (for deer in Oregon) is all of October. That's too much time out of the season to avoid the woods.

Honestly if I was out hunting archery and ran into people scouting or picking berries or whatever, I would just look for a more secluded spot to hunt. You can't blame other people for that.