I first look at the state regs and start looking at draw odds for units.. write down unit numbers and research to see what type of terrain it is and how much public land to hunt. If no draw or permit is necessary Ill look at google earth and look at terrain(sage open country, mountains with heavy timber, desert, super steep mountains,wilderness etc) what terrain you are hunting is big factor for some such as age, disabilities or just not in good enough shape. Once I have narrowed down a region or unit number is where forums and google are your best friend put a post up such as on here,Monster muleys or On your own adventures etc... You can get a lot of good info from some. Most of my outta state hunts I have gotten phone numbers from forums from locals who had a wealth of knowledge. Facebook is also another way to get tons of info from hunt groups. In some instances with areas for example If you were to look at hunting OTC ID panhandle elk you wont find a ton of info on a search. Areas like this all you can do is scour over maps and pick areas and go scout it if you can then hunt it..just 1 year hunting the area you will learn a ton and every year after it will just get better for you.
