When To Start Scouting For Blacktail ?

[seansfire]

I closed out my 2nd year of hunting archery without putting one in the freezer. I was just wondering what time of the year you guys and gals started scouting for em' in your favorite spots. I am determined to make it happen this year as tag soup sucks!!!!

I also have a climber style tree stand i bought and don't like thati want to trade for something useful. i figure it is worth about 100.00. I would rather trade it and help someone get something they want than sell it. Need a hunting pack , a good set of binoculars , whatever.

[bobcat]

I started scouting yesterday. This is a good time to get out there. It's easier to see trails and such with all the leaves off the trees.

[Axle]

BT scouting is a year-round activity for me. I've lived among them since the mid '70s and can't get enough.
Most guys don't use tree stands for them. Normally you would use them when you can pattern them but BTs are hard to pattern. Very hard unless you are on private land with apple trees.

[bobcat]

I'd keep the stand. I think you'll find it very useful. I'm going to use a climbing stand for the first time this year. Read the books by Boyd Iverson and Cameron Hanes, they both hunt blacktails out of tree stands and have been very successful.

[billythekidrock]

Start as soon as your season is over.

[seansfire]

i have a couple stationary tree stands that i like alot better.

[Huntbear]

Start scouting right away.  The deer do not leave their home territory, unless pushed out by snow.  You can find secret hideaways with the leaves and such off, and the ferns knocked down.  Watch the edges of clearings, to see where the deer come from, will give you an idea of where to start.

[blackveltbowhunter]

The best time to scout? ANYTIME! I like scouting in summer cuz bucks are more visible as they spend more time in the open plus they are often in bachelor herd so you may get the opportunity to look over several bucks at the same time. The bucks located during the summer most likely reside close by, so archery season should get first crack at them in september. When scouting for late season I focus on finding does, and rubs indicative of buck activity. Right now is a great time to scout as bucks are focused on food which is a good option in late - late season, leaves are down, and sheds are starting to fall. Scouting for blacktail to me is not so much about patterning a specific deer or even group of deer but learning a specific area and how the deer and bucks in a given area utilize it. What type of tree stand is the climber? I have been looking at purchasing a climber just to hunt one property in particular. What type of pack are you looking for? Binos?

[grousetracker]

i like to scout during turkey season and on. the leaves aren"t all the way on so you can see the lay of the land easier. you bow hunt so i would use that stand. put some bait out and a camera and see whats around , if you dont see much keep moving until you do. my scouting consists of getting away from drivable roads. i offered to take you out and understand your wanting to do it yourself.

[SkookumHntr]

Im always looking for the new hotspot, year round for me!