Scouting Done Right

[Kingpuck]

So this is probably going to sound like a dumb question. There is some land that I was interested in checking out. So being lazy I woke up late and didn't get to the area until noon. Didn't see any deer but did check out the area a bit.

What is a typical day of scouting for you? Is it important to be there before sun up so that you can catch the deer at first light? What kinds of areas do you look for to watch? Probably thinking watering holes and choke points.

With this being my first year attempting to fill a tag and no one else interested in it in my family its been kind of like stumbling around in the dark. Some of this is starting to come together. Will probably feel better once I see a few more deer.

[sirfunkeybut]

trail cam could help out a fair amount if you dont mind risking the possability of it getting stolen

[Bean Counter]

There's plenty of scouting you can do mid day, especially when youre just learning a new area. Walk out game trails, find bedding areas, look for poop, hunt for sheds, find spots to glass from. Yes, the animals are more active at first and last light. As you get more serious about an area and in the hotter parts of the season it will be more important to be there early/late.

[Turner89]

When I am scouting I'm not concerned with weather or not I see any deer. I am looking for deer rubs, tracks, trails, bedding areas, and feeding areas. Really doubt you will see very many deer this time of year (at least blacktail) any way.
 I would'nt worry about being out first thing in the morning.

[Kingpuck]

Interesting posts guys. So really its more about the signs of life then the visual sight on the animal. Guess the hiking boots are going to get some more work.

[Turner89]

Kingpuck,
 Once you find an area with alot of the sign above, the best time to actually see the bucks on a regular basis is late July & august. They will be more out in the open and in bachelor groups.  I usually see them in the evenings in clear cuts.
 Until then keep looking for rubs. The bigger the tree the bigger the buck.

[huntnnw]

to anwser your question better it would help on what your hunting. Theres alot of sign u could see now,but a whole nother story come fall..example...muleys that migrate into area late in the year..same thing with whiteys in some areas. Crops are another factor