Too early to scout?

[Evoac05]

Hi everyone, I was curious too see what people thought. Do you consider it too early to scout for deer (modern)? Are deer going to be active this time of year? Are they going to be at higher or lower elevations? I'm wanting to start scouting early this year so that I can actually get a deer this season. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[longrangekiller]

i usually start looking in august it seems good to me bear and scouting kill 2 birds with one stone

[bobcat]

It's never too early to scout. The deer you see now may not be in the same locations come hunting season, but your scouting will at least help to get you more familiar with the lay of the land, and access routes into your area. You can also look for sign from last fall, which mainly would be buck rubs. Find those and you know bucks were there either during late August/September when they were rubbing off the velvet, and/or they were there in late October/November when the rut was kicking in.

I would try to do some sort of scouting every chance you get.

[ellensburgpo]

I agree with what the first two posters said. The only thing I would add is it's too early in the year to educate the deer. Don't pressure the deer and make things harder on your self come fall.

[turkey slayer]

Ill spend every morning on the weekends scouting from July the night befor opening but I all so live 15 minutes from my closest spot I hunt.

[dupedc]

Just like the others have said, you can't get out there enough. I learn something new every time. I look for spots to glass from; make notes on my map... saddles, rubs, H2O, etc. Check out your gear, test out the new stuff, try different food options... You get the point.  In alot of ways it's more fun than hunting in that it's just you out there and you can really spend time watching game. Good luck and just get out and enjoy being in the woods.

[400out]

never!!!!!!!!!!!

[viva_che1363]

i dont know where your planning to go scouting but if you want some company pm me. im new to this hunting business and don't have any family/friends that are interested.  in a the next few months i should have plenty of smoked steelhead and salmon to share too

[coachcw]

scare all the bucks into the steepist nastyist crap so you will have them to urself ! no really its a great time to scout  the migration trails . sorry couldn't resist . remember the bucks you see now will most likley change there habits come season so be flexible and willing to move if need be . good time to find acess into spots and cut trails , hell just to get into the woods !

[Chesapeake]

For the majority of my scouting I dont particularly look for or need to see the critters I'm hunting. I'm looking for terain features, habitat, how to effectively hunt an area, how it looks like other hunters use an area, ect......

Later in the summer I'll be looking for critters to set my sights on, but until then, terain is my game.
 
But of course all critters seen are noted.

Scouting is a year round deal. We just call it different things at different times. Like shed hunting, turkey hunting, berry picking, fishing, ect.....

[Evoac05]

Thanks everyone for your input. I just got back from checking out a few areas. I managed to see a great horned owl and a doe with her fawn. Can't wait till the season starts up!

[jeremie]

never to early to scout always learn stuff everytime out .That being said I hit it hard inmid july into sept

[mfswallace]

Alot of great advice...1 more tidbit- use this time to develope your woodsmanship don't just go for a hike

[throttlejocky20]

Scout year round. Animals follow different patterns at different times of year. With that said I spent the whole day yesterday in the woods and saw alot of fuzzy bone!!!!!