Spring scouting

Who does spring scouting?
With the nice weather we are going to have this weekend and no snow on the ground. I was thinking about doing some early spring scouting.
It will be nice to be able to see the trails well defined. Scrapes and rubs from last year will still stand out well.
Once March or April gets here I know I will want to fish so there isn’t much done in the scouting department.
Back when I used to turkey hunt a lot in Ne I did a ton of spring scouting while turkey hunting. Their archery turkey season opens up on March 20th.

I do full on spring scouting, lots of folks on here tell me it’s a waste if time due to pattern changes but I fully disagree and the proof is in the pudding year after year.
I asked this question last year and was met with alot of what a waste of time. Very very untrue.

Patterns do change a lot. But they change a lot from September through December.
That’s why summer scouting can be so hit or miss. I have seen bucks stay in an area once they shed velvet and the bachelor groups break up but I have also seen them make some huge shifts. Last summer I was able to get a few bucks patterned. I knew the clock was ticking once September came. Luckily I got it done on opening night.

Where ever you find sign this spring there will be sign there next year as well. Bucks definitely will have a preferred range for the rut. This range will be consistent year after year.

Bearcat89 wrote:

I do full on spring scouting, lots of folks on here tell me it’s a waste if time due to pattern changes but I fully disagree and the proof is in the pudding year after year.
I asked this question last year and was met with alot of what a waste of time. Very very untrue.

A lot has to do with habitat and food source. Some areas have minimal change, some are very dramatic. I have a few resident deer here at my farm, but the majority are winter herding down the road about a mile or two away. Every year they flood back here when things green up. Farms down that way left about 60 acres of standing corn. Hard food source to compete with

Haven’t been out yet, but will try and get some miles on asap. I generally like a little snow cover, and we have virtually 0 now, but still worthwhile. And since I never find sheds, I think I’m just calling it Spring Scouting from now on!

Patterns do change absolutely, but getting on them early and keeping a eye on them is a great step to the process. When the change happens you notice right away.
I hunt multiple public lots so I watch and move alot. Scouting early spring and summer has been a key to my success.
Some one who hunts the same farm year in and year out and only has that spot to hunt, it could be absolutely pointless. But to some one like my self. Spring and summer scouts give me alot of information that is needed.

I agree 100% Ron.
I myself hunt multiple states and lots of different pieces of ground.
To be honest unless I have a buck patterned or it’s the rut I won’t even sit the same tree 2 sits in a row.

Scout, scout and scout some more is my philosophy.
Some of my best SD spots have been found while coyote hunting.