Learn how to scout deer on public lands to experience a successful hunt. Public land hunting can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to fill your tag on public lands.
Any successful deer hunter can tell you that it takes patience and a careful eye to land story-worthy kills. Much of the work comes down to scouting out possible hotspots and knowing when the deer will be most active. Yet, scouting isn’t an everyday skill we use in modern life. It takes time and some research to perfect.
How to scout on public lands
To properly scout deer on public lands, start by finding a few potential areas to focus on. The most important point is to find an area where deer are likely to congregate, such as water sources, fields, meadows, or wooded areas with plenty of underbrush. Then, observe the activity in those areas.
Although scouting can take some time and effort, you’re far more likely to land a successful hunt if you take time before the start of the season to locate hotspots where the deer are most active. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a fridge full of venison in no time.
Locate With High-Traffic Areas
Before the start of the hunting season, deer populations will likely have set areas where they congregate to eat and drink during the day. They will also likely have specific routes they take between their bedding and feeding areas. If you can find these routes, you’ll be in a great position to set up an ambush.
There are a few things to look for when trying to find these high-traffic areas:
- Look for areas with a lot of deer signs, such as tracks, scat, or rubs on trees. These are all indications that deer frequent the area.
- Pay attention to the time of day. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the best times to scout.
- Look for dense vegetation areas, as deer often use these areas for cover.
Once you’ve found a few potential areas, it’s time to start scouting in earnest.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s world, there’s no excuse not to use technology to your advantage. One of the best ways to do so is to use a trail camera.
PRO TIP: Not all states allow the usage of trail cameras on public lands. Check your local rules and regulations for your particular area.
These devices can be set up in potential deer hotspots and take pictures or videos whenever an animal passes by. This is a great way to gauge deer activity in an area without having to spend all day scouting.
Another useful piece of technology is a GPS device, such as onXmaps. This can be used to track your progress as you scout an area. It can also be used to mark potential deer hotspots. This way, you can easily find your way back to these spots when it’s time to hunt.
Finally, don’t forget about online resources. There are a number of websites and forums that are dedicated to deer hunting. These can be a great way to learn about potential hunting areas.
Be Patient
Scouting takes time and patience. It’s important to remember that you won’t find deer every time you go out. Sometimes, you may have to explore several areas before finding a hotspot. Other times, you may find an area that looks promising but turns out to be a bust. The more time you spend scouting, the better your chances of success.
The Bottom Line
Scouting deer on public land can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort. By finding potential hotspots and observing the activity in those areas, you’ll be in a much better position to have a successful public land hunt.
Primal Pioneer is a food blog and public land hunting resource by Mike and Jennifer Shreckengost. We’re a husband and wife team who combined their two passions – a love of the outdoors and food – into a joint effort with Primal Pioneer! You’ll find resources on planning and executing your own DIY over-the-counter public land big game hunt, along with wild game recipes featuring mostly venison and elk.