Skip to main content

Scout First For Success

Scout First For Success

Any time you bowhunt a new area, don't make the mistake of hunting immediately. Scout first. For example, I recently went after mule deer in a place I had never been before. I was tempted to immediately pound the hills, bow in hand, but I knew better. So I spent the first three days driving roads, glassing early and late, and snooping for fresh tracks in promising habitat. I saw a smattering of deer, but no large concentrations.

Then my scouting paid off big on the third evening out when I found a canyon with more bucks than all the other places combined. Two days after that, I stalked and shot a nice 6x6 after passing up two dozen smaller males. If I had not scouted first, I would have spent the entire 10-day trip in a second-rate spot with a reduced chance of taking an animal.

Here is a good rule of thumb: In a new area, devote at least the first 25 percent of your trip to scouting. Don't try to fill your tag immediately -- cover lots of ground first to locate a high-odds place to hunt. Find the hotspot first, and then pursue the animals. You will realize far more success in the long run.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Browning Pro Scout Max with AI Technology

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

QAD Archery: Integrate Mounting System Updates

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Bowtech's 2025 Bow Lineup

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

The Technology Behind BLOCK & GlenDel Targets

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Ripcord Arrow Rest Options for 2025

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

New Easton FMJ Max & 5.0 Arrows

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Prime Form Hunting Bow

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Saddle Hunting Era Set to Begin at Hunter Safety System

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Kenetrek Elevated Extreme Saddle Hunting Boots

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Rage Hypo 2 Broadhead

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

New Traditional Bow Additions from Bear Archery

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Trophy Ridge New-for-2025 Accessories

Bowhunter Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Bowhunter App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Bowhunter stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Bowhunter subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Bowhunter stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use