Scouting on Google

[nclonghunter]

A recent post by Steve-WV got me  thinking about scouting an area by Google Maps. I do not have much knowledge about how to scout on the maps. Once I have put boots on the ground, I can come back to the maps and make good use from them.

If you where given a Google version map to look at, could you determine where, how and what areas to focus on?

I suggest picking a location in a 17-20 preference point unit to look at an area. Perhaps some knowledgeable folks can help us learn how to pick good locations, just by looking at the map. I am using the high preference point location because most folks only hunt there once in their life or not at all. Anyone interested in trying this???

 

[Big Tex]

I'm in....I really enjoying tearing into maps to find new hunting locations.  I think its important to have a topo view, birds eye photo view, as well as all the boundries, access points, trails and roads before you start.  I also usually triangulate info from these layers plus discussions with biologists, outfitters, others to help get leads/narrow it down/rule places out.  Also, I have features I look for eg. tucked away benches, saddles/escape/travel routes, grassy clearings, dark north/east facing timber, water/springs, distance from trails/roads, etc.

 

[MTbowhunter1984]

Depending on the state look at huntinggpsmaps.com.  They have google earth map overlays that show both public and private boundaries and works great for this way of scouting from home.

 

[BrentLaBere]

I would do this as well. MTbowhunter1984 makes a really good point about google earth over lays. I have one and use it for montana right now. It helps with trailheads and trails. Althought one thing to look for on it is if these roads are actually open. You need different from the USFW service for seasonal designations.
Either way I would like to discuss topo, as well as satelite images of a given area with experienced hunters on here, hopefully we can each pick up on a few things.

 

[buglelk]

I spend way more time on Google Earth than I actually spend in the unit I'm hunting! In my opinion, it is the most powerful scouting application available. Elk need 3 things: food, water, and bedding areas. Find those 3 things at least 1 mile from the nearest road, and you eliminate several days worth of on-the-ground scouting. Obviously, you still need to go and put your boots to the ground and verify what you found on GE, but it greatly increases the effectiveness of scouting and maximizes the days I get to spend chasing elk, not looking for elk.


FYI, there is a pretty good section on what I look for and how I use Google Earth for scouting in the new University of Elk Hunting DVD....

 

[nclonghunter]

Thanks guys, my laptop crashed and I have found that an IPad will not support some map versions. I am having trouble getting a map posted to start scouting. I am working on it..


Corey, thanks for the info, that is exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with the help of everyone on here. Learning how to look at the map and make the best choices of where to start.


The DVD is on order and excited to get them. I was hoping some Google Earth scouting tips would be on there...excited to start learning.

 

[nclonghunter]

I saved a Jpeg photo from Google Earth to my desktop, then sized it in Paint. I attempted to attach it to a post, but it would not do anything. This may be harder than it seems.... :

 

[BrentLaBere]

Test

 

[BrentLaBere]

Seemed to work alright with one of my favorite places in Montana 8) .
I could try to post a few as well if anyone wanted to pick a spot. Like what was said before not too particular so no one steps on toes. We could all find some topo maps or use acme mapper snap shot to discuss.

 

[nclonghunter]

Hey Brent, that looks like Mt. Saint Helen...LOL

That's what I tried to do, just need to figure out what you did different. You saving the pic to desktop first, then resizing it?

I was using Unit 36, Cottonwood Pass area. Its all National Forest Land, north of Vail. I do not know of anyone hunting there that is on here. It is surrounded by Rt. 131 and Sheephorn Road. I think it gets to 11,000 feet at its peak.

 

[nclonghunter]

Wow it worked. Click on paper clip and open with Windows Photo Viewer. This will allow you to zoom in.

 

[Big Tex]

Brent,  Looks like interesting terrain but I like to get away from skiers, when I'm hunting.  ;D

 

[BrentLaBere]

Haha yeah I usually scare the lifties when they see my rifle!!   Good for covering a lot of ground too ;D


Just found the area on google earth and acme mapper that you posted nclonghunter. I will take a look and post some of my ideas for discussion.

 

[nclonghunter]

I am looking at this area for bow hunting season. I believe later seasons may make a difference on selection sights.

The areas I circled are locations that appeal to me. They are on the North slope. They are woods with dispersed fields and what looks like drainage areas for water. I also see what looks like flat areas to move around in. I would suspect elk on lower areas would move up the mountain and into these areas at daylight.

I do not have any knowledge about this area and these locations are just what appeals to me. Not a good bases for starting a hunt.

 

[BrentLaBere]

All good points nclonghunter
I first started going over the area and actually picked the west side of the ridge to go on. A lot of water seems to be present in this area by using acme mapper. The one thing I didn't like was how many trails run through it.....not sure if all these are accessible though. Access being an issue for me I started to look for really steep north facing slopes that may be difficult to hike to. This would help me separate myself from the rest of the hunters out there.


I like the spots you picked nclonghunter more so the one on the left in the picture.
Here are the spots I would like to look at for possible bedding areas.

 

[BrentLaBere]

Tried posting it with the last one to reference the areas I picked....
Here is a top view behind Piney Peak..

 

[nclonghunter]

Brent, it is interesting to me you have picked the south side of the mountain also. I have gotten it in my head to stay on north facing slopes for elk. Also the bedding areas is one part I am lacking in. If you would, how did you choose those areas for bedding? Wind currents, sun, close to fields?


Thanks for participating, I had hoped for more to share opinions.

 

[BrentLaBere]

http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/blog/Mark-Huelsing-Sole-Adventure-Scouting-Maps?utm_source=Western+Waypoint+-+Hunting+GPS+Map%27s+Official+Newsletter&utm_campaign=677692ccb4-May_2013_Newsletter5_9_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_97662c4293-677692ccb4-52977765&mc_cid=677692ccb4&mc_eid=e36461c608


Long link I know but I got it in an email from huntinggpsmaps.com. Reading a few articles from there as well as getting some good tips from others along the way.
One reason I looked at that side is because of road access. Not saying there wont be elk near the road in some cases but obviously less pressure the better. The areas I pin pointed are not facing "south". They are on the south side where there is more sun, and with water present should be plentiful food. Look at the link I posted as well as the others involved with it. They describe areas on these ridge line were you have north cuts with dark timber and benches. With this area being away from the roads, a lot of water and plenty of open meadows it could be a good place to look.
I am NO expert by any means haha. Was hoping for a few more opinions on this thread as well. 

 

[nclonghunter]

Hey Brent, it was worth a try. Thanks for the link, I will read it.

 

[BrentLaBere]

Well after watching the elk101 DVD I am bringing this thread back up....
To start out with, what we have touched on this thread, is how valuable google earth is to our scouting. If it is a new area and you need to get a feel for the lay of the land. Check out possible bedding areas as well as feeding areas (green lush basin with good water) and water sources.


A few things I have said in this thread already and have heard it from other veteran hunters that have dealt with pressure on public lands before.......get at least 1 mile away from the road or trail head. Very good advice. I really liked how you did a view over the hunting area you showed (which I think you had it on a web-episode on elk101?) and talked about the ridge lines where you might find elk early or late before and going to bedding areas. I really wish you would have went into more depth on that. Even showing which way is north on the screen when you are addressing the dark timber bedding areas??? I believe I knew which way was north but even to address it so we could see it first hand.


I liked the part where you also said that you really dont know until you put the boot leather to the ground.....This helps me stay confident in my scouting ability. I can pour over maps but I really need to narrow it down to a few spots and keep moving to find the elk.


Going back to the comment of getting a mile off of the road. You said to check roads for your area but one thing I have learned using google earth, as well as hunting gps maps over lay (which is a great product) to find these secluded areas, is they dont say what roads are restricted! The new guy scouting public lands needs to check with NFWS, or whatever lands they will be hunting, for road restrictions and closures. One thing someone needs to take notes on before heading to the hunting destination of choice. I would of liked to know what products you used to research this in your area.


When you also brought up going down into that timbered area and the bulls were bugling like crazy. Later in the video, I believe in the calling part of it, you discussed the pre-rut and the bulls bedroom..... (I really liked that part of the video describing the scenarios but that is for another thread.) Is that what you were describing? on a benchy area in dark timber 2/3 up the mountain? This is one thing I am looked for on google earth for my new hunting area this fall and would you to maybe clear that up for me.




I dont have my notes with me that I took but will be posting them later, or maybe watch the video again before going on a rant like this one to make things more clear .
Either way, great video guys! I really enjoyed it. I found it to go over basics that are essential as well as picking up VERY helpful details that can change ones hunt. Be a better hunter today than I was yesterday and be better tomorrow than I am today! Motivation for the season and cant wait to discuss more topics with everyone.