Scouting Resources

S

skunked

New member
Apr 2, 2014
17
So my first archery season has consisted of going to the range about 4 nights a week, and looking at maps.

I've been using the IDFG hunt planner, as well as some paper topos, anecdotal information from conversations with other hunters, and a lot of Google Earth scouring. I have 3 places nailed down as potentials after discussing it with some credible and marginally credible sources. I'm wondering what you all look for in Google Earth images. One spot I've been considering heavily is near Sun Valley, it has a high saddle under a peak with defined game trails above some water and a bit of timber. The elevation is right around 10,000. Is that too high? I guess my dilemma is that I'm not 100% confident in my novice eye.

Thanks!
 
Google maps is an invaluable resource for a guy who no longer lives in elk country....  having said that, there's absolutely no substitute for boots on the ground.  take a weekend and scout the area in person.  make sure it looks as good as you thought it did.
 
No, I do not think that is too high.  That also depends on the weather when you are hunting this area.  It is also a good idea like snowcrest 6 mentioned to get some boots on the ground.  This will help you pattern the elk in that particular area.  If you haven't already, check out elk hunting university.  Great tips there!
 
As long as there is fresh feed and water up there (and it sounds like there is) it can support an elk herd.  High saddles away from trailheads are great spots in my experience because that's clearly where animals would prefer to top over a ridge-line en route from one place to another.  From your description it sounds like you've located a good place to scout out in person.
 
Here is another good source for info on your chosen area. http://trails.idaho.gov/trails/ Just go to their site and zoom in on the area you want to hunt and it will show you if there are any trails going in there. This will show you from roads to foot trails and when they are open. I was just lookingon there for an area I was thinking of scouting and I found out that there is a motorcycle trail that runs right into the middle of it and it is open all year. Finding that out kind of sucks but better now then the first week of the season.
 
USGS is a good spot to look im a big fan of slides with big timber on each side i have done well in spots like that
 
I find elk from 9000-11,000ft during my Sept muzzleloader season. You should find elk at your 10,000ft.


You have a couple of backup areas to go to in case the first one doesn't work out.
 
Oldman,

I do have a few back ups in case the first spot doesn't work out. The unit I'll be hunting has a pretty high success rate (22.3%), and so does the unit directly to the north. I'll be hunting the very northern edge. I just noticed this was the unit boundary, and it is kind of a bummer because If I look over the ridge and see animals down the next draw I'll be hosed. If that's the case I have a few more spots in my back pocket for that unit. I intend to do a fair amount of boots on the ground scouting as soon as the snow clears up, so I'll be able to check each one.
 
Good deal. I love seeing guys putting their boots to work.


I scout over 250 days a year, because I love being in the mountains, and scouting is a good excuse for being there.
 
Oldman, I would love to be able to put in 250 days a year in the mountains.  Once I am retired I am sure that I will want to do that.
 
With the two weeks I'm asking for off in September, I think my scouting efforts will be isolated to fast and furious weekend warrior style missions. Fall is generally a lonely time for my boss as I usually burn up any time I can take off between October and December.
 
OldMan said:
Good deal. I love seeing guys putting their boots to work.


I scout over 250 days a year, because I love being in the mountains, and scouting is a good excuse for being there.
Click to expand...


one day i will be the same now i only get about 45 -50 days afield but the only elk scouting i get is from maps and satellite. lol and now you all 
 
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