A GPS Mapping company asked hunters to take part in a study of hunting habits this past year. They found the overwhelming majority of hunters stayed within a few yards of roads, they went out early then left around lunch and later returned to the same areas. All the hunting pressure was near easy access areas that Phone maps will keep people feeling safe. If you're asking about scout tips it's all about getting off the trails and dealing with cold battery life with a old school campus.
Well thanks a lot for the comment. I have to agree with you.It could be the wind,or any other reason.Every deer has its own reason of bedding areas and they all may vary.
Nice video Dale. Everything you said is spot on. Seems like I find something new after hunting the U.P for 42 yrs. Yes I have onX maps but you gotta still get out there. Little late getting to this. Thanks for sharing
Wise words Dale. I tagged out on a 265lbs 8 point bruiser this year on Nov 30th on public with a compound bow. Beat tired and exhuasted from the morning hunt I reluctantly went out for the evening hunt. I was late but hustled to the spot and got set up late. 45 mins later this buck walked in and I took him. I blood trailed him for 315 yard in two feet of snow. I honestly wasnt expecting to see anything that night but it goes to show you, as hunters sometimes the stars align. Very grateful for this experience. I will never forget that day! Thanks for all your videos Dale. Keep up the great work Cheers
Well congratulations! An incredible story.Excellent dedication. I always wonder how many missed opportunities have passed by staying home instead of going.Makes you wonder. Man he went a long ways.It had to help having that snow for trailing.
@Buckman-101 thx. I was elevated hunting out of a saddle so when I shot him I got one lung, liver and then guts. Confirmed on the arrow. Pulled out and gave a few hours to die. By then all the blood was covered by snow. Trailed his blood on trees and snowed in tracks. Took a hour to find him.
I knew you were going to find a cut! Great video and advice! I scout for deer just like I scout for trapping. Actually, I am doing both at the same time. I view each feature I find as a "section" and I am able to compartmentalize them in my head. Then I can tie them together. It keeps me from getting "overwhelmed" with info. If there are a lot of "sections", I divide them into "left, center and right" and use the terrain as dividers. Then I can come back with a plan like "Today I am hitting the left section and then see how and if connects to the other 2.".. I have one small area of SUPER thick stuff and I have if broken down simply as "north, east, south and west sides of the thick stuff.". While it's not large, I had to do that to keep things straight. I didn't realize what I was doing either, until you explained how you approach it in the beginning of the video. I can't really explain how I do it, but I have been trapping since I was 8 and I am almost 60, so I guess lots of practice.... LOL
excellent pattern. Bottom line is whatever works for each other. Your trapping through the years has really created a defined logic on how to approach each scenario,i bet.
Did some scouting on snow last weekend. Got one more weekend of muzzleloader to get the big one. Smoking summer sausage later today. We are so blessed by our Creator just to have the whitetail to pursue and hunt. He comes to us at Christmas with His Mercy in place of judgement. Praise His Holy Name.
I always get a little down this time of year knowing the season is almost over. Scouting is always enjoyable but the quiet can be deafening. Especially the mornings not even a squirrel 🐿️ is around. Well there’s always next year. 🦌🦌
Great Video as always. For those of us that hunt "BIG WOODS" for sure this video is spot on! I've done it my whole life and I have a question?? Like you I have and still do hunt many different tracks of NF & SF (Public Land). I get tons and tons of buck pics on my trail cameras but not as many rubs as i would expect?? This isn't anything new to me and to be honest I do very well in these areas. BUT, I wonder why? It's a low deer density area as is most NF areas I hunt. I thought you or others could shed light on this.
I have the same observations that you have.Years ago I would travel to southern Illinois to bowhunt late season.It was actually hilarious to see all the rubs and scrapes,compared to my whole life up north. Very simple deduction.High population creates more competition which enhances territorial rights amongst the bucks. We simply don't have that type of competition in the bigwoods. Granted,you find a cutover area,and it brings in everybody.We know that.They become easy videos for everybody,but also helps to locate in vast areas. Generally speaking,you will have less sign than what you may notice in large populated areas. That is why I always say that if you find a certain buck located,you should concentrate on just him,because "flock shooting" in the Northwoods is just not happening. Remember,this is just my opinion.
Good stuff Dale. Thankyou. Not just entertaining. You are giving us pearls here! Bucks here are chasing big fawns now. The bigger fawns are coming into season. Gonna be a while yet before any bucks here think about shedding. When do N Wisconsin bucks start? Bonus while scouting.
Hi Walt,how are you doing? Well I had a buck one time I was hunting that dropped his antlers the end of December when sparring with another one. Depending on stress,most drop in February.
Dale, i hunt in New England, during the week i wake up at 4 am to go to work, Saturday and Sunday i wake up at 3 am to bow hunt. I definitely feel the mental fatigue late season scouting! Thanks for the vid!
I nailed a huge 11/ 13 point following your advice 2 points below an inch but still points none the less if I had a number I would send picts to you ty for all the good videos and advice keep em coming
Still watching your video and of course commenting... I hunt moose...there are areas where those moose have been in those same locations for 50-60 years... If people think about..."what does a mature buck do" just as Dale has explained many times. .. he'll work an area. .. travel in proximity of that area. ..but, he keeps coming back... Moose, same thing. .. we've harvested moose almost in the same tracks as previous years
I appreciate your knowledge and experience...I am homesteading in upper eastern lower Michigan. I think our animal habitat is similar. I have watched several of your videos. I have 10 acres of heavily wooded (pines and oak). On this video...I would not have thought about scouting for next season. Im still after my venison. We are surrounded by national forest on 2 sides...to the south and west. There are several signs of deer on our land...but not during hunting hours. I might have to scout national forest... There is no water near...but 2 miles..cedar swamp on public land. Any suggestions. Thanks again for your willingness to share videos. 😊
Hello Thomas, granted during the summer when vegitation is lush a deer is able to acquire enough liquid from the plants to suffice any thirst for a period of time. as things begin to dry up in the fall,might be a different story.I happen to find a small pond inthe woods while scouting in early november that the deer were pounding.Off season now why not scout around for such an attraction? You have to find out where your deer are coming from, in order to answer why they are only arriving at night. If you are able to locate their trails,get on them,and see where the deer are coming from. Let them finish the story for you.
Well michael, There was a time when I was a killing machine,like many others,and now I really enjoy the sport of locating mature bucks in the big woods more than anything. Although I must say that the venison is tasting very good this year as we speak. So bottom line,yes Michael i still harvest a couple from time to time.I just relish in it.
Great woodsman intell here. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Hey not a problem buddy.
A GPS Mapping company asked hunters to take part in a study of hunting habits this past year. They found the overwhelming majority of hunters stayed within a few yards of roads, they went out early then left around lunch and later returned to the same areas. All the hunting pressure was near easy access areas that Phone maps will keep people feeling safe. If you're asking about scout tips it's all about getting off the trails and dealing with cold battery life with a old school campus.
Very well stated Stephen.
Can't argue with that.
Noth facing slopes make sense with a north or northwest wind. Love the show, thanks Dale
Well thanks a lot for the comment.
I have to agree with you.It could be the wind,or any other reason.Every deer has its own reason of bedding areas and they all may vary.
Nice video Dale. Everything you said is spot on. Seems like I find something new after hunting the U.P for 42 yrs. Yes I have onX maps but you gotta still get out there. Little late getting to this. Thanks for sharing
You bet buddy
Wise words Dale. I tagged out on a 265lbs 8 point bruiser this year on Nov 30th on public with a compound bow. Beat tired and exhuasted from the morning hunt I reluctantly went out for the evening hunt. I was late but hustled to the spot and got set up late. 45 mins later this buck walked in and I took him. I blood trailed him for 315 yard in two feet of snow. I honestly wasnt expecting to see anything that night but it goes to show you, as hunters sometimes the stars align. Very grateful for this experience. I will never forget that day! Thanks for all your videos Dale. Keep up the great work
Cheers
Well congratulations!
An incredible story.Excellent dedication.
I always wonder how many missed opportunities have passed by staying home instead of going.Makes you wonder.
Man he went a long ways.It had to help having that snow for trailing.
@Buckman-101 thx. I was elevated hunting out of a saddle so when I shot him I got one lung, liver and then guts. Confirmed on the arrow. Pulled out and gave a few hours to die. By then all the blood was covered by snow. Trailed his blood on trees and snowed in tracks. Took a hour to find him.
Tell me you weren't dead dragging him through that snow.
Been there.
@@Buckman-101 hahah. I was walking around the next day like a cripple
Too good.
Great information. Thank you!
You bet buddy
I knew you were going to find a cut! Great video and advice!
I scout for deer just like I scout for trapping. Actually, I am doing both at the same time. I view each feature I find as a "section" and I am able to compartmentalize them in my head. Then I can tie them together. It keeps me from getting "overwhelmed" with info. If there are a lot of "sections", I divide them into "left, center and right" and use the terrain as dividers. Then I can come back with a plan like "Today I am hitting the left section and then see how and if connects to the other 2.".. I have one small area of SUPER thick stuff and I have if broken down simply as "north, east, south and west sides of the thick stuff.". While it's not large, I had to do that to keep things straight.
I didn't realize what I was doing either, until you explained how you approach it in the beginning of the video. I can't really explain how I do it, but I have been trapping since I was 8 and I am almost 60, so I guess lots of practice.... LOL
excellent pattern.
Bottom line is whatever works for each other.
Your trapping through the years has really created a defined logic on how to approach each scenario,i bet.
I love the way you slowly put the pieces together, you make it look so easy. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
Well thank you Karl.
Sort of lucked out finding that little cutover.
Did some scouting on snow last weekend. Got one more weekend of muzzleloader to get the big one. Smoking summer sausage later today. We are so blessed by our Creator just to have the whitetail to pursue and hunt. He comes to us at Christmas with His Mercy in place of judgement. Praise His Holy Name.
When I look around while it's snowing out there.......We are blessed big time.
I can almost smell that sausage.Good one.
I always get a little down this time of year knowing the season is almost over. Scouting is always enjoyable but the quiet can be deafening. Especially the mornings not even a squirrel 🐿️ is around. Well there’s always next year. 🦌🦌
Many of us have the same feelings.Believe me.
For me,I just continue checking new areas just to stay fresh.
Take care.
@ Do you do any ice fishing too?
Yes I do.We're making Ice today.
It was 14 below this morning.
@@Buckman-101 Tipup!
Yep
scouting never ends
How true it is.
Love scouting ... Cant get enough of it !
Hey Charles,
Keeps you in shape also.
Thanks for tuning in.
Some of those small cutovers were mining exploratory
You have a good point.
After snooping around the area,I saw old roads that led to logging operations though.Mostly maple in the back farther.
Toooo cold today!
Hi Gary.
I had 14 below.Good wind chill also.
I’ve never been more motivated to scout, thank you,
Ah,there ya go Tim
Welcome to the club.
Great Video as always. For those of us that hunt "BIG WOODS" for sure this video is spot on! I've done it my whole life and I have a question?? Like you I have and still do hunt many different tracks of NF & SF (Public Land). I get tons and tons of buck pics on my trail cameras but not as many rubs as i would expect?? This isn't anything new to me and to be honest I do very well in these areas. BUT, I wonder why? It's a low deer density area as is most NF areas I hunt. I thought you or others could shed light on this.
I have the same observations that you have.Years ago I would travel to southern Illinois to bowhunt late season.It was actually hilarious to see all the rubs and scrapes,compared to my whole life up north.
Very simple deduction.High population creates more competition which enhances territorial rights amongst the bucks.
We simply don't have that type of competition in the bigwoods.
Granted,you find a cutover area,and it brings in everybody.We know that.They become easy videos for everybody,but also helps to locate in vast areas.
Generally speaking,you will have less sign than what you may notice in large populated areas.
That is why I always say that if you find a certain buck located,you should concentrate on just him,because "flock shooting" in the Northwoods is just not happening.
Remember,this is just my opinion.
Good stuff Dale. Thankyou. Not just entertaining. You are giving us pearls here!
Bucks here are chasing big fawns now. The bigger fawns are coming into season. Gonna be a while yet before any bucks here think about shedding. When do N Wisconsin bucks start? Bonus while scouting.
Hi Walt,how are you doing?
Well I had a buck one time I was hunting that dropped his antlers the end of December when sparring with another one.
Depending on stress,most drop in February.
Nice walk along
Glad you enjoyed.It beats watching t.v.
"Sitting there with that blank stare......"
I resemble that remark!
Don't we all at one time or another.
Dale, i hunt in New England, during the week i wake up at 4 am to go to work, Saturday and Sunday i wake up at 3 am to bow hunt. I definitely feel the mental fatigue late season scouting! Thanks for the vid!
Howdy Joe.
Don't lose that devotion and drive,because in more ways than one it will pay off in the future.
Try to relax and soak it in.
I nailed a huge 11/ 13 point following your advice 2 points below an inch but still points none the less if I had a number I would send picts to you ty for all the good videos and advice keep em coming
WOW! Way to go William.
Send to this e-mail,I want to also hear the story:
Streubeldale@gmail.com
Still watching your video and of course commenting... I hunt moose...there are areas where those moose have been in those same locations for 50-60 years... If people think about..."what does a mature buck do" just as Dale has explained many times. .. he'll work an area. .. travel in proximity of that area. ..but, he keeps coming back... Moose, same thing. .. we've harvested moose almost in the same tracks as previous years
You know,fishing has the same philosophy. I can go to the same spots year after year and another nice fish will take over that area.
@Buckman-101 on the fishing...YUP 10 years later, I fished the exact spot for Walleye...yup...STILL THERE
It's the same with our trout streams
I appreciate your knowledge and experience...I am homesteading in upper eastern lower Michigan. I think our animal habitat is similar. I have watched several of your videos. I have 10 acres of heavily wooded (pines and oak). On this video...I would not have thought about scouting for next season. Im still after my venison. We are surrounded by national forest on 2 sides...to the south and west. There are several signs of deer on our land...but not during hunting hours. I might have to scout national forest... There is no water near...but 2 miles..cedar swamp on public land. Any suggestions. Thanks again for your willingness to share videos. 😊
Hello Thomas,
granted during the summer when vegitation is lush a deer is able to acquire enough liquid from the plants to suffice any thirst for a period of time.
as things begin to dry up in the fall,might be a different story.I happen to find a small pond inthe woods while scouting in early november that the deer were pounding.Off season now why not scout around for such an attraction?
You have to find out where your deer are coming from, in order to answer why they are only arriving at night.
If you are able to locate their trails,get on them,and see where the deer are coming from.
Let them finish the story for you.
Do you follow logging trails or just forge your own trail through the woods
I usually walk back as far as I can on any old trail.Then head in on foot.
Where in northern Wisconsin do you hunt? I’m in Oneida county
Howdy Caleb,
Northern vilas,close to the border.
I enjoy scouting more than actual hunting to be honest
Cheers
Well,,believe me,I know what you mean.
It becomes a sport in itself.And an incredible education.Good for you.
At taxedermist now here in pa.
I sent my address on your main comment.
Dale it was sent under hoyt
K
Do you ever actually kill any deer? Or just talk
Well michael,
There was a time when I was a killing machine,like many others,and now I really enjoy the sport of locating mature bucks in the big woods more than anything.
Although I must say that the venison is tasting very good this year as we speak.
So bottom line,yes Michael i still harvest a couple from time to time.I just relish in it.