RoughCut Report post Posted May 13, 2009 So I have been wanting to post this for some time to get some input from you veterans. So here is the situation: So you put in and draw a tag in a unit you have never hunted before. You do however have a good idea of ABOUT where you want to hunt. My question is, how do you guys go about preparing for your hunt. You also are unable to pre-scout in person. I wanna know what maps you would get, how you would determine where that water is etc.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aztrophytakers Report post Posted May 13, 2009 National Geographic Topo's. They show all water sources as well as roads, trails and vantage points. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.270 Report post Posted May 13, 2009 go there and figger it out. maps don't have any animals on em. nothing makes up for first hand experience. Lark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted May 13, 2009 NG topos Google Earth http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting_units.shtml call the unit Wildlife Manager www.e-scout.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billrquimby Report post Posted May 13, 2009 go there and figger it out. maps don't have any animals on em. nothing makes up for first hand experience. Lark. Once again, I bow to Lark's superior wisdom. Bill Quimby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Birddog Report post Posted May 13, 2009 go there and figger it out. maps don't have any animals on em. nothing makes up for first hand experience. Lark. Once again, I bow to Lark's superior wisdom. Bill Quimby Wow! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tines Report post Posted May 13, 2009 As said before, if you can't make it out.....NG Topo Maps!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoughCut Report post Posted May 13, 2009 Sounds like a bunch of you guys use the NG topo software, I have been wanting to get it for sometime. Does it show every cow pond and ranch road on there? The water part rouses my interst I think the most. Surely you guys wouldn't just go to this new area and hike every inch to find every water source in a 10 square mile area. I partially ask because i have a spot on google earth in XYZ unit that looks outstanding, quite a hike in however. My fear is that i will get there and see all kinds of two track roads coming near the spot when i sit to glass. So again i ask, how detailed are the NG maps? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted May 13, 2009 Sounds like a bunch of you guys use the NG topo software, I have been wanting to get it for sometime. Does it show every cow pond and ranch road on there? The water part rouses my interst I think the most. Surely you guys wouldn't just go to this new area and hike every inch to find every water source in a 10 square mile area. "Surely you guys wouldn't just go to this new area and hike every inch to find every water source in a 10 square mile area." YES If you just CAN NOT do your own scouting which is the best part of the hunt I have two suggestions. Donate your tag to HOALT so it is not tag soup. Or hire a guide. You will be spinning your wheels when you get up there and will be angry and frustrated with yourself by the end of the hunt. I use a map program and enjoy it but find it much more useful If I have been into the area and use it to fine tune what I have found. I know that is not an answer you are looking for but that is my honest $.02 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoughCut Report post Posted May 13, 2009 I guess not the answer I was looking for. I'm a big propopnent of the "work smarter, not harder" quip. If you do walk overy inch of that kind of area, I wish I had yor Job, or free time rather. P.S. The reviews on Amazon for the NG software are heinous, you sure you guys think this is the best out there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aztrophytakers Report post Posted May 14, 2009 Although true that nothing compares to on the ground scouting, topo maps are where it starts. If you are good at reading topo's you can visualize exactly what the country looks like before you arrive. You can determine probable areas, where you need to get to glass from and many other things. Another benefit I use all the time with my NG Topos is getting exact GPS coords from the map. You can determine shortest hiking routes and hike to vantage points in the dark to places you have never been. They are invaluble to me. And yes they show evry spring, seep and dirt tank on them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted May 14, 2009 I respect your response as I knew it would not make you happy I work smarter now because I am approaching 50 but in my younger years I hand no quad, no horses, just the best pair of boots I could afford. I love just walking and looking for a hidden secrete. When you stumble on that little hot spot, spend the time to evaluate it and turn it into your little confidence factor for your upcoming hunt it makes the hunt that much more rewarding. I feel for you that you think you can not make the time to enjoy that part of the hunt as it is just as rewarding as the actual harvest I have owned my own business for 5 years now and I can not spend the time in the field I use to and it just bugs the crap out of me If I draw a Rut Coues tag the Company will with out a doubt loss some revenue. IF I DRAW A ROCKY TAG I will be about broke by January 2010. I guess what I am trying to say is : YOU drew a tag you wanted so you need to make the best of it no mater what the cost The tags are to hard to come by and there are people here that would do anything for your tag. If you can not hunt, don't put in and let someone else have the tag that WILL make the most of the opportunity. Again, sorry as I know you did not want to hear that either. By the way, I us Topo USA and like it very much. There may be better now as I have upgraded 3 time in the last 8 years or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoughCut Report post Posted May 14, 2009 YOU drew a tag you wanted so you need to make the best of it no mater what the cost The tags are to hard to come by and there are people here that would do anything for your tag. If you can not hunt, don't put in and let someone else have the tag that WILL make the most of the opportunity. Just wanted to say something since you seem a bit sensitive about a hunter wasting a tag. Even though I directed this thread towards drawing a rifle tag, I was actually more so going to use this info in the even I don't draw in the units I absolutely know and love and have to settle for an OTC deer archery tag. I am always up for hunting new places, but don't always have the time to scout like I want. I promise, I hunt these coues farther harder and for a longer period of time than most. My wife says I need to go to coues addiction rehab. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ghost hunter Report post Posted May 14, 2009 Be thankful you draw a tag. Go and have a good time. See new country and learn new things. I've 'scounted' while I hunted alot because I didn't have a chance to get out pre-season. Any time in the woods is just prep for next time. If you've been hunting before, you know the basics, just use them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COUESAZ Report post Posted May 14, 2009 There are a few that will scout for you. When the time comes give me a pm and i will point you in a good direction for a hunt scouter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
