[mrsracing]

I'm new to hunting (hunted 4X last season taken 1 buck) and I'm going to join a hunt club in the upstate of SC. What do I do and how do I scout prior to season to assure that this season is successful for me? I'm really excited about the club and I had looked at a few before settling on one. In addition to scouting I need to spend some time on the range. Thanks for the help have really enjoyed the forum.

 

[wmi]

Read as much stuff as you can get your hands on. Asking questions does work but unless you are sure of the caliber of hunter you are talking to you could easily be mislead with not very accurate information. The rest is application and time spent afield. By going this route you are sure to be on the right track successfully and ethically.

 

[joel the signman]

get a topo map of the property that your gonna hunt if you can get aerial photos too.If your really new to hunting go to mytopo.com tell them the property and they will make you a topo map and suggest spots to put stands and point out features such as funnels ,saddles etc.Other than that latch onto an older guy at camp volunteer to help out with the work and they will start talking,sometimes they dont shut up:surprised: just kidding.nothing beats getting your boots on the ground and walking the property looking for deer sign and terrain features.good luck.i think half the fun of hunting is scouting out spots and hiking the area.i like to explore.Have fun:biggrin:

 

[Guest]

VERY GOOD advice from WMI and joel. I'd like to add get your foot in the door at as any properties as you can. Not that you NEED to scout them all right now today but as time goes by you can check them all out and if properties get harder to find you are all set with several.

 

[mrsracing]

Thanks guys! I plan on spending some time on the property once Turkey Season is over (I don't have turkey rights until next season.) I will have a map of the property that I want to make notes, study and learn by being out on the property. I agree part of the fun is being outdoors, hiking through the woods looking for things and learning the lay of the land. To me this is the work of hunting the actual sitting in a tree stand is the reward of it all with the dinner on the table being the result. Anything else I should be doing? I'm reading alot in the mean time.

 

[joel the signman]

sounds like a solid plan.practice your bow /gun shooting and form.