When to start scouting?

[sqiggy]

I would have started right after deer season was over and on into February.

[ctom87]

Good stuff. I need to get it in gear! Maybe I can head out Sunday.

[lovemylegacy]

Hey, it's me again. With another question. I probably ask too many lol.

When do you start scouting a new place, specifically public land? Is there any point in scouting now? My gut says doesn't make too much sense until summer, maybe June or July, before they even really get into any patterns.

What are y'alls thoughts?

If you didnt start the first week after season ended, youre late.
Rublines, scrapes are very easy to see before “green up”. You can get somekind of idea of deer/buck movement in season. Out of season aka Spring and Summer, they are a totally different animal. Then ifyou find a shed or a dead head, you learn even more.

[SaltwaterSlick]

Good stuff. I need to get it in gear! Maybe I can head out Sunday.

Well Clay, I'm glad you were not out scouting this past Saturday!! Was glad to get to meet you and that boy n your wife!!!

[Calitexembalmer]

I scout as soon as season is over.

[Russ79]

Like Arrowsmith said, now is a good time to find trails before things green up too much.

[rebelbow]

I’d be scouting right now. The fall/winter trails with buck sign are key. As said before, summer trails can definitely be different. They are on my East TX place.

this
plus rub and scrape lines are easir to see now
l'm heading to oklahoma to shed hunt/scout public land soon

[BarBBar]

Also, it's great to have the public woods to yourself for a while in late January and February, and to get out before snakes are cruising. Rub lines seem to reoccur in the same areas, and sheds are a guarantee that buck stood there and survived. But be prepared to have guys crashing in on the "hidden" spots you have found, ignoring or not seeing your set-ups, when September rolls around.