Reading aerial satellite photos and topos

[KitsapCaller]

When you look at aerial satellite photos and topo maps what features do you look for? I' ve been hitting these resources pretty hard trying even now to do my homework for next turkey season. I' ve been checking out state and public land areas trying mostly to key in on water sources with adjacent open fields and pastures, or spare timber. Let me know what you think.

[Mailman29680]

Saddles or bottoms on the topos here in SC.
Saddles are used by deer as well as turkeys.
Flats are great strutting and feeding areas here.

Creek drainages are ways to sneak around quietly.


A good saddle will produce game.

[Adrian J Hare]

Mailman is a saddle what the Pa boys call a Holler , and us Canadians call it a Valley ? ...BT

[Side Strutter]

Here a Saddle is a low place where a ridge top gos down somewhat and then back up. I usually hunt in the mountains (Merriams) and try to set up just above a saddle. A fairly flat topped ridge with several saddles can be very good.

[Mailman29680]

Exactly
Animals use the easiest route to cross the ridge.

[KitsapCaller]

What about creeks with adjacent open fields? Good potential spot for Merriams?

[Bobgobble2]

Kits creek bottoms offer great roosting areas in that in many areas (creeks,rivers,swamps) have the largest trees available to roost in!Obviously they dont always choose the largest tree to roost in but in my experience the majority of the birds I' ve seen go to roost use creek bottom tree lines to roost or field edge tree lines to roost in.Turks like easy access as does all game and a landing and taking off point such as a field adjacent to a creek bottom or field offers this and is something to definately take a look at!One other thing to about creek bottoms is in many areas creek bottoms can have the thickest fiolage available and alot of hens use these bottoms to nest in as a result of it,and I' ve always felt if you find the hens you' ll find the gobblers too!

[huntnma]

i look for the hammocks that are near the creeks /marsh.......then i get out there and scout till my hearts content.....