RE: Scouting using topo maps
I find a topo in conjunction with an aerial photo to be much easier then just a topo. If I had just a topo I look for ridges, saddles, water, water crossings at the base of ridges. Add a aerial photo to that and look for these types of features combined with trasition zones (hard woods to coniferous forrest, old cuttings)
Leg work is most important. Once you've found the likely hot spots you've got to get out and investigate them. The maps and photos will just lead you in the right direction.
Good luck