is it too early to begin scouting? archery season here starts sept 30 (99.9% sure). Are the deer on their trails they will be using at the start of archery season or is it too early to tell?

Nope. Season ends here Jan. 15, I was in the woods scouting already the next day. It's NEVER too early to start scouting. Never.

In fact, too much scouting now could actually hurt you. I haven't set foot in the woods since the beginning of May.

i agree with mo!!!

yep mo knows

The Mobo's got the mojo on scouting l.o.l. and I have to agree with him, never to early.
Just remember that at this time when the foilage is thick you may not see much.
When I go out I use the old stop - n - stalk walk, take it very slow and look at everything.
At this time when they are in their summer pattern, you can find bedding areas and look for some well used trails.
If you can a food sourch that you know they will be going to when the season starts, then you got most of your homework done.
All thats left is to pick a tree or a spot on the ground and get ready to set-up.
Keep in mind about your sent, wear rubber boots and use boot pads with coon or fox urine to mask your trail.
Good Luck and have a safe hunt.

I agree most of your scouting should be done as soon as season ends in case's where you need to scout now act as ifit were hunting season and be as nonintrusive as possible. But dont be afraid to bump a few deer i have a friend that has over 18 P&Y and B&C and his moto is bump them and dump them. That if you bump a big deer once you know where he is living and the deer feels safe because he jumped and you didnt shoot him so his set up worked. So for scouting this time of year just be carefull and you should be ok.. Walt