I wanted to know when the best time to scout a new area would be. I have this spot that I want to check out but it is a river bottom and is pretty thick this time of year. I'm not really wanting to fight the ticks right now but will if I have to. I wanted to know if it would be better to scout now or wait until the season has actually started since their patterns might change. I will be using a climber to hunt this spot, so I can move if things change. Any info would be great!

5 months or so ago. as long as you are careful and scent free, now is a good time as well to find oak trees, bedding areas, river crossings, etc.

I know bedding areas are a key resourse, but will they change their bedding areas b/w now and october?

MO.....

They might if you mess with them too much

If it's really thick.....Why not start the season on the fringes.....and gradually work your way in. It's "scouting" while hunting......and you'll be less likely to bump them out by going right into the middle of their area.

I did this last year....out of pure happenstance. It was the key to my year.

I hunt river bottoms also, it would not hurt for you to make a couple trips in to look some just be low key about it. I would notbe in there any about a month before the season starts.

You can do some of your scouting from home. Look over ariel photos and topos. You can locate some funnels and pinch points right there.

Then wait until it is supposed to rain and scout right before or during a rain and it will wash your scent away. Or if possible glass any fields from a distance. Just try to keep it low impact.