Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

I scouted this reservoir a ton in the off-season. The majority of the rubs(including larger ones) are shown by the red circles. If you knew nothing of the area I hunt, and were just looking at it topographically, why would you believe I found the rubs in those spots?

Alot of the times when I find rubs, I find them on the secondary points of ridges, much like the contour map below....anyone have any thoughts? I am trying my best to increase my knowledge of topo maps and how to utilize them for success. Thanks for any knowledge or info.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

I can't save this map and mark it, when I down size it to load, it's so small you can't see it. I would say he is bedding to the east on one of thoese points, lookjust to the south east of the 5 or just west of the 1. Thats just a guess.:)

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Right to the north of the northern most red circle there is thick vegetation and a sharp slope downwards into the lake.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

You need to give us a top view from like Google Earth. something that will give a pic of the land so we can see more what where dealing with. Thats just me. Im not much of a topo person.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Brett,

What kind of woods are you talking about? Hardwoods, pines, mix? Is there any laurel on the slopes? It looks like just west of the points you referenced is some areas that look like bedding...and along the back slope of the ridge. Usually the deer will use this kind of terrain to get the thermals from the lower spots surrounding the rubs. IMHO.

Looks good though. Water like that is nice to hunt.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Hoyt--there is laurel on those tight slopes, and alot of it. And it is mostly hardwoods with some pines mixed in here and there, but not many. Good thing about this spot is that it is a far distance from the roads and the terrain can be tough to walk.

V8--I have only met one other person from Horseheads, NY--a guy that played basketball at my college. In fact, I just saw him this past spring. He works for the Baltimore Ravens now. Small world.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

ttt for any topo map readers!

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

I think if the area that I've shaded in GREEN is thick, it's a likely bedding area!!! Which direction are the rubs??? Deer are like us, too lazy to reposition to trick you, if the rub is on the north side of the tree, the deer is travelling south, and vice versa. Just my guess, but they ain't gonna bed on that steep slope, but that shelf would be a perfect bedding area.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

OH--the majority of the rubs are on the north side. I believe I am gonna wait until early November to head in to hunt this spot..trying to catch something moving back in to bed. And I am gonna use a canoe to access it. I am gonna come up that draw to the right of the middle circle. Have any different thoughts on when/how to hunt the spot? I am really interested. I just have to get in there for a quick scout one afternoon to see if the rubs are back in there a couple weeks from now. Thanks OH...that area in GREEN is monster thick.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Brett:

With no disrespect to ANYONE else....when Gri22 and OH read a topo map.....I take note.;)

That ridge (your circles) is somewhere I'd expect to see them, really. I've got a few similar spots.....and I DON'T see them, there....lol (Not in the one I was REALLY thinking I would).

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Jeff, I have heard you talk about them before and their dynamic map reading skills ( I remember the important things)...so yes, I am listening and learning!

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Brett:

I found this, yesterday. It's a map Gri22 did of my new hunting area....and he marked the trails he thought they'd be using.

It's simply freakin "uncanny"......;). I mean.....It's awesome. There's one trail he picked out that's not even a trail, at all. It's the edge of a woodsline (that you wouldn't know by simpy seeing thetopo). That one still amazes me;)

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

Jeff...where is the map you are talking about in your latest post?! I am thirsty for knowledge these days. Been using my GPS for the first time in the dark. Walked a mile in the other day and came up within 30 yards of my intended stand sight...this topo/GPS thing is alot of fun!

edited..there is your map. Thank you.

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

So Jeff, based on those trail markings, how are you hunting? Are you looking for intersections of trails, the more the better?

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

i believe that is a "converging hub" "where it all comes together" (thats all i remember from "Mapping trophy bucks") deer use them pretty hard and regular to travel....

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

To be perfecty honest with you, Brett. It's pretty simple. You go to an area Gri22 has marked and "poof"....there's a visible trail.

If I'm lyin', I'm dyin.;)

RE: Why am I seeing rubs here (contour map)?
 

This is like the 10th time I have heard this book mentioned by well informed people...I am purchasing this book tomorrow and will be reading it on stand. I can't wait to get into the book.