I've always heard that when scouting at times other then directly after the season up until Spring you should try to go out during rain. Which makes since to me becuase the rain would wash the scent away and I've always tried to do this. Even if I'm just heading out to switch the batteries and film in my camera. But I just read in a book that the rain will hold your scent longer. What is eveyones thoughts on this?

I like to scout after the season, because seeing trails and such is a little easier. But, deer change patterns all year depending on available food, so, I really like getting out about a month before season starts and try to pattern them. Find what the food source is, but do it quietly and quickly to avoid laying stench everywhere.

best time to scout is whenever you possibly can get out and scout.