Public land etiquette

[TRIGGER]

I have never hunted public land but would like to have it in my bag of tricks. I am interested in getting out there and scouting around but don't want to ruin someone's hunt. Should I wait till off season to scout and just hunt it next year?

 

[Roost 1]

No.... Go for it!! Just don't scout an area if someone is parked there.

 

[stik]

most public land hunters are out of the woods by 10:30. mid day scouting should have minimal disturbance.

 

[1bow4me]

most public land hunters are out of the woods by 10:30. mid day scouting should have minimal disturbance.

Exactly! I hunted wolf river wma a few years ago. I finally figured out that there would be no movement until after ten. So if you scout it. Do not got in empty handed. You might be surprised. Most public land that I have hunted has been the same.

 

[catman529]

bow season is prime around here, hardly seen any other hunters and I have scouted midday after climbing down almost every time I've been out this year. find the oaks that are dropping and have the most deer sign is what I've done. if someone is already parked when I get there, I will usually go to another spot. if I walk up on someone hunting, I'll walk away. If someone else walks up on me, I'll usually let em know I am there.

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

Go in at 11 for scouting....i found.a great spot last year well hunted it sunday and someone has reflective tacs leading out.of it that spot it sucked but hey im still gonna be in there.....most wouldve taken the tacs down not me but now that i think about my i didnt see my reflective ties! OH HECK NAW! Ill have to do a follow up on this post cause if he.touched my ties aw naw he better not of

 

[@fulldraw]

If its during season, some scouting can be done midday but always scout walking to and from the area you're hunting. I prefer to scout after season and summer. I don't want to chance ruining someone else's hunt even though it happens on public land.

If you do walk up on someone it's best to turn around and walk back the way you came. I've seen hunters skirt around me to continue on their way and I can't stand that.

 

[Nhill]

Scout mid-day

 

[Bone Collector]

in your situation do it Mid day. I always scout starting the day deer season ends, during Turkey season, and then in the summer.

 

[Ladys man]

I scouted yesterday after work I got off at 230 and went and walked a new area (never been in at all) seen one truck so threaded lightly and figured from past expierence he wouldn't go very deep (where I planned on going) so just go slow and be aware of your surroundings and look for good sign. Good luck