Reading Topo Maps

[eastTN270]

I'm trying to learn about reading topo maps for hunting. I have put in alot of walking on these properties, but would also like to narrow down some points to focus on based on the maps.
First is my property. Red outline is mine, and the yellow outline is my neighbors that I have permission to hunt.

Next is my Father-in-Law's mountain property. I have walked it alot, but have no idea how to hunt it or where to start.

Last is a new property I have to hunt. Mainly a big field except for the upper right hand corner. Everything north of the property is extremely thick and east is some cover. Trying to find a spot to intercept them.

Any help or pointers would be appreciated.

 

[Brisco Darlin]

on your father in laws , look for a saddle where those ridges are really steep.

 

[MattR]

http://bowsite.com/bowsite/features/pra ... ter/topos/

Pretty good little tutorial

 

[oldmanelrod]

The futher apart the lines are the gentler the slope. The closer together the lines are the greater the slope. Remember the deer are like us they want to, when possible and not due to hunter pressure, use the trail with the least amount of steepness to it.

 

[EastHipster]

What I am seeing based on where I hunt....

Bedding areas tend to be just below the Highest points in thick cover and are generally inside or just next to the indentions in the landscape.

I am finding lots of Buck activity on the Ridges above the Beds and Feeding activity below the beds.

What you want to find are the natural Funnels between those places.
Then look for the Funnels INSIDE of the Funnels.

You need to find entries that are appropriate for what you think they are doing at the time.

Don't enter the Feeding areas directly when they are feeding....don't walk up too close to Bedding when they are Bedded.