ANNUAL
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KS
WHITETAIL WISDOM
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CYBER SCOUTING By: JEFF SIMPSON
I used to walk every inch of a new property to come up with a foundation for what I wanted to accomplish on it. It was an effective way to plan, but also problematic because you simply blow up the place. Nowadays satellite and topography mapping are so advanced that there really is no reason not to utilize it to get the most out of your hunting properties. You can make a very educated decision on where to start on a farm without ever stepping foot on it. The key components I look for on the maps are fairly logical; natural funnels, transitions from bedding to food, and access to and from stand locations. Once you have the topography figured out, you have to think about how the wind and thermals will affect your setup. Once you get these initial sets in place, you can start learning by spending time in the stand and observing what the deer are really doing. It’s a great strategy for new and old properties to maximize effectiveness and minimize pressure. Strategize, observe and adjust.
“ THE KEY COMPONENTS I LOOK FOR ON THE MAPS ARE FAIRLY LOGICAL; NATURAL FUNNELS, TRANSITIONS FROM BEDDING TO FOOD, AND ACCESS TO AND FROM STAND LOCATIONS.
PHOTO: JEFF SIMPSON
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