Don’t doubt the scout! Be sure to do your virtual homework before your next hunt. (Photo By: avtk/Shutterstock.com)
E-scouting will have your boots (and paws) tromping through the uplands in search of the next flush rather than behind the cab of your truck wasting precious time and gas. E-scouting from your computer, tablet, or phone helps aid a successful day afield and gets precious bird contacts under the nose of your bird dog. Utilize these tips and tools before heading to the uplands this fall .
Using OnX Maps for E-Scouting
Utilize Access Layers By toggling on layers such as Walk-In and Possible Access layers, you’ve just opened up thousands of acres of possible land to hunt. Many states offer walk-in programs—private land opened to the public for hunting—and these can be recognized on the map as plots of land marked with red dots. Additionally, the Possible Access layer is great for grouse hunters who hunt the northwoods. The Possible Access layer helps show logging companies that have opened their logging land for hunting in key states such as Maine .
Crop Data Looking at crop data using onX Hunt. (Photo courtesy of onX Hunt) Upland birds live off of agriculture as much as we do. By utilizing the crop data layer in OnX Hunt , hunters can determine crop rotation, when crops such as corn are still standing and when it’s been cut, and more. This will help you determine good cover and food areas for upland birds, making your decision where to start hunting easy.
Timber Harvest & Tree Species Data Examining timber harvest information and tree species data with the onX Hunt app. (Photo courtesy of onX Hunt) Grouse hunters understand the importance of new growth from timber harvest and how important young aspens are to the equation of finding birds. Toggle on the Timber Harvest and Tree Species Data layers to find key covers for grouse before loading up the truck.
Off-Line Maps Don’t forget to download your off-line maps that can be accessed far away from cellular reception. (Photo courtesy of onX Hunt) Hunters often are trekking across remote pieces of land far from cell towers. Don’t find yourself afield without access to your maps. Before heading out, download off-line maps so that you always are “on-line” and can see terrain, public land, and walk-in areas. Off-line maps allow you to download large tracks of land to your phone so you can see key details such as roads, access points, and more.
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