Understanding The Scouting Cycle And What To Look For

In-Season

This by far and away seems to be the most challenging time to scout for most waterfowl hunters. Why? Because, most waterfowl hunters are "doers" and they tend to believe that time spent outside of the blind is just a waste. I should know, I once felt the same way.

In-season refers to scouting that is done during the season that will help you identify the spot to hunt today or tomorrow. The goal of in-season scouting is to identify the location or locations that will put you on to birds immediately.

Again, there are four parts to in-season scouting.

First, determine what types of birds you're scouting. Are they: locals, migrators, new birds to the area, or birds that have been in the area for some time.

Second, if the birds are working the area, pinpoint the exact location they want to use. As stated previously, you can by 60 yards off "the spot" and not shot a duck or a goose.

Third, if you can't determine exactly where they want to be, or you can't get there, determine their flight pattern and put yourself directly underneath it.

Finally, if you can't identify exactly where they want to be and you are setting up under their flight pattern, identify key features and attributes that will give your spread the highest degree of visibility and the earliest opportunity to be seen.

To Recap:

Goal Of In-Season Scouting: Identify the location or locations that will put you on the birds immediately or at the latest the next day.

Factors To Identify: Determine the type(s) of birds you are scouting, pinpoint the exact location they are using, determine their flight pattern, and identify key features and attributes that will give you high visibility.