Understanding The Scouting Cycle And What To Look For

While You Are Hunting

While you are hunting refers to scouting that you do while you are hunting. It's really that simple but in all of the years we've been hunting; we would guess less than five percent of waterfowl hunters scout while they're hunting. The goal of scouting while you are hunting is to determine if you have "THE SPOT" or "A SPOT".

There are two requirements to scouting while you are hunting.

First, you must be very observant. Observe four items. One, what types of birds are you hunting? Two, do the birds want the exact location you are hunting? Three, is it the location or is it something about your spread, calling, concealment, etc.? Fourth, exactly where do the birds want to be or where are they going?

Second, you must be flexible and mobile. If you've determined that you are not where they want to be, and if it is possible, you need to pick up and move to their preferred location either immediately or the following day.

To Recap:

The Goal Of Scouting While You Are Hunting: To determine is the spot you are hunting is "THE SPOT" or "A SPOT". In addition, you want to identify the exact location they want to use.

Factors To Identify: The type(s) of birds you are hunting, do you have the exact location, is it the location or something else, and where do the birds really want to be.

So there you have it! You now have an understanding of the critical importance of proper scouting and an in-depth understanding of the scouting cycle.