Hunting Guide’s Tips to Find Deer and Elk Fast!

Published on July 19, 2023
Duration: 13:42

Professional hunting guide Tate Bradfield shares nine tips for finding deer and elk quickly. Key strategies include utilizing roads for initial scouting, leveraging e-scouting tools like OnX, verifying road access for the season, and glassing during off-peak hours in shady areas. He also emphasizes scouting for fresh sign, hunting around weather transitions, using effective calling strategies, targeting harder-to-reach areas for mature animals, and practicing field shooting positions.

Quick Summary

Professional hunting guide Tate Bradfield advises using roads for initial scouting and leveraging e-scouting tools like OnX to research animal habits. He also recommends hunting during weather transitions and targeting harder-to-reach areas for mature animals.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Meet the Guide
  2. 00:25Tip 1: Road Scouting for Game
  3. 02:28Tip 2: Mastering E-Scouting
  4. 03:17Tip 3: Verify Road Access
  5. 04:55Tip 4: Off-Peak Glassing Strategy
  6. 06:18Tip 5: Scouting for Fresh Sign
  7. 07:17Tip 6: Hunt Weather Transitions
  8. 07:55Tip 7: Effective Calling Tactics
  9. 09:47Tip 8: Finding Mature Animals
  10. 11:16Tip 9: Field Shooting Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective way to start scouting for deer and elk?

Begin by using roads to glass potential areas before hiking in. This method saves energy and allows you to cover more ground efficiently, identifying active game areas and potential spots before committing to a hike.

How important is e-scouting for a successful hunt?

E-scouting, using tools like OnX, Google Earth, or GoHunt, is considered about 50% of the hunt. It involves researching animal habits, terrain features, and potential bedding or feeding areas to plan your approach effectively.

When is the best time to hunt based on weather?

The best times to hunt are often right before and after bad weather occurs. Animals sense changes in barometric pressure and tend to move significantly during these transitional periods, increasing your chances of spotting them.

How can hunters find larger, mature deer and elk?

To locate bigger, older animals, focus on accessing harder-to-reach areas. Mature bucks tend to stay in higher elevations, while late-season bulls often prefer the cover of deep, dark timber, away from pressure.

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