Later this year I would like to hunt at a WMA somewhere in Southern FL.
In preparation for the hunt I would like to scout two or three WMA areas to see which WMA I actually want to hunt.
So... what should I be looking for when out scouting? I assume I should be looking for animal tracks and droppings to find a general area where there is decent number of animals to hunt? What else should I be looking for... or consider? Finally, when should I start scouting?
I start with Google Earth looking for food,water,funnels and pinch points Etc.
Then I hike the trail with a gps marking things I like
Back to Google Earth with the GPS coordinates that i marked
back and forth back and forth
I do not worry about sign as much as I do decent environment at this time of year (although sign is awesome! probably wont be there in 4 months)
what you scout today may be under 2 foot of water in season so this time of year I really am hiking and just keeping a eye out for a sweet spot
I try to have a couple of differing spots so I can adjust to ever changing conditions
Takes years to really know a WMA because of all the changing conditions
Now is a good time to start planning and hiking
Any place that isn't covered up with orange tape and ladder stands. Yes they are still out there and they don't want you hunting in their spot.
Don't forget that tape means shit to some people. Use Google Earth to your advantage before and after you take a nice long walk!
Tape should mean less than shart to anyone...
1. It's littering
2. It's public land so can be used by any and everyone out there, your tape doesn't signify ownership.
I pull down every piece of tape I see and carry it back for proper disposal. Want to remember your spot? Find a landmark and use your GPS but quit trashing our woods.
