Scouting an x zone time is short

[nitis]

I have a tag for a zone I am relatively familiar with although I would like to look into a few more spots that I am less familiar with this go around.

If you had to choose between doing a one day marathon trip to scout the area 3 weeks before the opener or going 2 days before the opener and staying put what would you choose?

[imnrut]

No diggity, no doubt... Marathon

[Ikeepitcold]

I agree. I would want to see the area before that close to opening day. It could be a waste if there is a better spot to be in.

[JNDEER]

why do you have to stay put?

two full days of scouting (dawn/dusk + dawn/dusk) would be more productive then just one full day of scouting. I would use the two days before the season to scout out new areas....one full day of scouting can be very tough.

[packer58]

If I were in your situation I would definitely want to be in the unit two days prior to the opener. A lot can change in three weeks due to increased traffic / scouting from other hunters. If the weather stays hot, your going to have limited time in the morning and evening to actually catch deer on their feet. My experience this year was that evening scouting was far less productive that morning.

[bigshot]

I agree with packer 58, I would go two days prior and stay and scout till season opens....

[BossBrott]

Just curious, what zone? Pm if necessary, but you may get some great advice if you tell what zone. Many folks here are a wealth of info, and willing to help.

[nitis]

X5a

I know my way around as we have been trying to draw this tag as long as I can remember.

I spoke with fish and wildlifes biologist a few weeks back and the portion of the area I know best is the same place he said he would start

There's just a few more places I want to try in this unit that have been recommended to me and I don't know how the access is or much about them.

Honestly I'm not going to be too picky but I will hold our for a 4x4 for at least a few days. I can't really stay the whole season but do have time to come back if necessary.

[BossBrott]

You have plenty to be excited to be about. Are you prepared to stay the night in the woods if you do find a nice buck at last light? It sure makes for a memorable trip, and usually successful, if you can stick it out and be the only man around at first light. Water is usually the factor. I know there's some good bucks in that zone, and with limited time, its best to make use of every hour of daylight. Spotting at first/last light has led to many dead bucks for me and my partner. Consider it if you haven't, its always nice to have available.

[goindeep]

I'd take the two days before, spend the first day checking out the new spots, pick one, scout it the next day and then hunt it for a day or two. If it sucks try another spot, repeat if necessary.