Should I scout right before season

[Work2hunt]

In 12 days I leave for my 1st season Colorado rifle hunt. I'll be arriving 2 days before season opens. This will be a rifle hunt that requires a draw, but might as well be a general hunt as there was left over tags at the end of the draw.

We've hunted this area before, but during muzzleloader season so we know the topography, but not what the animals or hunters are doing at this time of year. So, I really want to walk in past my camp to see where the elk are, what fresh sign there is (and where), and possibly sit on the 1st ridge past my camp and glass for a morning or afternoon that Thursday.

Should I stay by camp and not risk pushing any elk or is a little light scouting ok?

 

[Hilltop]

I would scout and just tread as lightly as possible. I try to do as much as possible from long range with good optics so I limit my impact.

 

[Work2hunt]

I would scout and just tread as lightly as possible. I try to do as much as possible from long range with good optics so I limit my impact.

That's what I would do if I go in.....just not sure if I should.

 

[pmcgovern]

I would scout and just tread as lightly as possible. I try to do as much as possible from long range with good optics so I limit my impact.

Yep. I stay as far away as possible while still being able to glass. Although, I have a few areas that you have to go into to see anything, but for the most part I stay out of them. If I haven't spotted anything while glassing, I hunt those areas first thing.

 

[Sfjeeper]

I agree, I would work my way to an area to glass. Just choose your route carefully. As long as you keep your distance, you should do fine. Good luck! Let us know how everything turns out.

 

[25contender]

Find a good glassing spot with a good view of where you want to hunt. I like to do this early in the morning and late in the afternoon. I have a few where I can see miles in different directions. Low impact scouting this way.

 

[CrossCreeks]

Agree with all the above, move carefully, choose your route carefully and let your optics do your work for you. I would want to be glassing from good points early and late. Good luck