Backpack Hunting is filled with rich experience and the origin of many potent memories, no matter who you are. It’s a kind of hunting that isn’t for everyone, but the one’s that do cherish it, seem to live it. They thrive on the unknown and beauty that falls before them on their trips. Landscapes that are more unseen than seen. Then there are the challenges that come along with hunting the backcountry. These are things like rough country, carrying everything you need on your back, and just the general practice of living in the dirt. Another challenge though is just finding somewhere to hunt. This is especially true when coming from out of state and heading into a spot that you’ve never been before. One of the ways that I “E-Scout” is by utilizing maps to my advantage, and more specifically, topographic maps.
One of the things that helps me the most when utilizing maps for e-scouting is notating all of the trails. These are phenomenal ways to travel the backcountry. The hiking is easier and there are usually trailheads that one can park a vehicle at for access. Knowing the trail systems are just great for navigating through country. This is especially handy say if you find yourself off trail with an animal on the ground. By knowing where the trails are, it could save a load of time and hurt getting your harvest out of there. Also, knowing where the trails AREN’T is key as well. This will help a hunter avoid the crowds by going where most won’t.
Another thing that I find myself doing right off the bat is looking for possible camp spots. I’m always notating spots that look flat on the map via the contour lines. Something that I like to try and do is find camp spots close to where I plan on glassing, if that happens to be how we are hunting. Satellite imagery will show one the trees as well. You’ll have a great idea if a spot might be shaded and offer cover from any potential weather that rolls in. Once we are actually in the area on foot, I’ll also mark camp spots on my map, so I have a better idea for next time. I think by knowing this stuff ahead of time, it’ll take a bit of anxiety away, because you’ll have a predetermined destination when leaving the trailhead. Setting your camp accordingly to both water and where you’re thinking of actually hunting is something to think about for sure.
Of course a huge part of E-scouting is finding where to actually hunt right? Either spots that look likely to hold animals or vantage points that a hunter can glass from. The whole spot thing I believe is largely dependent on what species you’re hunting. For instance, if I was hunting mule deer above treeline in the early season, I’d be paying attention to big east facing slopes and vantage points from where I can glass that east face. For elk, it would be notating north facing timbered benches. What ever it is, these things can be seen from a topographic map. This will give a hunter a game plan before heading into the field. At least a soft game plan.
When I first started backpack hunting, finding where to actually go was something that I’d actually stress out about. There’s a lot of land out there, thankfully, and so many possibilities of where to go. Narrowing down a spot is daunting to say the least. By using these tips though surrounding topographic maps, you’ll be better off. If you’re interested in learning more about backpack hunting I actually just wrote a book called “Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry.” It’s available in both paperback and kindle form. If you’d like to read more about the book visit the post I did HERE on it. This topic and many more are covered within it!
Aside from that, stay safe out there, and good luck in your future adventures!
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