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How many of you #2589759
09/25/18 12:16 PM
09/25/18 12:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 662
Conyers, GA and Auburn, AL
R
Razorsharp123 Offline OP
4 point
Razorsharp123  Offline OP
4 point
R
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 662
Conyers, GA and Auburn, AL
Feel really comfortable with aerial images and topo maps?

Anyone feel like if given these two items you could pick a spot and guarantee that you'd see deer?

As I spend more time in the woods watching and hunting these animals I am starting to feel like with just these two data points it is possible to have successful hunts. I think this skill is especially applicable to those who hunt public lands or those who do not have the luxury of planted fields and preset shooting houses.

Almost could make a fun game out of this with our aldeer brothers - posting these two images and letting people guess and learn from the sightings and successful hunts of others.

I know that there are more keys to the equation here (especially if you are only a trophy hunter) with food sources, hunting pressure and other influences.

Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589811
09/25/18 01:05 PM
09/25/18 01:05 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,899
Huntsville AL
Rocket62 Offline
14 point
Rocket62  Offline
14 point
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,899
Huntsville AL
We've done that game here before and it was an interesting conversation. My personal thoughts on the matter are that this is a great way to minimize the territory you need to scout but it's never a guarantee. Perhaps you could post such images and get the conversation rolling?




I don't want to pass quietly into the night. I want to slide in sideways kickin and screamin
Life really is awesome ... Soak it up while you can ...
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589816
09/25/18 01:08 PM
09/25/18 01:08 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10,634
Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...
Southwood7 Offline
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Southwood7  Offline
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Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...


I wouldn’t gaurentee you would see deer but I could get somebody close. IMO it’s very important to study aerial and topo maps to identify possible sits. Once I’ve done that I put boots on the ground and confirm if deer are using the area or not. If not, then move on. I think a mistake a lot of green hunters make ( I did this a lot) is hunting deer where you want them to be and not where they are.



The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4
Re: How many of you [Re: Rocket62] #2589822
09/25/18 01:16 PM
09/25/18 01:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,635
Longwood, FL
J
jlbuc10 Offline
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,635
Longwood, FL
Originally Posted by Rocket62
My personal thoughts on the matter are that this is a great way to minimize the territory you need to scout but it's never a guarantee.

This is spot on. Use those 2 tools to find a starting place to start physically searching. A lot of free sat imagery is 3-5 years old and with the amount of logging activity in the state the woods are bound to look different, especially on public land. Even with no logging activity a pine stand or cutover could look drastically different after 5 years. Plus some of you may be able to but I can’t tell the difference between hardwoods filled with oaks or filled with other none desirable species such as sweet gum and poplars. Just by looking at sat imagery

Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589876
09/25/18 02:02 PM
09/25/18 02:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,859
In a Van, down by the River
quailman Offline
Booner
quailman  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,859
In a Van, down by the River
Have found old logging roads and clearings using them.


Life is a journey. Make sure and bring plenty of Beer.

My luck has been so bad lately, it could be raining pussies and I'd catch one with a dick broke off in it.
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589886
09/25/18 02:14 PM
09/25/18 02:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 386
Baldwin County
U
UA Hunter Offline
4 point
UA Hunter  Offline
4 point
U
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 386
Baldwin County
Definitely a valuable resource, particularly on larger tracts and areas not readily accessible, but as you mentioned, too many factors to guarantee deer sightings. I do use one before I approach any new properties and I like to revisit existing properties to see if I've been overlooking anything. Also a legal way to "scout" surrounding properties to determine their impact on your land.

Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589966
09/25/18 03:28 PM
09/25/18 03:28 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,095
Anniston, AL
ikillbux Offline
ishootatbux
ikillbux  Offline
ishootatbux
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,095
Anniston, AL
I don't know.... I'm not always looking for just topography, on many places I'm looking for habitat. I reckon I just prefer boots on the ground. I don't know what I'm looking for on a map....it's like reading a Bassmasters article and then thinking I can go to "that" lake and catch fish. It's just too "macro" of information, I want more micro information.

There are times I go to an area that I want to hunt, takes me 10 mins to walk in there, but then it takes me 10 more minutes deciding which tree to climb. I need more micro information, which tree gives me the best vantage.

Last edited by ikillbux; 09/25/18 03:29 PM.

We were on the edge of Eternia, when the power of Greyskull began to take hold.
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589982
09/25/18 03:46 PM
09/25/18 03:46 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 830
Auburn, AL
H
Huntinman Offline
6 point
Huntinman  Offline
6 point
H
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 830
Auburn, AL
I would say no as far as a guarantee. I find that a lot of times, especially in more rural areas, the date of the aerial imagery prevents accurate assessment. For example, a lot of times fresh cut overs are not on aerial imagery for up to several years. Similarly, while hardwoods are usually discernable from aerial imagery, finding a specific species of oak/acorn producer can make a world of difference. I would say that topo and aerial data definitely helps to narrow down scouting areas on larger tracts. I can see where a more mountainous terrain/tract would benefit more from such an analysis as opposed to relatively flat land.

Last edited by Huntinman; 09/25/18 03:50 PM.

GO NOLES!!
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2589988
09/25/18 03:51 PM
09/25/18 03:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 280
Gate City
quailmanman Offline
4 point
quailmanman  Offline
4 point
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 280
Gate City
In the case of a national forest, you narrow down the area you want to scout by topography, boundaries, food and water resources, neighboring properties, and still have thousands of acres left that may or may not have up to date aerial photography, or even produce deer for that matter. What else can you do to weed through the rest before boots hit the ground?


If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now. -Clark
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590046
09/25/18 04:46 PM
09/25/18 04:46 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 14,227
ArmPit of the south
D
DeerNutz0U812_ Offline
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Joined: Sep 2012
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ArmPit of the south
Yes absolutely I use them and comfortable doing it...arial photos and topo maps and a good hand held and you are wayyy ahead of the game.02 put some boots on the ground to find a food source, or 2...bedding or edges....access in and out...He gone... gun ...beers


Did you know that Beer Nutz are over a Dollar...and Deer Nutz are under a Buck...


Re: How many of you [Re: ikillbux] #2590074
09/25/18 05:10 PM
09/25/18 05:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10,634
Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...
Southwood7 Offline
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Southwood7  Offline
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Posts: 10,634
Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...
Originally Posted by ikillbux
I don't know.... I'm not always looking for just topography, on many places I'm looking for habitat. I reckon I just prefer boots on the ground. I don't know what I'm looking for on a map....it's like reading a Bassmasters article and then thinking I can go to "that" lake and catch fish. It's just too "macro" of information, I want more micro information.

There are times I go to an area that I want to hunt, takes me 10 mins to walk in there, but then it takes me 10 more minutes deciding which tree to climb. I need more micro information, which tree gives me the best vantage.


If you are hunting a 50,000 acre wma or huge national forest that topography and aerial imagery is a starting point before you put boots on the ground. Without picking some likely travel corridors, edge habitat, funnels etc I wouldn’t know where to start my search for the right tree.



The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4
Re: How many of you [Re: Southwood7] #2590082
09/25/18 05:17 PM
09/25/18 05:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,095
Anniston, AL
ikillbux Offline
ishootatbux
ikillbux  Offline
ishootatbux
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,095
Anniston, AL
Originally Posted by Southwood7
Originally Posted by ikillbux
I don't know.... I'm not always looking for just topography, on many places I'm looking for habitat. I reckon I just prefer boots on the ground. I don't know what I'm looking for on a map....it's like reading a Bassmasters article and then thinking I can go to "that" lake and catch fish. It's just too "macro" of information, I want more micro information.

There are times I go to an area that I want to hunt, takes me 10 mins to walk in there, but then it takes me 10 more minutes deciding which tree to climb. I need more micro information, which tree gives me the best vantage.


If you are hunting a 50,000 acre wma or huge national forest that topography and aerial imagery is a starting point before you put boots on the ground. Without picking some likely travel corridors, edge habitat, funnels etc I wouldn’t know where to start my search for the right tree.


Oh yeah, for sure. I'll Google it (earth view) most times....but I think even then I'm looking for "pine thickets" or cutovers, maybe edge habitat. I was being funny about myself when I said I don't know what I'm looking at on a topo map! LOL I've never had to land nav or anything like that, never learned how. But I can pick out a road on a WMA map, then Google Earth it, and find something. Probably the same thing.


We were on the edge of Eternia, when the power of Greyskull began to take hold.
Re: How many of you [Re: ikillbux] #2590086
09/25/18 05:24 PM
09/25/18 05:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10,634
Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...
Southwood7 Offline
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Southwood7  Offline
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Posts: 10,634
Past Ol’ man Finley’s plac...
Originally Posted by ikillbux
Originally Posted by Southwood7
Originally Posted by ikillbux
I don't know.... I'm not always looking for just topography, on many places I'm looking for habitat. I reckon I just prefer boots on the ground. I don't know what I'm looking for on a map....it's like reading a Bassmasters article and then thinking I can go to "that" lake and catch fish. It's just too "macro" of information, I want more micro information.

There are times I go to an area that I want to hunt, takes me 10 mins to walk in there, but then it takes me 10 more minutes deciding which tree to climb. I need more micro information, which tree gives me the best vantage.


If you are hunting a 50,000 acre wma or huge national forest that topography and aerial imagery is a starting point before you put boots on the ground. Without picking some likely travel corridors, edge habitat, funnels etc I wouldn’t know where to start my search for the right tree.


Oh yeah, for sure. I'll Google it (earth view) most times....but I think even then I'm looking for "pine thickets" or cutovers, maybe edge habitat. I was being funny about myself when I said I don't know what I'm looking at on a topo map! LOL I've never had to land nav or anything like that, never learned how. But I can pick out a road on a WMA map, then Google Earth it, and find something. Probably the same thing.


😀 👍🏻



The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4
Re: How many of you [Re: quailman] #2590097
09/25/18 05:36 PM
09/25/18 05:36 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13,016
Montgomery, Alabama
jaredhunts Offline
Puts sugar in his cornbread!
jaredhunts  Offline
Puts sugar in his cornbread!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13,016
Montgomery, Alabama
Originally Posted by quailman
Have found old logging roads and clearings using them.


Property lines to.


It be's that way sometimes.

www.sunpoolcompany.com
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590335
09/25/18 08:43 PM
09/25/18 08:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 7,403
Boaz,AL
CarbonClimber1 Offline
14 point
CarbonClimber1  Offline
14 point
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 7,403
Boaz,AL
I can usem to find places it looks like i should see a deer....gwarrentees nussin til i put boots onit


"I dont quit.. And ill fight alone if i have to"
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590381
09/25/18 09:04 PM
09/25/18 09:04 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,914
Madison
BowtechDan Offline
Old Mossy Horns
BowtechDan  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,914
Madison
Originally Posted by Razorsharp123
Feel really comfortable with aerial images and topo maps?

Anyone feel like if given these two items you could pick a spot and guarantee that you'd see deer?

As I spend more time in the woods watching and hunting these animals I am starting to feel like with just these two data points it is possible to have successful hunts. I think this skill is especially applicable to those who hunt public lands or those who do not have the luxury of planted fields and preset shooting houses.

Almost could make a fun game out of this with our aldeer brothers - posting these two images and letting people guess and learn from the sightings and successful hunts of others.

I know that there are more keys to the equation here (especially if you are only a trophy hunter) with food sources, hunting pressure and other influences.


There's no guarantee, but if you've followed deer in land where topo makes a difference like Jackson Co, you'll get close. Topo on flat ground don't mean doodly squat.


Nathan Carl Goff 19 Sept 2016 - 14 Jan 2017.
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590409
09/25/18 09:25 PM
09/25/18 09:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 399
Alabama
S
ShaftOne Offline
4 point
ShaftOne  Offline
4 point
S
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 399
Alabama
This maybe a vague/dumb question, but when you guys are looking at a topo/aerial image what are you looking for? Draws, ridges, pinch points in a bottom? Which one of these do yall find more beneficial for "mature" bucks to use?

Re: How many of you [Re: BowtechDan] #2590550
09/26/18 06:53 AM
09/26/18 06:53 AM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 11,392
Prattville
D
Dkhargroves Offline
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Dkhargroves  Offline
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Prattville
Originally Posted by BowtechDan
Originally Posted by Razorsharp123
Feel really comfortable with aerial images and topo maps?

Anyone feel like if given these two items you could pick a spot and guarantee that you'd see deer?

As I spend more time in the woods watching and hunting these animals I am starting to feel like with just these two data points it is possible to have successful hunts. I think this skill is especially applicable to those who hunt public lands or those who do not have the luxury of planted fields and preset shooting houses.

Almost could make a fun game out of this with our aldeer brothers - posting these two images and letting people guess and learn from the sightings and successful hunts of others.

I know that there are more keys to the equation here (especially if you are only a trophy hunter) with food sources, hunting pressure and other influences.


There's no guarantee, but if you've followed deer in land where topo makes a difference like Jackson Co, you'll get close. Topo on flat ground don't mean doodly squat.


It helps in swampland a lot. Finding subtle ridges in the swamp they will bed on


Originally Posted by Johntravis89
There is 2 different high fence. 1 small and one big! Mine was free range in the big pen and was not a breeder buck. Why does it have to be twisted around??
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590631
09/26/18 08:34 AM
09/26/18 08:34 AM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,126
KY
AUstan23 Offline
10 point
AUstan23  Offline
10 point
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,126
KY
I get pretty spot on every time at this point. Land nav in the army helped a lot.


It is easier to fool a man than to convince him he has been fooled.
Re: How many of you [Re: Razorsharp123] #2590832
09/26/18 12:28 PM
09/26/18 12:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 662
Conyers, GA and Auburn, AL
R
Razorsharp123 Offline OP
4 point
Razorsharp123  Offline OP
4 point
R
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 662
Conyers, GA and Auburn, AL
Some great comments on this thread so far!

From reading many of the comments it is clear there is some real value to these two tools. I do think that the most value is present when they are used together. Perhaps the one key to add in that is not possible to know from images and maps is the hunting pressure specific areas receive.


BowtechDan - I agree there are no guarantees in hunting!

Dkhargroves - Good observation on the topo in swamps and bottoms. Obviously if the land is actually FLAT it is of no use, but even places down south with have some exploitable topographical features.

ShaftOne - First thing I look for is areas where there is a distinct change in habitat. You will see these called edges in many cases. Some of the most obvious ones are where pines and hardwoods meet. In my experience deer will regularly move from these two types of habitat, making it a great spot to set up! Also look for the same in areas where various stages of clearcut meet.

Ikillbux - interesting perspective you've added there. I have also dealt with trying to pick the right tree in the area I have picked out, and these days when I go in "blind" like this I am just as likely to have my turkey vest on my back as I am my climber. Sometimes I wonder if we overthink tree selection but it can be extremely important especially if you have a bow in your hand.

Southwood - right on man, that's my situation except I don't have 50,000 acres to work with. Even still the acreage can be overwhelming and especially when it is all new. Because my time is limited I am sometimes "scouting" these spots by hunting them. It sure is nice though to have the confidence of knowing it looks right on satellite images and the topo map.

UAHunter and Qualimanman - Great detail to add in there with the neighboring properties. Sometimes that is just what you need to see to realize how good a spot is.

Jbuc10 - good point there too but I wonder if the presence of those species would be an overvalued consideration. Aside from a short window of the season I am not very often hunting the hard mast. Perhaps I am the one missing the boat here and I should put more focus on the presence of these species over others.

Rocket62 I would love to post images of the public land I hunt but I don't know that the hunters I share it with would like me pointing out their spots! Once I figure out the picture posting thing I will try and get one up. It is a spot I found on the map and aerial and sat twice this year. Killed two bucks from the same tree, once at the base of it with my turkey vest and one from the climber. I had never hunted or scouted this spot before but when I saw the combination of land topography and aerial images I just knew I would see some deer there.

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