8 Tips to Success When E-Scouting for Elk or Mule Deer

Are you planning an elk hunt this year? Maybe you're after mule deer this season. No matter which type of big game you hunt, scouting is crucial to returning home with the trophy you're after.

So, before you venture into the wilderness after elk, mule deer, or anything else, check out these eight e-scouting essentials.

1. Identify the Area Where Your Tag is Valid

The first step is to know where you're allowed to hunt, which is likely documented on your tag or the information that came with your tag. With this information, you'll want to learn about the property boundaries.

The first step in e-scouting is figuring out where you can hunt and the surrounding land. By downloading a GPS app like Huntwise, you can view boundaries for elk Draw Units and OTC/General areas.

Use mapping layers to see government lands, county, and landowner boundaries with owner contact information. When preparing for your hunt, look at areas that border private lands or restricted units that may have less pressure.

Sometimes, the best hunting is on the boundary lines but make sure you know where they are and if you have permission to hunt on neighboring properties if that elk you're after crosses a boundary line.

2. Identify Roads and Trailheads

It's obvious why you should know which roads will lead you where you want to hunt, but what about the trails, paths, and access points?

Look for land areas that can give you access to remote areas. Get away from road systems and major trailheads while also keeping in mind that you need to be physically able to not only get back but potentially (and hopefully) pack out 250-350 pounds of meat, cape, and antlers.

Remember: elk are called "big game" for a reason! They can weigh between 300 and 900 pounds.

There is a fine line between getting away from the bulk of other hunters and putting yourself in a bad situation. Being physically prepared and knowing your limits is very important.

Using HuntWise, you can identify passenger vehicle roads, ATV roads, dirt bike-approved trails, biking trails, pack and saddle trails, and hiking trails.

3. Identify Areas That Provide Shelter to Big Game

Where will you find that big elk within an area you can legally hunt? Use map layers in the HuntWise app to study the terrain and look for spots that look like they could provide shelter for animals.

Dark timber on north-facing slopes usually provides elk with security. North slopes with "benches" in the topography offer natural corridors for elk to move in and out of easily.

4. Find Food and Water

In addition to shelter, wild game needs food and water sources. Again, using the map layers in HuntWise, look for spots that could provide these resources for big game. However, note that knowing where these areas are is also important for your needs.

Knowing where water is available is not only important to your hunt but also crucial for your safety. You should always have a plan for refilling drinking water.

Water is vital to elk in late August and early September, especially in historically very dry places like Colorado. Look for drainages and depressions that could be potential spots for elk to wallow in.

5. Have a Good Idea of Where Females Will Be

This is a little harder to determine from your desktop and phone, but you can usually bet there are cows and calves where there is cover, food, and water.

Viewing the map in 3D mode from your phone app will allow you to get a more topographically detailed view of the land. Knowing where good elevated lookout spots are for these areas will give you the upper hand on your stalk.

6. Plan Your Hunt Around Burned Areas

Look at areas that have been clear-cut or have burned in years past.

Even though it will push wildlife out during the time it happens, the years that follow usually provide a lot of green undergrowth (food). While the food is the initial reason animals travel to a burn after a few years, the new growth will also provide good bedding and cover.

7. Check with People Who Have Been There

Learning about elk and hunting areas from other hunters is a great scouting tool.

Did you know that thousands of hunters share their experiences on HuntWise using photo logs and updates using the HuntWise community area of the app?

Hunters will also post helpful information on online hunting forums like 24hourcampfire, Archery Talk, and Rokslide. If you have specific questions about the herd, it doesn't hurt to give a local biologist a call.

These are useful resources for everyone from novices to expert hunters; there's always more to learn.

8. Save Your Map Before You Go Off the Grid

The last step is to "offline your maps" or save them, with all the layers and features, to your phone so you can use them wherever your hunt takes you.

Even with no cell phone service, you can mark glassing points or where a bull went down and easily navigate your way back to camp.

Use HuntWise When E-Scouting for Elk

Every hunt will be different. Every state and species will vary, but these eight tactics will help prepare you for your next big game hunt, including an elk hunt!

Whether you are an experienced backcountry hunter or you're planning your very first big game hunt, HuntWise is here to help prepare you for the hunt of a lifetime.

Use the tips we've shared today when e-scouting for elk, mule deer, or other big game. With hundreds of map layers covering all 50 states, markers, land boundaries, and many more features, it's the ultimate tool for big game hunters.

If you don't yet have the app, now's the time to download it and explore every feature – free – for a week. If you do have the app, consider the Pro or Elite subscription to extend how far you can see forecasting for HuntCast, WindCast, and more!