Planning the Hunt

Pre-scouting

Planning the Hunt

Topographic maps use lines to show the contours of the landscape.
The closer the lines, the steeper the slope.

1. Unless otherwise indicated, the top of the map is north
2. Standing or flowing water (such as the river) is indicated by shaded areas of variable width and shape. Dashed blue lines indicate an intermittent or seasonal water
3. Dashed parallel lines indicate a gravel or graded road, sometimes called an improved road
4. Solid black lines indicate a paved or oiled road
5. Numbers interrupting the contour lines show elevation. Increasing numbers indicate uphill, decreasing numbers, downhill
6. Loosely grouped dotted areas show marsh or wetland areas
7. Single dashed lines show trails

Maps show -

• Roads, trails and access to your hunting area
• Sources of potential water, food or cover for wildlife
• Barriers to cross while hunting
• Barriers for wildlife (that you can use to your advantage)
• Terrain in which to prepare
• Elevations in which to prepare
• Potential campsites
• Likely travel routes for wildlife