What would you like to see in a scouting video?

[exbiologist]

I realize that the reason the TV and hunting shows don't spend much time showing the scouting process is because it's probably a little boring. But is there something you'd want to see in a more educational elk and mule deer scouting video that would hopefully still have some entertainment value?

Is there something that generally isn't well illustrated or articulated that could be done either with video or a series of stills and some voice over?

The basic outline of the video will be in four parts and will encompass unit selection, remote scouting, on the ground scouting and hopefully some hunting success if we do our part right. In other words: How did we select this unit? How did we narrow down our focus within the unit? What are we looking for when we set foot on the ground in the hunting area to validate, disprove or disregard a specific drainage or region of a unit to hunt in? And finally, can we put it all together, culminating in a successful hunt?

I realize that those looking for something informative, won't expect quite the same amount of killing and action as with your run-of-the-mill hunting videos, but how would you still make it entertaining? I don't want to put together a range plant ID video, coupled with some live animal shots, but I do want to cover some good, in-depth habitat stuff that you probably haven't seen before.

Any suggestions?

 

[Cosmoline]

Sounds like a fantastic idea. I usually get nothing useful out of hunting videos.

Reading terrain, deciding on the ground to cover for the time of year, explaining how they get to the point where they usually *start* filming, and what tricks can be used for particular game in particular areas. I find that information far more useful than the actual shooting. I know how to shoot the animal, but maybe I don't know that if you can locate a certain patch of vegetation at a particular time of year you'll have a good chance of finding X game. Some of this I know, but most of it I do not.

Less tee-vee personality, less "drama," more information. I'd pay for that!

 

[CoRoMo]

I've always wanted to see someone call in a cow elk, doe, or cow moose.

Hunting shows can always track down and call in a trophy male who's sexually excited to get a piece of tail, but I'd like to see them do what so many common hunters do when they need meat in the freezer; kill a girl. The thing is, without using decoys, bait & food plots, without just sitting on a stand waiting for a dumb one to wander by, and without hiking around hoping to just happen upon one. I'd like to see the skill involved with bringing females TO YOU.

 

[oneounceload]

Showing really good examples of the various food types they eat and what type of locations will give the best results. How to use GPS and topo maps to find seeps and springs. How to recognize sign, scat, etc. I see lots of threads started by younger folks who want to get into hunting - if they don't know what to look for, they'll have a hard time

 

[exbiologist]

I do intend to some plant ID stuff, with an emphasis on seasonal forage availability, where those plants grow and to what extent those plants are preferred over others.
The trouble with that is it could get pretty tedious and might not cover everything. Which is why it's just as important to show how to identify browsing pressure on that plant, even if you don't know what it's called.

 

[exbiologist]

Ya'll are going to love some of what we are putting together. Got some really spectacular mule deer footage especially.
Going to be a while before anyone can see it, so sorry for the teaser

 

[slabuda]

For mule deer/elk. Starting with topo maps to develop a plan. Meaning where should you begin your efforts in relation to ridges, drainage's etc.

 

[~z]

Additionally some detail on spotting/ scanning methodology would be handy. My typical method is to id likely observation spots on a topo, verify with aerial map (to determine veg in the spotting and observing area) then go to that spot and have a lookie see. Without verifying on the aerial maps I chosen ‘seemingly ideal’ spotting areas only to find they were choked with trees and offered no vantage point for observation.

From there the methodology becomes more important. I usually take a quick look to see if anything 'jumps out at me' then scrutinize 'high probability areas' with field glasses. From there I will take apart the remainder of the area by scanning the area top down. That is, starting on the right side, I will scan the highest elevation then come downhill a bit and scan from the left side. I will do this till I have covered the whole area.

I would be quite interested to see other methodologies to take apart the scenery. This is likely the least interesting but one of the most important aspects of hunting a new area.
~z