Public land scouting for deer...how much do you do?

[JAG]

I know this thread is for deer, but since elk comments were introduced, I did a quick search for the average home range of ungulates. These are limited to the first line of AI info and I realize they don't account for multiple exceptions (i.e. published tracks of migratory Mule Deer in WY):

• Whitetail- 1 square mile
• Mule Deer (bucks)- 1.2 to 4 square miles, with the potential to reach up to 30 square miles in certain situations (Muley does have smaller ranges)
• Elk- 600 square miles

With this in mind, consider the impact of bumping one species versus another per the average size of their home range and the tendency to move elsewhere. Also, since the home range is so large for elk, does it mean they are less likely to change their 'home range'?

 

[Silver15tacoma]

Honestly no much. Usually only have time for one day before the hunt.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I know this thread is for deer, but since elk comments were introduced, I did a quick search for the average home range of ungulates. These are limited to the first line of AI info and I realize they don't account for multiple exceptions (i.e. published tracks of migratory Mule Deer in WY):

• Whitetail- 1 square mile
• Mule Deer (bucks)- 1.2 to 4 square miles, with the potential to reach up to 30 square miles in certain situations (Muley does have smaller ranges)
• Elk- 600 square miles

With this in mind, consider the impact of bumping one species versus another per the average size of their home range and the tendency to move elsewhere. Also, since the home range is so large for elk, does it mean they are less likely to change their 'home range'?

When I scout for deer, I am looking for big buck sign for the most part. Where I am looking and finding buck beds now in February and March is where they are bedding in early season for the most part and not late season. Right now, either the canopy is gone because the leaves fell, the marsh grass is dead and is laying down, or because of snow melt the bed may be under water. When things dry out, leaves come back, and the grass grows like a jungle in spring and summer, these are the beds that the bucks will occupy during early season and into the rut here in WI. Now this is on high pressured public land and I scout primarily marshes and swamps. So I am not worried about bumping bucks while scouting pre-green up. It would be different if I were scouting in June/July. Their beds are just too open right now due to lack of vegetation for them to feel safe, thus those bucks aren't using those particular beds during this time of year.