The makeshift blind was ideal for settling in along the trees as the sun rose on the opening day of general deer season. Twenty minutes later, a big white-tailed buck sauntered across the pasture, and a single, well-placed shot ensured our family could enjoy fresh venison for another year.

Some may view the hunt as a way to shorten the deer season with only 20 minutes of hunting time. However, the time spent scouting and learning the movement patterns of local deer, where they feed, bed, and travel, meant that the hunt had already been going on for months.

Scouting is rewarding by learning more about your quarry, being in nature, and getting a continual dose of vitamin D. The things learned on scouting missions give a hunter a huge advantage once the hunting season begins. You don't have to count on luck; you already know where to start to increase your chances of success.

Seasons

Start in the spring by hunting for shed antlers. Go while snow is on the ground to see where deer have been moving all winter. Pay attention to where the trails go; you will appreciate how a deer uses the topography and tree cover and where preferred travel routes are established. Be mindful about where to set up for an ambush where you can hide downwind of prevailing winds.

In the summer, start noting what farmers have planted for crops. Barley, wheat, peas, and corn are great crops that attract big game and waterfowl. Make notes on your maps and pay attention to surrounding habitats.

Summer is also the perfect time to approach landowners for access permission. Hunters who leave knocking on doors until the season's opening day are at a distinct disadvantage. Knowing you have permission ahead of time and can start scouting areas off the roads is a major advantage.

Scouting is huge for waterfowl and big game hunters, giving them a head start on knowing the lay of the land, what critters are doing, and where to consider setting up when the hunting seasons open. Summer is also a great time to set up trail cameras to provide a look at what lives on a particular property. Knowing there are deer is one thing, but knowing if they are mule or whitetail and if there are bucks and does is great intel.

Pay attention to signs from previous years, like rubs and scrapes. Bucks and bulls can be traditional regarding where they live during the solitary summer months. Knowing where they rub trees lets you know exactly where they will be in September. Pay attention to barbed-wire fences and where deer are crossing. A missing wire, high bottom strand, or side hill providing more room under the fence can be a natural animal crossing. There will be hair on the barbs to identify species and activity. Knowing where animals travel regularly provides plenty of hunting options.

Apps and maps

There are many options for smartphone apps to access maps, weather, and moon phase information. Apps can be used to monitor trail camera photos, to map where you establish stands and blinds, and to determine who the landowner is on any specific quarter section. A county map can also be used. Mapping programs help to understand the lay of the land and ensure you always keep the wind at your nose when hunting or setting up decoys. Consider creating a database in the apps or on your computer for reference. When you get a change in wind and weather, you can quickly figure out how to access areas and hunt with an advantage.

Track your scouting and hunting missions on ABHuntLog and use it as a diary to create your book of hunting knowledge. ABHuntLog is offered via iHunter Alberta. Harvest Your Own podcasts and articles can get you started and help you understand the advantages and how to participate in citizen science.

Asking for permission

Asking for permission can be incredibly intimidating for some people. However, when you consider that the worst thing that could happen is that a landowner says no to your request, there is nothing to lose by trying.

A landowner can also be intimidated by a stranger approaching their door. Keep this in mind when entering a farmyard and park where you will be out of the way and walk to the door. When you knock or ring the doorbell, go back to the bottom of the stairs or back up several feet to provide a comfort zone. When asking for permission, a smile can go a long way, so be friendly and positive. Putting in a little extra effort is fun and rewarding. Most of all, it will increase your hunting success and help you build relationships to gain access to your favourite resources.

Here are some more tips when asking for permission.

• Consider developing a business card to give to landowners. Providing your contact information tells a landowner you will take care of their property, or they can contact you with any concerns.
• Always ask for access in person when possible. A face-to-face meeting is always best.
• Know what you are asking for, including the legal land description, crop type, or land use.
• Know the different crop types or use your phone to determine barley from wheat and peas from lentils. Being thorough in your scouting means you know what you are talking about, and it will come across as a positive.
• Use a phone call as a backup when you can't find the landowner or catch them at home. Don't hesitate to ask a neighbour for contact information when you can't locate the owners.
• Once you gain access, keep all pertinent information to make your job easier the next time. Knowing the landowner, what concerns they may have, and how to reach them is information worth saving.
• Don't forget to ask about access points and whether driving on portions of the land to set up stands, decoys, or blinds is okay. Ask if they have any concerns.
• Reassure the landowner that you will clean up everything brought with you and leave the land as you found it. Pick up any garbage that isn't yours but could be blamed on you, such as shotshell hulls, wads, lunch wrappers, bags, or anything considered trash.
• Stop and thank the landowner for the opportunity when you are finished and let them know you would like to return someday.