What's a good game plan?

[younggun08]

I'm at college right now and I am unable to really get out and scout and I've yet to get out the the state forest I'm thinking about hunting. What's the best game plan for hunting an area (public) that you aren't familiar with and have no clue where birds are? Just set up somewhere, listen and hope for the best?

[Stout33]

This is my first season hunting so it might not be the best advice. I am also in college and I have a tough time driving 45 minutes to the public forest I hunt. I have asked for some advice on the forum; some good ideas are get their early and listen. Also, get google earth and kind of map out a game plan. I found that to work the best, look for water, level changes, anything that will help.

[hotrod49er]

Get out there b4 daylight listen for gobblin and head that direction fast and set up

[Gooserbat]

Get out there b4 daylight listen for gobblin and head that direction fast and set up

That's basicaly it in a nutshell.

[jakebird]

If you are really going in blind, u better have a lightweight pair of boots with good soles, a pack with a water bottle and snacks. First thing i would do is get elevation. Use google earth to find a likely atrea u want to hunt, then loacte the best listening vantage point above that ground. Climb up there well before daylight and listen. Take a map with you and take a few mins and as birds sound off on the roost, mark their locations on the map. Every bird u hear. Then pick one to go after. It will be a slower start to your hunt, but its the best way i know to speed scout last minute. Id stay at the vantage point till flydown that first hunt, to hear as many birds as possible. If you strike out, move on. When u have limited time to hunt and no time to scout u have to move till u find the birds.

[dedwards44]

Jakebird has it....and it is simple...get out early and go to the highest and closest point....listen intensely.

[gunnerj]

Google Earth, dnr maps on line, and you really need a scouting trip to see it before you show up in the dark. Target food plots if you have them. Open ridge tops are great for listening, but you really should get an idea of the birds day to day routine to be successful.