09/19/2026
HOW TO FIND YOUR SECRET HUNTING SPOT — PART 2
Once you’ve researched an area and have a few tips on where you might want to hunt, it’s time to start e-scouting to make a hunt plan.
I use the iHunter app iHunter (Mark Stenroos) as my primary mapping app, with great tools for researching an area and getting a head start on scouting.
So what am I looking for?
I start with habitat.
In the summer, I’m often looking for higher-elevation, open terrain where I can glass a large area.
As October and November roll around, my focus starts shifting toward winter range.
I use satellite imagery and mapping tools to assess tree cover, terrain, and vegetation.
I’m looking for a mix of mature forest and open areas—places that provide both good cover and feeding opportunities.
Wildfires can create incredible habitat. A few years after a fire, new growth can produce a lot of food and become valuable summer and winter habitat for ungulates. A mapping layer shows recent fire activity.
Then I start looking at access.
I’ll turn on the road layers and start figuring out how I can actually get into the area.
I’m looking at the terrain and asking: Can I realistically get in here? Is it too steep? Can I hunt it effectively? I’ll add the topographic layer to assess steepness.
So I’m looking for a mix of terrain undulations, good visibility, productive habitat and reasonable access.
Before I leave the house, I’ll build a series of waypoints and potential routes using iHunter.
That way, when I finally get boots on the ground, I’m not starting from scratch.
I already have a plan.
Next post - it’s time to see if what I found on the screen actually matches what’s happening on the ground.
📷🙏 Dave Gu