5 Fall Scouting Tips

Scouting your hunting grounds is a crucial part of a successful hunt, especially when game movements shift due to migration patterns and habitat changes during the fall. Understanding how to track game and adapt to changing environments is key. Let’s break down how to scout effectively while gearing up with the right DSG Outerwear camo to stay undetected.

1. Know Your Game’s Migration Patterns

Big game species begin migrating in the fall, seeking food, shelter, and mates as temperatures drop. Understanding these migration patterns is essential for tracking game movements, and here’s how to get started:

• Research Your Species: Start by researching the specific animals you plan to hunt. For example, elk and deer migrate to lower elevations in search of food as snow begins to fall.
• Use Maps: Tools like topographical maps help hunters identify migration corridors and potential routes. Many animals follow the same paths year after year, so studying these routes in advance will give you an edge.
• Monitor Water Sources: Water is a constant need, and game animals will often migrate toward accessible water sources like streams, rivers, or lakes. Keep an eye on these locations and plan your setup accordingly.

2. Watch for Habitat Changes

Fall brings dramatic changes to landscapes, from the first frosts to a thinning tree canopy. These shifts impact the availability of food sources, shelter, and safety for game animals. To stay ahead, here’s what to look for:

• Check for Fresh Food Sources: Big game often change their feeding behavior based on what’s available. Look for acorns, berries, or late-season grasses. If you know where the food is, you’ll know where your prey will be.
• Study the Terrain: The topography may shift as trees shed their leaves and undergrowth dies back, exposing open spaces that game will either avoid or cautiously approach. Finding elevated areas with good visibility will give you a scouting advantage.

3. Use Trail Cameras

Trail cameras are a hunter’s best friend when it comes to monitoring game without disturbing their patterns. Position your cameras in areas with signs of heavy traffic, such as waterholes, feeding grounds, or known game trails. This will help you track when and where animals are moving, providing you with the best times to hunt.

Time Your Check-ins: Make sure to check your cameras regularly, but try not to visit the area too frequently, as you risk leaving behind your scent and spooking the game.

4. Perfect Your Camo with DSG Outerwear

Effective scouting and hunting require blending into your surroundings seamlessly, and that’s where DSG Outerwear comes in. With our women's hunting apparel, you can stay comfortable while remaining undetected

• Match Your Camo to the Habitat: DSG Outerwear offers various Realtree and Mossy Oak™ camo patterns designed for different terrains, from dense woods to open fields. Fall is a dynamic season where environments change rapidly, so opt for patterns that mimic your surroundings.
• Stay Warm and Dry: DSG Outerwear’s base layers and outerwear not only help you blend in but keep you warm during those chilly fall mornings. Our waterproof gear is also perfect for staying comfortable in unpredictable autumn weather.

5. Pay Attention to Wind and Scent Control

Scouting isn’t just about what you can see—it’s about understanding how the wind works and minimizing your scent in the field. Wind can carry your scent and alert game to your presence long before you spot them.

For more on how to work with the wind, read our blog post on the topic.

Scouting is all about preparation, and the more effort you put into understanding the game and terrain, the better your chances for success this hunting season. From using trail cameras to matching your camo with the surroundings, every detail counts. With DSG Outerwear, you’ll not only be prepared but comfortable and camouflaged as well.