Summer is in full swing here in central New York, and it’s a great time to turn some downtime into uptime. Cool summer mornings are a great time to take a walk in the woods with your spouse or kids. There’s nothing wrong with a “deliberate” walk! It’s a great time of year to do some scouting. Whether you are discovering new territory or putting in time on the same ground your grandfather walked on, the time spent now can pay off in dividends once fall comes. You may be in the hunt for a new duck pond, or the perfect tree for your
deer stand. Either way, summer is a great time to get started.

The rivers, marshes, and woods are always changing in upstate New York where I live. Spring thaws and runoff can change or make new river backsets every year, and that backset could be a perfect rest stop for those late season mallards. In the deer woods, weather can play a significant role in food sources, which will affect travel routes. Those walks in the woods might give you the advantage you need to take that trophy buck as he creeps out of his bed for dinner. Make notes of runway locations that are being heavily traveled.

These scouting trips are great teaching trips for the kids, time well spent with your spouse, and all around good preparation for the fast approaching season. It’s a win/win plan for getting your “fix” during the off season!