FieldJournals

Today’s society is filled with GPS devices and cell phones.  One tool that I use every year to help with my hunt is Google Maps.  Simply type in your browser www.googlemaps.com.  If you do not already have a profile with Google, signup for their free service.  After you login, type your hunting location into the Search bar.  I personally like to view all my hunting areas in “satellite” view.  When viewing your map, you can add Placemarks anywhere you like on the map.  I like to add Placemarks for all my treestands; these can also be color coded and filled with a description.  I will keep a personal log on each of the treestands, filling in information such as deer I see or deer I have taken from that stand.  Next, I will add Placemarks for the deer I have taken, marked at their exact location.

Google Maps will also allow you to add lines and shapes.  Again, another beneficial tool is I can draw a line to indicate popular deer runs I have come across during my scouting season.   Google Maps also allows me to share my personalized map with other hunters.  The map can be printed and emailed as needed.  Below is a map that I have been using for the past 3 years.  The blue Placemark is my treestand and the 2 green pins are locations where I have taken deer.  The blue lines are known runs that I have found scouting this summer.  Google Maps is a free tool that all hunters should be using year after year to help increase their hunting success as it will easily point out deer trends.