A flying V, a dark spot in the sky, a faint line way out there over the horizon. These are things we look for on those cold winter morning waterfowl scouting trips. 

It's wintertime, one of the best times of the year. We are dialed in with the shotguns after teal and dove season. We have put down a Boone and Crockett buck and now is the time to put the miles on the pick-up (or honda CRV if you are lucky enough) looking for some waterfowl to put down. We hear people saying it over and over again, scout, scout, scout, and more scouting. What does that even mean? What do you look for? How do you start?

I believe oftentimes the biggest difference between the stone-cold killers and the guys who come up empty-handed, is scouting. Having a grip on the numbers and locations and patterns of the prey we are chasing is imperative to putting them down.

For waterfowl scouting, I start on the computer. I use the aerial maps that are found on google maps, google earth, and on-x. I find areas that are off the beaten path that have a good concentration of the things that waterfowl like. Habitat and food are the things I look for. Both ducks and geese need a place to roost. Finding an area with a concentration of larger ponds and lakes that also has small ponds and crop fields is always a good bet. 

Once I find an area I like on the map, I get a buddy and have them drive us out the morning before we can hunt. No way I am spending the gas money! I like to park in a spot right at sunrise that is a little higher up than the surrounding areas or has limited tall vegetation. That way I have a good view. Then I roll the windows down and wait. Windows down allow me to hear and I spend a little bit listening and watching hoping to see some birds.

It's easy after that, when you see the birds, follow them til they land and sit off the field watching for the rest to show up. The more days you pattern the birds, the more confident you can be they will be there when you show up to hunt. Of course, there is a sweet spot on timing, but that is something that comes with experience. 

Next step, knock on some doors and be polite and conversational to ask permission. 

Remember, be a good steward of the birds you hunt and the landowners who allow you on. Shoot straight and enjoy the ride!