Hunting & Fishing What to look for on maps?

[AK4900PA]

I'm very new to hunting, but I'd like to get a permit for the national forest and try my hand at hunting some hogs and deer. I got the onX hunt app. Any suggestions in regards to what sort of things to look for on the maps when looking for a potential hunting spot would be greatly appreciated. I was primarily looking for areas that are a ways off the road to get away from people as much as possible and water sources. Anything else that can be seen on the maps that would indicate a potentially good spot?

 

[Dougie308]

Look for the "X". That marks the spot. you want.

 

[Tucker301]

Deer... Pinch points.
Natural funnels that force deer to squeeze through tight spots in order to transition from bedding areas to feeding areas. One of my nicest bucks came from a handmade pinch point that a buddy and I put together.
Another thing I can't stress enough is to begin your hunt the instant you exit your vehicle, and end it when you stick the key in the door.
I've killed a lot of deer walking in and walking out from my stand. Hunt every step.

 

[Dirty8404]

Another thing I can't stress enough is to begin your hunt the instant you exit your vehicle, and end it when you stick the key in the door.
I've killed a lot of deer walking in and walking out from my stand. Hunt every step.

This man is spot on. Take a step/wait a step-style still hunting works pretty much everywhere. I shot a buck when I was a kid at ~30 feet just going for a slow walk in timber, 1/2 mike from camp.

Pinch points are money wherever you are, I hunt out west and there’s more glassing and moving but it still applies.

Look for changes/differences in topography, veg, etc., use Google earth, scout ahead of time to confirm your research. Go rabbit/coyote hunting in your area to get boots on the ground early in the morning. No clue what that app does, but the above works for me.

 

[ZG47A]

Bear in mind, when using topographical maps, that the old maps were created via ground survey BUT for the last few decades photogrammetry has taken over, i.e. they read the height off vegetation where the ground is not visible. Sometimes good for chopper pilots but not very useful for hunters.

The old trick of obtaining aerial photos is still valid, as is talking to reliable people who know the area. Start with a good map but do the extra work and it will pay off.

 

[Fig]

I would definitely get on some local hunting boards and try to find someone experienced who will go with you.
I can't imagine learning to hunt as an adult by myself. I was going to deer camp and into the field for years with a broomstick before I was allowed to carry a rifle and shoot a deer.

 

[XLR308]

Since you mentioned hogs you are obviously down south somewere depending on hunting pressure they will be moving around quite a bit. The maps are a good starting point but nothing can replace foot work and scouting to find game sign.
Any area that has much sign of hogs will look like a war zone, ground rooted up and turned over and they like to rub themselves against trees and fence posts leaving hair, mud and whatever crap they have been rolling in on them.
Another good tip is to get any info you can on the cycle of the oak trees and when they are dropping acorns, find the best food sources and you will find a better concentration of game when abundant.

That might be a mile in or a five minute walk from the road.