Quick Answer
The most conducive terrain types for hunting success include rolling hills, wooded valleys, and mountainous areas with cover, such as thickets, trees, and rocky outcroppings. These terrain types provide ambush points, concealment, and travel corridors for wildlife. Hunters can use terrain features to their advantage when scouting and setting up stands.
Terrain Analysis with ONX
When scouting on ONX, look for areas with a mix of cover and visibility, such as wooded ridges with clear cutlines or power lines. These areas can provide ambush points for hunting and also help to funnel game into kill zones. When evaluating terrain, consider the following metrics: aspect ratio (the angle between a slope and the horizontal plane), slope steepness (the degree of incline), and elevation change. For example, a south-facing slope with a 30% incline and 50-foot elevation change can be ideal for hunting whitetail deer, as it provides a warm and accessible spot for them to bed and feed.
Effective Use of Terrain Features
To maximize hunting success, use terrain features to create funnel zones that concentrate game into kill areas. For example, create a funnel by building a barrier, such as a fence or a natural obstacle, and positioning a stand near the narrowest point. When selecting a stand site, consider the following techniques: situate the stand 20 yards above the game’s likely travel route, position the stand near a natural food source, such as a water source or a feeding area, and use cover such as a tree or a thicket to conceal the hunter.
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