Do terrain features play a role in animal behavior visible on Google Earth?

Identifying Funnel Points

When scouting for hunting using Google Earth, one key aspect to consider is funnel points. These are areas where natural terrain features, such as ridges, valleys, and bodies of water, converge to funnel game animals into a smaller area. By identifying funnel points, hunters can anticipate where animals are likely to pass through, increasing their chances of success. To identify funnel points, zoom in on the area and look for confluences of terrain features at a scale of 1:1000 to 1:5000. This scale allows you to distinguish between different landforms and detect subtle patterns.

Analyzing Bedding and Feeding Areas

Google Earth’s historical imagery also allows hunters to analyze bedding and feeding areas of game animals. By examining satellite images from different seasons and years, you can identify patterns in vegetation growth, water sources, and other environmental factors that influence animal behavior. For example, deer tend to bed in areas with dense cover, such as thickets or brush, and feed in areas with high-quality forage, like agricultural fields or meadows. By analyzing these patterns, hunters can pinpoint likely locations for animal activity. Look for areas with consistent patterns of vegetation growth and use over time, such as a field that always appears to be grazed in the spring.

Using 3D Imagery for Terrain Analysis

Google Earth’s 3D imagery can also be used to analyze terrain features and their potential impact on animal behavior. By rotating and tilting the 3D view, you can examine the terrain from different angles and gain a better understanding of how it funnels game animals into certain areas. For example, a steep bluff or rocky outcropping can create a natural barrier that funnels animals into a specific area, making them more vulnerable to hunting. To use 3D imagery effectively, zoom in on the area and use the “Terrain” layer to examine the elevation and slope of the land.