Van Hipp is a Washington, DC-based defense and strategic affairs professional with decades of experience in government, military service, and consulting. As chairman of American Defense International, Van Hipp has advised national and international organizations on government relations, security, and strategic development since the mid-1990s. A veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Restore Democracy, he previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, overseeing reserve mobilization, and later as Principal Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Navy.
Beyond his public service career, Van Hipp has written and spoken extensively on topics involving national security, strategy, and preparedness. His professional background reflects an emphasis on planning, situational awareness, and disciplined observation, principles that also apply to outdoor pursuits such as hunting. These same analytical habits align with the practice of scouting game before hunting season, where preparation, understanding terrain, and anticipating movement patterns contribute directly to effective and responsible outcomes in the field.
Scouting Game before the Hunting Season
Scouting game before hunting season improves your chances of success and safety, and helps you better understand animal behavior. Scouting is not just about finding places where target animals can be found – it also involves understanding their movements, bedding areas, travel corridors, and food sources. Successful scouting often combines field observation, preparation, the use of modern tools, and a rapt attention to detail. Regardless of the type of animal you are hunting, knowing where and how these animals use the landscape before the season starts gives you a significant advantage when the season opens.
The behavior of game animals is not always static. It often changes with weather conditions, food availability, human disturbances, and the seasons. Scouting helps hunters identify patterns in animal movement and use that information to choose productive hunting locations. When you scout early, you have a better chance of figuring out travel routes that are near food and water sources. You also discover bedding areas where these animals rest and transition zones that they use. Early scouting also makes it possible for you to avoid areas with high human activity and pressure.
There are different means to scout animals before hunting seasons. The most obvious way is to scout them on foot. This type of scouting involves walking through an area, giving you a first-hand understanding of the terrain, signs, and vegetation. You should start by looking out for tracks and trails. Trails going between feeding and bedding areas are the ideal points to locate. Fresh droppings and rubs usually indicate recent use and animal activity. Also, look for areas where the vegetation is cropped from feeding or disturbed.
You can also conduct scouting with trail cameras. This involves setting up a camera along game trails, in feeding areas, at natural funnels, and near water sources. Most trail cameras capture photos and videos in infrared or color, and they can be checked periodically without disturbing the site.
When using trail cameras, proper placement makes a significant difference in the quality of information gathered. Position cameras at knee or chest height, depending on the species you are monitoring, and position them to prevent glare from the sun. Avoid placing cameras directly over trails to minimize the chance of animals detecting human scent. Trail cameras provide valuable insight into movement patterns such as active hours, direction of travel, group size, and peak activity, all of which help you plan your hunt with greater confidence.
Modern technology has also made scouting more efficient through aerial and map-based tools. Topographic maps, GPS systems, satellite imagery, and hunting apps allow you to study terrain before setting foot in the field. These tools help identify natural funnels, ridges, valleys, water sources, and areas where different cover types meet. Using maps in advance allows you to focus your time on the most promising locations and move through unfamiliar areas with purpose.
Understanding how animals use food, water, and cover is central to effective scouting. Game animals consistently travel between feeding areas, water sources, and secure cover such as thick brush or timber. Fall food sources like acorns and agricultural crops attract regular activity, while nearby water becomes especially important during dry conditions.
Timing and environmental conditions also influence animal behavior. Scouting at different times of the day helps reveal patterns that may not be obvious during a single visit, with early mornings and evenings often showing the most activity. Weather events such as cold fronts or rain can trigger changes in feeding and movement. Throughout the scouting process, it is important to respect property boundaries, follow regulations, and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
About Van Hipp
Van Hipp is the chairman of American Defense International and a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, with prior service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army and Principal Deputy General Counsel of the Navy. A Bronze Star recipient, he has decades of experience in national security, strategic consulting, and public service, and remains active as a commentator, writer, and advisor on defense and policy matters.
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.