Deer hunting sure has changed over the last decade or two. The technology now available to hunters is astonishing, especially to someone who started out with a paper map and a compass.

First came hand-held GPS units and satellite imagery. Then there were software programs that allowed hunters to keep organized records of sign, sightings and success. Next came smartphones with GPS capability, the ability to view satellite imagery and eventually, applications specifically developed for the hunter that can be quite useful.

For starters, most have a weather forecast. At the very least, that can tell you what to expect and how to dress: light clothes for warm days, heavy for cold and waterproof if needed.

High temperatures or winds might mean low deer movement, or a falling barometer might suggest quite the opposite.

Of even greater importance is wind direction. Some apps simply give you the forecasted direction and speed while others go much farther. In some cases you can identify a specific point – like a tree stand – and the app will show a scent cone where prevailing wind will carry your scent. That can help in deciding which stand to hunt based on expected conditions.

However, even that function may not account for how features like topography or vegetation may influence wind. Fortunately, there are functions to view topographical maps or contours and satellite images of cover type that could alter prevailing winds. These functions can also be helpful in other ways.

Topography will show you saddles and benches that represent easier and preferred travel routes in rough terrain. It will show steep terrain or other land features that funnel deer movement, or just the easiest route to a particular destination.

From satellite imagery you can discern all kinds of useful information. Softwoods might be good bedding cover in bad weather. Hardwoods could be a food source, like acorns. Water bodies and waterways also might funnel deer movement, or provide an alternate means for a stealthy approach.

Another very helpful feature is the ability to add waypoints and often specific information about them. If you find signs like rubs or scrapes while scouting you can drop a pin and make notes. Later, you can connect the dots to identify travel routes or areas of concentrated activity.

You can locate stand or camera sites, and even keep a log of activity. Over time you may recognize trends. For example, one location may have more morning activity and another see more action in the afternoon. One might be better early in the season and another later.

Some dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists disparage all this technology. However, our forefathers and mothers were eager to enlist innovations. Those with the means and access were quick to replace arrows and spears with firearms, flintlock ignition systems with caplocks, muzzleloaders with enclosed cartridges, round lead balls with copper-jacketed and aerodynamic bullets. Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics replaced wool, and semi-permeable waterproof and windproof outerwear replaced waxed cotton. Open sights were replaced with peep sights, then scopes with increasingly better glass.

Technology won’t make you a better hunter, but if you have the necessary skills it might make you a more successful one. Some folks still prefer the old ways, or at least some of them. They choose bow over gun, albeit a very complex, technologically advanced version of the stick and string used by our ancestors. More power, and success, to them, but those who feel inclined to use the best of what’s available to them should feel no reluctance to do so.

Bob Humphrey is a freelance writer and Registered Maine Guide who lives in Pownal. He can be reached at: bhunt@maine.rr.com

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