When it comes to scouting for elk, mule deer, or any western big game species, the difference between a productive trip and a miserable one often comes down to one thing: preparation. And there’s no better tool in your pocket than the GOHUNT mobile app—especially when it comes to leveraging weather forecasts to plan your weekend scouting trip. So, no matter if you're scouting during the summer or scouting during the fall, weather forecasts are essential. Everything is now in the palm of your hand when using our mobile app.

As someone who’s been burned by afternoon thunderstorms when scouting in the summer more than once, I can tell you: using weather data to guide your gear and clothing decisions is a game-changer. It's why I learned early on to always pack a rain jacket.

Check the weather early—And often

The GOHUNT app provides not only hourly, but also 10-day weather forecasts right inside the app for the exact spot you're hunting. Before you even step out the door, you should be checking the forecast for the unit you plan on scouting. This forecast includes temperature highs/lows, wind speed, and precipitation, so you’re not caught off guard.

Planning to glass high basins at first light? Look at the morning lows to ensure you have the required clothes to sit out glassing, no matter if you're scouting in August or October. Is it going to drop into the 40s overnight? You’ll want a solid insulation layer, gloves, and possibly a beanie. Forecast calling for 25-30 mph winds mid-afternoon? That’s a great heads-up to do most of my glassing in the morning, and maybe see about setting up glassing points out of the wind in the afternoon so I can attempt to get some glassing in.

Dial in your clothing layers

Weather should dictate what you wear—and what clothing you take in your backpack. Let’s say your weekend forecast in Unit 9999 is calling for 80-degree highs and 45-degree lows. That’s a pretty good swing. For this, I might recommend a breathable merino base layer like the GOHUNT Basin Merino Hoodie, a lightweight synthetic midlayer when moving around in the chilly mornings like the GOHUNT Atmosphere Hooded Jacket, and a stowable puffy jacket like the Stone Glacier Grumman Goose Down Jacket or the Sitka Kelvin AeroLite Jacket for glassing sessions at elevation. These items are "just in case" pieces that I might modify or leave in the truck at the last second. But at least you packed them if conditions change prior to hiking out.

And don’t skip the rain gear just because it’s sunny in the city. If the weather in the GOHUNT app is showing even a chance of precipitation for your weekend scouting trip, bring that ultralight rain jacket. Trust me—it’s better to have it and not need it than to spend hours hiking or glassing while getting soaked.

Plan for glassing and being mobile

It should go without saying, but if the app’s hourly forecast shows clear skies and low winds in the morning, that’s your ideal time to glass. So if you have a weekend to scout, stack your plans accordingly—get up extra early, hike into the spot you want to scout during the cool night hours, and glass away once the sun rises. Don’t miss any of that prime time glassing by sleeping in and hiking when you should be glassing! Especially if the weather is going to turn for the worse in the afternoon.

Forecast = Backcountry Scouting Game Plan

Think of the weather forecast as your backcountry game plan. Use it to decide:

And remember: it’s all about efficiency and comfort. The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make—especially when you’re five miles in and hiking through deadfall to get some summer scouting in.

Weather and scouting trips

Weather could make or break your scouting trip—more than likely, it could just make your scouting trip a little less comfortable, but with the GOHUNT mobile app, you’ve got a way to stay ahead of the elements. So next time you’re prepping for a weekend scouting trip, don’t just glance at the forecast—plan with it. Your gear, your layers, and even your glassing strategies should all revolve around that weather window. Do it right, and you’ll scout more effectively—and suffer a whole lot less.

If you’re not an Insider yet, now’s a great time to become a GOHUNT Insider. With weather, maps, hunt research, gear lists, and so much more in one place, there’s never been a better way to find and go on your best hunt yet.