Tracking: How long does sign stay warm?

[MooseCaboose]

So yesterday I was trailing a fresh set of bull moose tracks. At one point I came upon a pile of sign sitting in the snow that was still warm on the inside. It was a 30 degree day and it was in the shade. Moose terds are bigger than elk or deer so I guess the increased mass would retain heat somewhat longer.

I never did catch up to the moose but it did make me curious to know how close behind I was at that point. Anybody have any insights?

 

[rtraverdavis]

My dad always told that the way to figure the freshness of scat was to bite into it. He said that if it was still warm it was time to put a round in the chamber and keep your eyes peeled. I never was very popular with the ladies, but I got real good at reading sign.

 

[shoots-straight]

It's only warm for a little while, say 15 minutes or so. To see how old cold "sign" is put it in your mouth to warm it up and time it. Always put "sign" in your pocket. That's a powerful medicine that you will catch up to your prey.

 

[Nameless Range]

It's only warm for a little while, say 15 minutes or so. .

This. I think people would be surprised. I spent all day Sunday pursuing 2 bulls that I could never quite get a shot at. Followed their tracks and continually bumped them all day. When they bedded in some thick and nasty I made a move on them, which I blew, and they bolted. The pile of sign one of them left had been there only 20 minutes or so, and was nearly frozen. It was in the mid 20s.

 

[Gr8bawana]

When elk hunting with my bro one time we came upon a pile of poop that was still steaming. We followed the tracks knowing that it was just a matter of time before we saw them. We never saw or heard them.

 

[plains2pines]

if wet and a little green still, its fresh! other than that, anyone's guess.

 

[shoots-straight]

This. I think people would be surprised. I spent all day Sunday pursuing 2 bulls that I could never quite get a shot at. Followed their tracks and continually bumped them all day. When they bedded in some thick and nasty I made a move on them, which I blew, and they bolted. The pile of sign one of them left had been there only 20 minutes or so, and was nearly frozen. It was in the mid 20s.

If sign is in your hot tub it stays warmer longer.

 

[Gerald Martin]

If you smell like the sign you are smelling does it help you get closer to the animal you are tracking?

 

[Nameless Range]

If sign is in your hot tub it stays warmer longer.

Next year's elk blind.


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