Early Season Location?
hobbes
8/6/09 9:48am
I’m a relatively new western resident (been in CO 3 yrs now) and have concentrated most of my efforts on archery elk. I’m hoping to put a little more effort into a mule deer during archery season this year. Most info for early season bucks says “hunt from treeline up”, so that is where I’ve been concentrating my scouting efforts.
However, I had to stay late at work a few nights ago and found myself driving the mountain road home (through my archery unit) at about 9:30. The moon was full and there were more deer along the road than usual. I probably saw 15 deer, four of which where bucks. Three of the bucks were on private land, but the biggest was surrounded by NF and in an area that I am familiar with. I got a pretty good look at him and would guess him in the upper 160’s or so. That probably doesn’t sound big to a lot of hard core deer guys, but it was more than enough to turn me on.
My question is about his location. The road is at an elevation of approx. 9,500 ft, and he was located approximately 2,000 ft below and 3 miles from treeline. Will some of the bigger bucks spend the early season below treeline or do you think he had wandered down the drainage that far to feed during the night? Or is it just a matter of deer are where you find them?
I wouldn’t say I’m planning to spend all my efforts trying to find him again (elk are probably still priority), but wouldn’t mind putting my glass to good use and watching the area for him a couple evenings.
However, I had to stay late at work a few nights ago and found myself driving the mountain road home (through my archery unit) at about 9:30. The moon was full and there were more deer along the road than usual. I probably saw 15 deer, four of which where bucks. Three of the bucks were on private land, but the biggest was surrounded by NF and in an area that I am familiar with. I got a pretty good look at him and would guess him in the upper 160’s or so. That probably doesn’t sound big to a lot of hard core deer guys, but it was more than enough to turn me on.
My question is about his location. The road is at an elevation of approx. 9,500 ft, and he was located approximately 2,000 ft below and 3 miles from treeline. Will some of the bigger bucks spend the early season below treeline or do you think he had wandered down the drainage that far to feed during the night? Or is it just a matter of deer are where you find them?
I wouldn’t say I’m planning to spend all my efforts trying to find him again (elk are probably still priority), but wouldn’t mind putting my glass to good use and watching the area for him a couple evenings.
1,683
sneekeepete
8/6/09 11:22am
I would have to say that your buck is right where he wants to be. Most deer probably are up higher but if that is where you saw him then that is probably right around his area. This time of year he won't be moving much at all especially if he has cover feed and water right there close. there are always exceptions and he might have been pushed down for some reason or another but he is probably right where he wants to be. That is just my take on things hope it helps you out.
6
Bowtech43
8/6/09 1:05pm
I like to think that the treeline theory is true, and I think it is generally. However, you still see bucks down in the lower elevations at times as well. Just see a lot more does, fawns, and smaller bucks too. I'd have to agree with Sneeky about the fact that your deer is where he wants to be. Keep your eye on him and you may be able to catch him on the public side of the area.
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