High country mule deer

The deer I am hunting are just below 9000 feet. I'm hunting between 8000-9000 feet and the deer I am hunting usually move into the area around July and don't move till after the hunts. Guess it just depends on what they got in the area. The area I am in has got plenty of water and food for them. Also depends on what part of the state you're located in. Best of luck in scouting and hope you get on some bucks.

I would say the deer are there and will stay put for the next 60 days or so.

I think if the deer should be there by now, not sure many new ones will move into the area but just my thoughts. Keep at it, may want to try lower if you only cut one track in 6 miles. Need to glass early AM though as then bed down pretty quick.

I guess alot depends on the area you're in. The deer should definately be that high if there is habitat for them there. Since you mentioned cutting tracks instead of glassing, I'm assuming that you are not scouting first thing in the morning and late in the evening. One thing to remember is that often times big bucks that live up in the high country find a little nook where they have to move very little to get feed and water. I've found bucks in the South Warner wilderness that travel less than a half mile all summer. This lack movement can make you think that there are no deer in the area due to lack of tracks and poop when really there are big bucks nearby. I'd say don't write off your area until you have glassed the best feeding areas at primetime. Jeff and I were scouting an area on our general unit this weekend that was near 9000ft and we saw little to no deer sign. We picked a basin that had all the aspects of perfect muledeer habitat and were there at first light to glass. Sure enough, 3 bucks, 5 does, and 6 bull elk were munching away on the lush green feed.----------SS

Ive had the same issue! Thanks for the replies, they were very helpful! I have been in a few different areas on the wasatch front up around 9000 - 10000 feet glassing from around 7 to dark, and havnt had a whole lot of luck. I dont mean to steal your thred highbasin but i have some questions that might pertain to this situation as well. I have only been able to scout at night due to work hours but will mulie bucks visit and bed in the same areas in the morning and afternoon as they will at night? Or does it vary? Im a little frustrated because i feel like i am in some good habitat with what the animals need but havnt seen much eye candy! Any ideas?

This time of year you're not usually looking for a good buck, you're looking for a herd of bucks. Very often the big boys will be hanging out with a few other bucks - this makes it hard to find bucks because they're all in one spot. It also makes it easier to find the spot though. I would try being a little less thorough in your glassing and cover more country. Once you find bucks you can glass more thoroughly to see if there's a big one.

Glassing from 7 until dark probably won't be as effective as glassing in the early morning. Deer don't like heat and they will only move around a lot when it's cool. You may find some bucks moving around in the evening if there's shade, but they'll likely wait until it cools off (after dark) to start covering much ground. In the morning its already cool when it gets light.

got one more question for all the experts and by the way Archer11 please jump in and ask questions, it's so helpfull.

Ok,, so what percent of bucks head to the high country to spend the summer and fall. I know this is an impossible question to answer exactly, but what do you guys think. 50%, 80%. I see some good bucks that stay down low next or in the winter range.

I've always put all my resources and time into elk hunting. I would just fill my deer tag while elk hunting. For some reason the mule deer bug bite me this last winter. I'm more of an elk hunter by trade, so all your guys information is helping a ton. Thanks.

basin-IMO The smaller bucks (Not as smart) Stay in the winter range because they either haven't experienced the hunting pressure or aren't smart enough. Big deer aren't born big they have to be smart and they know they have to get up high to stay alive.
just my opinion
hope this answers what you were asking (???)
bc.pse
ps. where is you tag at?

Mornings are defintely the time when more activity will take place right now due to the heat. I know the buck I am after, I have only ever seen him in the morning at about 6 and then he takes off fo the day to who knows where. Lol. And he is with about 5 other bucks right now. So look for the bachelor groups like el matador said. Most important thing, don't give up looking! Their probably there, just got to be patient.

"firefighterbraun" wrote:Mornings are defintely the time when more activity will take place right now due to the heat. I know the buck I am after, I have only ever seen him in the morning at about 6 and then he takes off fo the day to who knows where. Lol. And he is with about 5 other bucks right now. So look for the bachelor groups like el matador said. Most important thing, don't give up looking! Their probably there, just got to be patient.

This is very true. Refer to my post "1st scouting trip" This was the point I was trying to make.

Good luck

I think that during Summer time. Food is plentiful, those bucks don't need to spend that much time out feeding. Some early morning, maybe a stretch and a bit middle of the day and then at dusk. Their not moving much. On sunny days their going for the shade and on cooler overcast days Muley Bucks will bed at other areas. Also insect influence where the deer will be at. High county rain showers are common, so tracks may not be a reliable indication of Buck numbers.