What type of terrain do you prefer for hunting Mulies?

I like to hunt the aspens because that is where we see a lot of bucks.

Depends on the weather if its been warm and no snow the higher elevations are better. If its been wet and cold the sage and cedars are a better bet.

You name it I hunt it! :)

I prefer Sagebrush, Cedar Trees, Bitter Brush, and yep a mixture of Pinyons/Junipers. But I've never taken any Monsters. Maybe I need to move back to OAK etc.

i like the same type of areas Brett does. except i love hunting in the high dark timber to.

I used to believe all the big bucks were up high, becasue that's where I've always sen them. We hunted from 8,000-10,000 feet all season last year and never saw a decent buck. Spent one day down in the cedars at about 5,000 and saw 3 really nice bucks. So as much as i would rather spot and stalk in the higher country where I can sit and spot deer from a mile away, I am now hooked on the lower cedars as well.

So, what terrain do I prefer to hunt in? Wherever the deer are!

Personally i'm a "glasser", so i really like the open stuff.
Be it up high or down low, i like to spot 'em and stalk 'em in the open. :thumb

I like high desert type terrain. Of course I've never hunted east of Idaho so....

I'm like most......I'll hunt them in anything they're living in. However, my absolute favorite terrain to bowhunt them is above timberline (11,000-12,500'). There's just something about the lonely wilderness, with no ATV's or other people to contend with, in physically demanding areas that allow you to challenge wits with a monster muley, one-on-one. It's what I live for........

BOHNTR: I'd be interested to hear how you prepare or train for hunting at such high elevations. The oxygen level is so low at that altitude.

If you're willing to share you can send a me a private message.

I like the sage country.

ya Roy what davey said. send that pm along to me to.lol

Bohntr--I have seen your posts on this website as well as another and have enjoyed and inspired by your success. It looks like a lot of your bucks come from our local mountains in so cal. It has been a few years since I have hunted locally, but we saw quite a few deer but never was able to get close enough to shoot with a bow because the brush is so thick.

What is your preferred method around here? treestand? Spot and stalk is just so dang hard because of the brush.

We are choked with heavy cover, brush and swamps here in MN White Tail country. I really like the wide open badland type stuff. Rugged country where there,s no chance for 4 wheelers.

BOHNTR: I'd be interested to hear how you prepare or train for hunting at such high elevations. The oxygen level is so low at that altitude.

If you're willing to share you can send a me a private message.

I received several PM's asking this same question. I thought I'd share it here instead of multiple PM'. Hopefully I won't bore some.

Here’s what I do to prepare for these types of hunts. I’m by no means an expert in this area, but it works for me. Some think it’s extreme, but I do what it takes to hunt these areas where most will not.

First off, to hunt at high elevations, being in shape is a must, IMO. It will save you hours of pain not only in your muscles, but your brain when you experience decreased oxygen levels. However, there are some things you can do to alleviate your pain.

When I decided a few years ago that I was going to start backpacking into high elevation wildernesses, I quit lifting heavy weights and saw a nutritionist. I immediately went on an all natural food, low daily calorie diet that dropped my weight from 196 to 161 pounds over a five-month training period. This was combined with my daily routine of running which I’ve always done to keep my cardio level high since my profession requires it. I usually run between 18-15 miles per week, at a fairly quick pace to burn fat and calories (average 9.5 minute mile and a half run).

This combined with an 1850-calorie daily diet of all natural foods, and I’ve been able to remain in good shape. I’ll be honest; it’s not easy when you’re in your 40’s and for many will be a life changing routine. Basically you eat 6 small meals a day, which include fresh vegetables, fruit, skinless chicken, fish, and venison. You limit your starchy foods and NEVER eat any white flour products (whole wheat only) or fried foods. No soda, sodium, caffeine (one cup of coffee a day is allowed), artificial sweeteners, etc. If you use salad dressings or eat yogurt and granola, they must be fat free and low calorie.

EVERY meal I eat is weighed, so I can assure the amount I’m eating is correct. Example-6 ounces of grilled chicken, 1 cup of salad, 1 cup of green beans. Remember, when you eat too large a meal at any sitting, the remainder of that food is stored immediately to fat. Furthermore, if your “diet” is eating one meal a day, you are actually storing food to fat, as your body has been starving all day. As a result, when it receives food, it stores a portion to fat reserve to save when you fast again. This is why small meals throughout the day will “trick” your body and boost your metabolism rate.

This diet, coupled with physical conditioning (running / hiking program) makes the transition from sea level to 12,000’ much easier. Some other “tricks” to reduce altitude sickness is taking pure activated “charcoal tablets” within 24 hours of your hike. One should also drink A LOT of water……even when your stomach can’t take anymore…..drink some more.

Lastly, try not to gain too much elevation in one day. When I arrive in the high country, I drive as high as I can (elevation) when I get to trailhead or the end of the road. Where I begin my hike in Colorado is about 11,000’. When I first arrive (generally mid-morning) I spend the entire day there and take it easy. I then spend the night at trailhead to acclimate myself. When morning arrives, I begin my hike. This “formula” has worked well for me and I’ve yet to experience altitude sickness since implementing this routine.

This program works for me and maybe will help others prepare for physically demanding hunts.

Bohntr--I have seen your posts on this website as well as another and have enjoyed and inspired by your success. It looks like a lot of your bucks come from our local mountains in so cal. It has been a few years since I have hunted locally, but we saw quite a few deer but never was able to get close enough to shoot with a bow because the brush is so thick.

What is your preferred method around here? treestand? Spot and stalk is just so dang hard because of the brush.

When I bowhunt those critters, I generally use the spot-n-stalk technique. Yes it's thick chaparral that's dry and steep, but I've hunted those deer for over 30 years and have learned where the trails are and areas that are "easier" to move around in. I usually wait until they bed down or anticipate where they're going and set up ahead of them for an ambush. It works, but one will generally blow more stalks than succeed. Just keep at it and don't give up.......the more opportunities you have the better percentage of succeeding. Pre-season scouting is a MUST in that country......I scout year round there and know those deer by name. :) Hope it helps.

thanks Man, that helps. I guess the key there is also consistency. The more times you're up there the better your chance at scoring.

Any more hunts for you this season? Did you shoot that local buck with a general tag or archery hunt?

Any more hunts for you this season? Did you shoot that local buck with a general tag or archery hunt?

I drew the coveted G3 (Goodale) hunt that runs from December 1-16......I'll be chasing them with my bow. Hopefully all the hype about this hunt is true and I get a chance at some good bucks.

The buck a few weeks ago was arrowed on my AO tag during the D-11 archery hunt.

I have 3 points on the G3 hunt. How many did you have and how long have you been putting in for it?

I had max points......been putting in since it's inception.

congratulations! I look forward to reading about your hunt.

Thanks for all the info BOHNTR, I really appreciate it. You are definitely a professional hunter.

I'm not so sure I'd be willing to cut any weight (180ish @ 5'10"), but I am constantly trying to improve my cardio. Run 3 miles 3 times a week. It's not enough but it's a good start.

Would it be safe to say that cardio is the primary key to success? It certainly is with mainstream sports.

I know nutrition is very important. Especially while you are out hunting. I seem to have a hard time trying to find out which foods are best while I'm out on all day hunts.

I was reading a book by David Long. He had some good ideas in the book but I cannot remember what equipment and food he recommended.

Have any tips for out in the field foods?

Again, any and all info you provide is greatly appreciated.

-Dave

Bohntr--I forgot to ask--are you hiring a guide for the G3 hunt or doing it on your own?

Have any tips for out in the field foods?

I mainly eat Probars and some Cliff Bars. The ProBars are VERY good and give you enough calories without any preservatives. They are hard to find and may need to be purchased on-line. Here's a link: http://www.theprobar.com

Bohntr--I forgot to ask--are you hiring a guide for the G3 hunt or doing it on your own?

I'll be doing it on my own. Not sure if I'll have company or not (hunting partner).

I like it up high, around 10000, with a lot of sage and patches of quakies and pines, some grass clearings, or waaay up high above the timberline, in the open.