I need your guys help. I drew a unit 55 rifle tag for 10/16-10/22 and I live in WI. I have been along on muley hunts in eastern MT, but that was mainly driving and glassing on a ranch. I would like to do a do it yourself backpack hunt, I am working on a limited budget so I can't afford a guide. I am not looking for any secret spots just a general direction to look. i am willing to work hard and pack in as far as it takes to avoid the crowds. I am looking for help in finding the animals. Where are they during this time? Are the wilderness areas my best bet? How much weather or snow will force them down lower? I have been reading Mike Eastman's book and Dwight Schuhs.Are these the best tactics, the set up early and glass strategy? Are topos any use for prescouting from another state? What are some other tips you guys can offer? I am not looking for a record, just a nice representative buck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Post or email me. Thanks
CO Unit 55 Mule Deer First timer
- Thread starter wishunter
- Start date
B
Bura Nut
Guest
First thing would be to sign up for the Colorado hunt report here and it will give you alot of the info you are looking for. Secondly go to the States website and search intesively for any info. I believe 5point buck posted a link that took you to the Colorado site and specifically the state has compiled prior years harvest stats etc.....that is great info. Thirdly find the name of the Game Manager for the unit and call him/her with tons of questions about deer numbers and sizes. Last I would contact National Oceangraphic/Weather service and find out what the weather has been like the prior years to give you a general idea. As for strategy, glass your butt off from a high location and keep at it. You may need to move a couple times but keep on glassing even when you want to quit....... Thanks, Allen Taylor......
Waygoner
Active Member
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- 459
LAST EDITED ON Jun-16-05 AT 07:52AM (MST)[p]Unit 55 is in my backyard, so I'll give you some general info on hunting here. Be prepared for any kind of weather, from dry and hot to blizzard conditions. This valley is one of the coldest places in the lower 48, and it's not uncommon to see temps way below freezing in October. (We hit -10 last year during the early rifle elk season) Plan to arrive a few days early so you can get adjusted to the elevation. There are a lot of roads and access to 55. I like the spot and stalk method because you can see for miles in many parts of the unit. The only wilderness area in the unit is Fossil Ridge. It can be accessed from just about any direction. Snow and cold temps will move the deer to lower elevations in late October, but I think you'll find bucks anywhere from the valley floor to treeline.
There are a lot of deer in 55 with a good number of mature bucks.
Good luck.
Todd in Gunnison
There are a lot of deer in 55 with a good number of mature bucks.
Good luck.
Todd in Gunnison
C
crestedbutte
Guest
Waygoner,
What is your definition of "lower elevations" when used in thread above when talking about the deer movement as a result of snow and cold temps? I drew a second season deer tag in unit 55 Oct. 22-30. We are a group of three non-residents with (3) pref. points each that will be hunting from my cabin in Pittsburgh, CO which is north of Oh-B-Joyful Valley as you go up to Paradise Basin. The cabin sits at 9400 elev. I have wondered and have a general concern since this season is a week or two later in the month than it normally is and just how the cold and snowy weather would affect how low the deer drop down. Do you think they will still be above 9400 elev., at 9400 elev. or way below 9400 elev.? In your experience do they move lower a few days prior, during or a few days into a cold spell or heavy snow? Thanks, -Jason in Kansas-
What is your definition of "lower elevations" when used in thread above when talking about the deer movement as a result of snow and cold temps? I drew a second season deer tag in unit 55 Oct. 22-30. We are a group of three non-residents with (3) pref. points each that will be hunting from my cabin in Pittsburgh, CO which is north of Oh-B-Joyful Valley as you go up to Paradise Basin. The cabin sits at 9400 elev. I have wondered and have a general concern since this season is a week or two later in the month than it normally is and just how the cold and snowy weather would affect how low the deer drop down. Do you think they will still be above 9400 elev., at 9400 elev. or way below 9400 elev.? In your experience do they move lower a few days prior, during or a few days into a cold spell or heavy snow? Thanks, -Jason in Kansas-
Waygoner
Active Member
- Messages
- 459
For the past few years I've seen deer at treeline while elk hunting in early October. But there hasn't been significant early snow the last few years either. A big early snowfall or cold snap will push them down, so weather will be a big factor for you. I don't think I'd go higher than your cabin regardless. The north end of the valley is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Great place to have a cabin.
J
jdbfair
Guest
I've elk hunted this unit several times. always have deer walking thru camp. seen lots of real nice bucks, mostly
seen them below 9,500 ft. hoping to draw deer license
myself sometime soon.
seen them below 9,500 ft. hoping to draw deer license
myself sometime soon.
O
Oats
Guest
Just checking, this forum is stuck on June 17th.
Went camping up near Pittsburg this last few days. Have to agree with "Waygoner" in that it is one of the most beautiful places on this planet. Stunning scenery, wildlflowers, more deer than you can shake a stick at, twin fawns everywhere, lots of elk including a piebald cow, some pretty nice bucks growing fat and sassy on the excesses of summer. Saw a dandy buck in the valley below Gothic come out of a quakie patch at dark-thirty.
Problem is too many granola heads and out of work hippies. I saw the standard "14 day camping limit" signs but the forest service obviously isn't enforcing this rule as there are semi-permanant summer camps all around Oh-Be-Joyful and slate creek.
Problem is too many granola heads and out of work hippies. I saw the standard "14 day camping limit" signs but the forest service obviously isn't enforcing this rule as there are semi-permanant summer camps all around Oh-Be-Joyful and slate creek.
G
graybeard
Guest
It's understandable why it's a Meca for yuppies, hippies, bark eaters, mountain bikers, and ATVer's. The place is heaven on earth. It's the most beautiful place on the planet, in my humble opinion, with plenty of wildlife. I was there this weekend on a short vacation and in some of the high country I counted over 40 bucks and 30 bulls in one morning as well as saw ptarmigan and a marten. Also saw a big black bear walking along a creek not a mile from one of the small communities. I'm definitely taking the family back there next summer to join the crowds....Steve
