Pinyon Canyon Colorado

caelkhnter · Nov 20, 2005

Well my buddy and I got drawn for this archery mule deer hunt. We are planning on going in a little over two weeks. I do not know much about it, other than it is on some type of military facility and that it is open plains type terrain. I think we need the deer to be in serious rutting activity to get within bow range. Anyone know what the rut activity is this year(has it already started, does it normally start mid-Dec etc??) in the general area???

jims · Nov 20, 2005

The muledeer rut has already been in progress for over 2 weeks here on the Front Range and in Western Colo. Most years the rut is pretty much finished by the end of the first week in Dec. It has been a super warm/dry fall which may prolong the 2nd rut?

I haven't been on Pinyon Canyon but have seen pics. There are some steep, nasty canyons with pjs that should be good for stalking. Most of the areas in that corner of Colo have very low deer densities so be prepared to cover lots of country in search of bucks. They get some very respectable bucks out of that country but keep in mind there may be miles between buck sightings. Good luck!

COBUK · Nov 20, 2005

caelkhnter,

I'm assuming you're going down early to scout, if you're going in 2 1/2 weeks. The rifle hunters will be in there from December 1st through December 14th. You guys will get to start hunting on December 15th. The rut will still be on but it will be winding down. There is a main campground on the base. Check it often to see what kind of bucks the rifle hunters are taking. Betweeen scouting and talking with the rifle hunters you'll have a plan for when you get to hunt. It's harder to get access to the base as you approach the Holidays. So getting your buck on the ground sooner is better than waiting.

COBUK

caelkhnter · Nov 22, 2005

Thanks for the info it looks like we will have our work cut out for us. Oh and yes we will get there a little early for scouting purposes, will probably be hunting for about a week. Thanks again Jim