where to start?

muleymaddness · Jul 2, 2007

This will be my first out of state hunt: I have just a general question.

I drew a unit 17 NM late rifle deer tag. I've talked to the game warden and two other locals in regards to the unit. I've also talked with an outfitter that I know personally - but didn't get too much info from him. I've outlined the unit on Google Earth. I've also been told a general area to begin. My question is: what's next??

On a unit you've never been to, how do you identify where you should start your scouting? Do you just pick a place and take off and hope to find a good vantage point to glass?

junior · Jul 2, 2007

Yes...moreless...realy scouting now for late season is almost a waste of time anyway...so much can and will happen...alot of archery hunts Sept.....maybe someone who has hunted it before can steer you to a starting point

coloradoelkhunter · Jul 3, 2007

Deer can be anywhere and I wouldn't expect to see them now where they will be later in the year. I think any souting at this point would be used to get to know the terrain and the area more than actually locating animals. You may, however, come up with some spots that you think will be more likely to hold deer than others and that could be helpful come hunting time.

muleymaddness · Jul 3, 2007

Since it's a late hunt, I don't plan on doing any summer scouting. I plan on going days early to familiarize myself with the area and begin my scouting.

When I finaly decided that this would be my plan, that's when I really started thinking, "with this big unit, and this big national forest, how the hell do I know where to start."

I guess it's just different for me to go to a place I've never been, never seen a deer on the unit, drive up to the mountain, pull over and get out and take off hiking.

junior · Jul 3, 2007

Get all the maps you can find...delormes 3d topo are great...if you study those maps...its almost like you have been there a hundred times...label areas and remember...a good spoting scope is a must!...and for deer in some cases, you might scout right out of the truck...I have scouted deer and elk 5 miles away out of a truck.

muleymaddness · Jul 3, 2007

That's a good idea. I figured I'd search my maps to try and find some good clearings, far from the roads, and get as high as I could and just sit and glass.

coloradoelkhunter · Jul 3, 2007

What's the terrain like? Is there much elevation and rugged mountains? Any idea what your looking at for weather at that time of year? With some of that info, I might have a couple more ideas.

muleymaddness · Jul 3, 2007

From what I've gathered, the terrain can vary. From the point I've been told to begin - the terrain is rough, mountainous, with ridges for glassing. I believe it was a ranger that told me that the higher elevations were dense. However, I talked with a different ranger last night that said glassing from the area I plan to begin wouldn't be a problem. He also said the area can be rough, with ridges and rock. I told him I plan on getting high to do glassing and he didn't mention any problems with that strategy. Elevation can range up to 8,000 feet I believe. The weather is, well, I'd say probably mild for that time of the year. I expect 50's during the day, 20's and 30's at night. This would be typical. Snow is not out of the question.

Deer density is low in this area, but not too bad. From what I've gathered, a 170 class is not out of the question, but 150 might be more reasonable.

Thanks for your help.
Cory

coloradoelkhunter · Jul 3, 2007

Based upon what your saying, my best guess would be to do exactly what you have planned - get up high and glass. Also, as mentioned earlier, with deer, I definately wouldn't underestimate the ability to scout a lot of area from a vehicle.