Mule Deer and Horses

[blacktailer]

Quick question for the seasoned veterans out there. We are packing in this year with horses to a remote basin. Problem is that the only water on the Mt. and camping spot is right at the base of the large basin which is an area that is nice to glass and looks like it should hold deer. My question is how much do you think having a camp in an area where you will be hunting affects the deer in the area. Will they bust out of there never to be seen again??? We had a similar situation 2 years ago blacktail hunting in the high country with horses. I shot a pretty nice buck 500 yards from camp (again right in the middle of a big basin out of necessity not choice) and the horses were stomping around and whinneying all morning. This buck was with 5 does and it didn't seem to affect them much. Thanks in advance for the advice

 

[Christian]

You'll likely ruin that basin for your mule deer hunt if you camp there. I wouldn't compare a rutting blacktail or a young blacktail (you said he was with does)to a high country mule deer buck. Some lesser bucks may hang around, but most mature deer will leave.
With horses, it's better to camp away and ride an hour in the dark than ruin country by camping too close.
God bless your hunt

The Christian

 

[ktc]

I agree.

Deer do not care for horses any more than they do for you. Give them a drink in the daytime? Water and horses must go together. You will need to figure something out, but do not camp there if you plan on hunting it.

 

[sageman]

One year opening day near Filmore Utah I hiked into a big basin about an hour after light I first heard then saw 6 guys on horse back comming around the basin.Deer were moveing in bunches away from them up & down hill.When they finaly reached me they said "Where are all the deer?"I saw them move at least 80 to 100 deer in that hour that they never saw!20 or more were bucks...........Good hunting....Jim