Timbered canyon

mmwb

Very Active Member
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Looking for advice on scouting and hunting.

I'm really trying to figure out mature bucks, but have little experience with them. I've an area with some decent bucks. I've seen a few during the archery hunts (that I didn't have shots at) that I expect even some of the serious trophy hunters here would consider.

This weekend I explored a bit further back than I normally go and found a steep, heavily timbered canyon (think snake river canyon sort of steep) that I believe is a likely spot for some of these bucks to be bedding. It runs several miles in length. I didn't have time to really get into the canyon and search for sign, though there is some sign on the ridges.

There are occasional small openings in the timber here or there, but the vast majority is pine. I could set high and glass the small openings, but the majority of the canyon is hidden by timber.

How should I best scout this area, without messing with the deer's habits? Likewise, what would be a good way to hunt it?

I don't believe there is much hunting pressure in this area. The canyon also appears deceptively shallow until you actually start dropping into it.

Advice will be appreciated.
 
I still hunt heavy timber all the time. Other than early season alpine, it's all we've got. I've found good success by combining still hunting and spot and stalk on a small scale. I call it Sneak and Peek. I would suggest still hunting the area by criss crossing it slowly, but not too slow. Walk like a deer, not a predator. When you hit a small opening, sit and watch it. If you find a higher spot that you can see into several openings, sit and glass them.
 

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