colorado high country mule deer

[hawkhunts]

I am currently sitting on 8 preference points and want to burn them on a high country tag in 2014. I was a resident of Colorado years ago, but now live in Michigan, so a guided hunt would probably be appropriate.
Have the dear in 43 recovered from the winter kill a few years ago? Even though I plan on hunting in the early rifle, it sounds like there is a lot of bowhunting pressure up there. Has anyone hunted that unit recently? Are there any good outfitters or guides that really know their stuff for those high country bucks? Is there a better unit or hunt available with that many points?

 

[jims]

The deer throughout Colo still seem to be in recover mode. There ought to be patchy areas that are slowly but surely recovering. You may have noticed that they have cut tags significantly in most units which is a sign that things aren't what they were 5 to 10 years ago.

Deer numbers are relatively low in most high alpine areas in Colo and with low overall numbers it may be even tougher finding timberline bucks in some areas. You'll need to cover lots of country to find the few bachelor groups of bucks. The later into Sept you go the more archery hunters you may see....especially in OTC elk units. Also, once the bucks start shedding their velvet they often head below the trees and tend to stay in seclusion until the rut. The earlier timing for alpine deer the better.

In regard to guides...you may want to do a Google search. There are likely several available. I'd make sure to get a list of all their early buck hunters from the past 5 years to get an idea what they are like...and what to expect. If possible book with an outfitter that tends to be fairly mobile with horses. They should be familiar with the patchy areas where the bucks concentrate so that may be a lot easier on you. You better be in the shape of your life because it is some vertical country at 9,000 to 11,000'. Some of the most gorgeous country in Colo so bring your camera!

 

[ICMDEER]

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