Mule Deer Question

[CountingCoo]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-28-04 AT 11:17PM (MST)[p]I will be hunting in CO unit 65 for mule deer second rifle season - Oct 16th. I did some scouting last weekend and found and area with quite a bit of deer sign. Saw at least 8 deer all does and fawns. Also found one fresh rub. This area is at about 9500 ft in elevation and has pockets of aspen and pine in the draws and oak scrub on the south and west facing slopes. Also has a creek running through it.

My question is, where are the bucks? Should I assume that since I have found an area holding a good number of deer, with water cover and feed, that the bucks will be nearby? I am seeing bucks in the valleys with does AND in batchelor groups. I am concerned that I may hunt this area only to discover nothing but does. There is some higher country in another mile or so.

Just trying to figure out where the bucks will be mid-October!!


Thanks!

 

[Modi]

Most big bucks that I have had success in harvesting only came out at night. So find where they sleep during the day and you can go in and get them! Sounds like if all the signs are there, then it is likely that you are on the right track.
Good Luck!

 

[muleyhunter1025]

It sounds like you have a good place to start but if you are not seeing too many bucks move to the higher elevation. Big bucks don't always live were life is easy, and it never hurts to have a backup plan.

 

[ICMDEER]

I follow and old saying - "They are where you find them." Those deer might make a move in the next few weeks. Our deer are prone to go more to brush country in mid October after spending the summer in the high country. That's especially true if we get some serious snow in early October. The bucks will be even less visible in mid October, so get out early and do lots of early glassing, then lots of "sneaking through country" in the middle of the day.

Good luck.

 

[CountingCoo]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to head back up this weekend to do some more serious scouting. If I can't actually eyeball some horns or find some more significant buck sign I am going to move higher.