Unit 74 above timberline

NMBugleJunky

NMBugleJunky

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LAST EDITED ON May-18-17 AT 06:38PM (MST)[p]So I have always wanted to hang a nice sized velvet covered horned mule deer on my wall. Well, now that I have cashed in my 14 Non Res points in CO, and do believe a 591 code means I'm going hunting in CO. Was hoping the MM community could share a bit of info on size of deer they have seen in the past, to get the blood pumping! Thanks in advance.
 
I'm curious what information you had that convinced you to apply for the 74 high country hunt that was worth burning 14 points on?
 
Get in the best shape of your life! That country is steep! Remember that their aren't big numbers up there, but they are usually bucks. You will have to spend some shoe leather find them because there are a lot of empty basins. Keep looking and you will find some good deer. I have not hunted 74, but have hunted 75 twice with a muzzleloader and missed a nice heavy horned 4x4 with deep forks in the 27" wide range. Saw a couple that would beat that one, so I am sure 74 holds some good bucks. I think most people concentrate on the northern end of the unit for that hunt. If at all possible, I would recommend going up this summer and doing a scouting trip. Take the family to Silverton, ride the train, go to the hot springs in Ouray, etc. I do that by getting up very early and checking out an area, then back to the family by noon for an afternoon of fun (if you aren't solo). Good luck!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
That'll be a fun hunt if you can really put some time in. I think are always a few special bucks in there, you just have to find one scouting and then turn him up again in September.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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How much scouting can or do you plan on doing? what size buck are you looking for? Awesome Country, Steep and Nasty. Expect to camp and hunt 11k to 13k.
 
So, what made me want to burn 14 points, the simple fact that I believe this is my best chance at putting a decent velvet buck on the wall. I live in Farmington, a mere 1.5 hours and I'm in the heart of the unit. For that reason I felt burning points on a hunt I can scount A LOT! I plan on putting in my fair share of time out there, sharing my time between there and 2C in New Mexico for my wife's muzzleloader tag. Another reason, is I can shoot, with great accuracy, out to 1000 yards. Increases my odds at putting that big buck on the ground. I would like a monster but am looking for a 180" velvet buck. I will consider putting my tag on smaller, if he is pretty enough. I am a dedicated hunter that is in decent shape, but my determination is what will be able to drive me up and down those mountains. I plan on focusing on the La Plata Mnts side 1st, closer to me. Then if need be I will venture into the Silverton area to sift thru those bucks.... I am excited to see if any pictures of bucks and if possible the terrain. Thanks again.
 
How about my buddys archery buck. Is it 14 points worthy?

84582stve.jpg
 
Fun 2014 hunt, scouted for three days biggest guy I could find. As you can see, STEEP! rocks were tough on the velvet. He rolled about 100 yards. Try to shoot yours when it is in some brush and pray he doesn't roll.
69611img0140.jpg
 
Make sure you have a freezer big enough for the horns. I put mine in the freezer for a year and the velvet got freeze dried and looks as fresh as ever. I wrapped the scull so it didn't freeze dry. After a year I unwrapped the skull and boiled and h2o2ed the skull and its a cool uro!
 
Very good reasons for burning 14 points on that hunt. You are fortunate you live that close and can scout as much as you need to. I too will have 14 points for next year. Up till now I have been chasing unit 44/3 season but likely will never draw in my lifetime so I'm thinking I need to switch choices. Unfortunately I won't be able to scout as much as you do since I live much further away.. By chance are you the same guy in Farmington that has Max dear points for Arizona and lifetime license?
 
Sounds like you should be able to spend some time and get a good buck! For what it is worth: a good friend that lives in Cortez had that tag and he hunted up in the Silverton area. But I am sure there are good bucks in all areas.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
Those are some nice bucks. Orion that is a monster. We hunted 74 last year during muzzle and saw probably 70 bucks, but nothing like that. We killed a 175 ish buck and that was the best we saw.
 
Not the same guy. I was saving points with a couple of different 4th seasons in mind. I have came to the realization that is never gonna happen. So I started looking to fulfil my dream of a velvet buck.
 
took the family to silver ton last year and stayed at a small campground halfway up to silver ton from durango. took a drive late one evening and one mile from campground right beside highway two monster bucks were feeding . stopped and looked at them with bins for thirty minutes. both were 180 plus bucks. pretty sure they were in 74
 
I doubt anyone knows the points for this year. Last year a few residents drew with 10 points. 11 for a lock. NR took 13

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
I know I put some slammer bucks on here and I've killed others but I need to preface this by saying this is not an easy hunt and it is not a slam dunk for a 180 plus. It takes a ton of work and a lot of effort in which most guys aren't willing to do. You can go through many basins and not see any deer or a lot of dinks. You need to be in shape and be mentally tough and grind for days at high altitude. Most of the bucks my buddies and I kill are above 12000 and we have even killed them at the 13000 foot mark.
 

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