Colorado Unit 44

bigmuleyboy · Jun 28, 2017

I am looking for some local knowledge of good spotting areas for panoramic views of good mule deer country in unit 44. From my google earth search I see New York Mountain. But I am not familiar with other good viewing or spotting areas. Just looking for specific or general areas or ideas to start the fun scouting process. Thanks in advance for your expertise. Just trying to get familiar with the unit. Thanks again.

elkassassin · Jun 28, 2017

44 is Very Secretive around Here!

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Jerry · Jun 28, 2017

I hunted 44 some years ago-- best viewing I found as well as hunting for big deer were The Hermits Bluffs south of Eagle-- lots of super views there, & some big bucks too-- late season. Hope that helps. Hardscrabble Mountain is another big buck area, but thick cover too. Jerry Gold-- Ft Collins, Co E M : jerrygold.live.com

mulebuck · Jun 28, 2017

Oh yeah, that helps Jerry. Nice work.

bigmuleyboy · Jun 29, 2017

I have been watching Youtube video's and I can't quite figure out where the best glassing peaks are. Thanks for your help.

Gator · Jun 30, 2017

Area to scout golf course.
some good ones hang out around there.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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buckhorn · Jun 30, 2017

Just curious if you don't mind me asking. Do you have a big game tag for that area? Thanks

bigmuleyboy · Jul 4, 2017

Yes, there are a few golf courses in 44. Gator is correct. But I think most of the property around the golf courses are private. I do have a muzzy tag this year. From my search and info I can see that the unit is very thick with quakies and fur. I am a DIY hunter. I don't get any satisfaction from paying for services. I enjoy finding the animals myself and then pursuing them. I am OK with tag soup! I like spot and stalk methods and just to hike and explore during the day. I enjoy the early and evening time with the animals coming out more than the hunt! Maybe! Thanks for the input guys. I don't mind sarcasm and fun. Keep it up! Laughing is life! Need to have thick skin in life!

Coloradoboy · Jul 4, 2017

Muzzy can be a tough hunt in 44.... youre barking up the right tree with ny mtn

Buckhunter1955 · Jul 5, 2017

A good place to glass from is what they call the "Witches Tit". The oak brush is tall and thick but you can see into it if your across the canyon looking down into it. We hunted there 3rd season two years ago and it was not easy. We did kill on day 4, a 185+ buck but he was a gift. I think 4th season would be better or 3rd season if there was enough weather to move the deer down into the sage flats at the lower elevations.

bigmuleyboy · Jul 5, 2017

I am not sure where the "Witches Tit" is located? You can PM if you like. My family was bummed. We were going to go on a scouting trip to 44 but now we have to go to North Dakota. I am curious as to the MM people crowd here as to how many deer are really in the unit? When does the big game biologist take his or her count? During winter I think or are there multiple counts during the year? Not sure of population numbers of deer in the summer and how accurate the count is in 44? Anyone have any good insight they want to share? Thanks in advance.

Coloradoboy · Jul 5, 2017

Witches tit area probably isnt going to be your best option during muzzy. A few resident deer but more of a November spot. Try looking around fulford

bigmuleyboy · Jul 7, 2017

Thanks for the insight Coloradoboy. You are one of my hero's here on MM's. Have a good year everyone!

GilaJeff · Jul 7, 2017

It is hard to believe that I drew Unit 44 3rd season with three points back in 2002. I'm sitting on 14 points, and who knows if I will ever draw again.

bigmuleyboy · Jul 10, 2017

Hey Patxarano how was your hunt back in 2002? What kind of buck did you take? I like the stories even if they are older stories. I'll bet that was a fun hunt.

Gator · Jul 10, 2017

PM

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

ReinerDude · Jul 11, 2017

I'm in the same boat as Patxarano, I believe it took me either 3 or 4 points last time I drew, and now I'm sitting on 15 and don't know what to do. The bad part is that I would feel comfortable about where to concentrate on in 44, not true in another unit

bigmuleyboy · Jul 12, 2017

How was your hunt ReinerDude last time you dreww 44? Building up points is difficult. My preference is use them. Everyone for themselves. "IT takes all kinds to live in this world". I'm not sure what I would do either?

ReinerDude · Jul 13, 2017

Bigmuleyboy, I've hunted the unit twice, both times with good success. My hunts were later in the season though, and that makes a big difference. I like the unit and have so much confidence in it, I kept building points thinking I could draw it soon, and points required kept creeping up, and here I am. I've been elk hunting in the mean time!

buckhorn · Jul 13, 2017

I have been applying for 44 3rd season deer since 2002 I think I'm further away from drawing now with 15 points than I ever was. At 60 years old what's a guy to do?

Gator · Jul 13, 2017

Buckhorn You,re like me I quit collecting points for that one.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

YBO · Jul 13, 2017

I put in for 44 3rd this year with 20 points. How damn many points did it take to draw as a non resident? Dont know hoiw n
Many years ill be able to hike up from mile marker 11 to the top of Hardscrabble.

txhunter58 · Jul 13, 2017

Last year 100% with 18, this year 11% with 20!

I suspect it will actually go down slightly next year. This was supposed to be the best year due to the late dates. Didn't work out that way most places.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

mdndeer · Jul 13, 2017

Hey YBO, last year I was hoping for 4th season with 22 points but I was 2 of the 5 that did not get chosen. This year I was still nervous with 23 points but did get the 4th season. I am turning 60 in a coupled of weeks and I was/am concerned about hiking the mountains like yourself so I am happy that I pulled this tag. From here on out it will be over the counter elk and a deer tag every other year.

I have bought all my maps and looked at Google earth 100 times already also with my family genetics this will be my last quality hunt in Colorado. I am planning on arriving 5 days early to scout and planning on having a great time. Any guidance on the unit from others would be appreciated but plan on a great time either way.

YBO good luck next year on the draw

MDNDEER

bigmuleyboy · Jul 13, 2017

I feel your pain everyone. Hang in there everyone. MDNDEER have a great hunt. I am 53 and I am starting to understand the hiking dilemma and frustration of getting old. The mind is willing but the body is weak! Point creep is a...... you know! Savor every moment!