The purpose of this question is to hear the perspective of mature mule deer hunters out there, and it's offered with the acknowledgement that there is no right answer. What do folks think is the best tactic for hunting a pressured mature mule deer?
Let me provide some context to the question. Let's say the buck is still in his summer range during the season, that is he is still on his summer diet and has not shifted due to weather or rut. There are several schools of thought out there. For example, a buck does not leave his home range, but becomes nocturnal. A buck transitions to a remote location within his home range to wait out the season, etc.
Certainly, one cannot go wrong spending as much time as possible in the area where you know a mature deer lives. However, what do you guys think is the best strategy? Do you think one is best off holding steady in an area where the buck's preferred area is? Do you hunt the thick, remote areas knowing there is a good chance the buck will not show himself in daylight? Stillhunting doesn't seem solid unless you specifically know which patch of timber the buck is bedded in.
I'm really curious to read the discussion and perspectives this question generates.
Let me provide some context to the question. Let's say the buck is still in his summer range during the season, that is he is still on his summer diet and has not shifted due to weather or rut. There are several schools of thought out there. For example, a buck does not leave his home range, but becomes nocturnal. A buck transitions to a remote location within his home range to wait out the season, etc.
Certainly, one cannot go wrong spending as much time as possible in the area where you know a mature deer lives. However, what do you guys think is the best strategy? Do you think one is best off holding steady in an area where the buck's preferred area is? Do you hunt the thick, remote areas knowing there is a good chance the buck will not show himself in daylight? Stillhunting doesn't seem solid unless you specifically know which patch of timber the buck is bedded in.
I'm really curious to read the discussion and perspectives this question generates.