locating mule deer in colorado in early oct? unit 16

[mountingman]

Hey guys first post here. the question i have is. In early october(first week) are the deer in the same type areas they are in say the third week? The reason i ask is i will be out there the first week of october for the first rifle season that is not a wilderness season. (unit 16) I normally go the second season which is the first combined elk deer season. However i missed the deadline to apply due to other circumstances. A buddy and myself then were forced to try to buy a leftover tag and were succesfull. We have always hunted later in october and weren't sure if we could rely on past locations. Any advice for that time of year? or even that unit? thanks for any insight and help.

 

[DeerKing]

I am familiar with that unit... and almost picked up one of them tags myself. The timing of that hunt is tricky. If you are planning on hunting the high timberline basins the deer may or may not be there as usually the deer start moving lower into the quackies and pines about that time. I'd probably hunt the same lower areas you have hunted in the 3rd week on past hunts, I think your chances of seeing deer are better there. Good luck.

AntlerQuest Hunt Consulting and Scouting

 

[mountingman]

Thanks for the information. what is a respectable size deer for that unit? Any idea on how the deer respond to opening day pressure? Do they duck down onto private land or retreat up? Have you ever hunted during that season in that unit? Do they typically have a high turnout or are most people locals on private land or outfitted hunters? I am hoping to not be over-run with other hunters but i guess i will just have to see. thanks again for all your help.