Photo Analysis: High Country Mule Deer Spot?

F

FullCurlHunter

Active Member
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For those who have hunted Muleys in the high country...I am wondering if this far mountainside looks promising that it will hold Muleys. Plenty of water in the area, it is a south east facing slope. The valley is at 9500' and the mid part of the mountain where the Pines start (middle of the pic) is at 10,300'. It looks pretty rocky but also has some foliage mixed in. Would love some thoughts and analysis. Is this worth hiking in and taking a look at in person?

SecretSpot.jpg


Thanks
 
By the looks of the picture you posted, it wouldn't be a big deal for you to hike in there... You're already King of the Mountain..!

With the stream running through there, and as secluded as it appears to be, I'd say there are some dandy deer in there. Though there is a good argument for the location...

Beautiful Country no matter what..!
 
I like the FAR mountain much better. Steeper and more open, but early in the season, I'd look more on the north facing slopes.
 
I actually think the POPULATION wouldn't be all that great...but we are only looking for bucks. The previous guys are right...they're there.

ICM is right, too. The heavy cover would make it easier to find those on the far mountain.....and further eliminate the does.


Within the shadows, go quietly.
 
These wimps on here don't know good muley country even if it bit them in the a$$. :) Looks great if you ask me. I don't know why so many Yanks are afraid to hunt timber. I'd sneak and peek through the timber and glass the small openings.
 
here is one of my personal favorites
2401wyoming07_003.jpg





Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...
 
Not afraid to hunt timber.......just know what I'm doing. You've done well with deer (but so have I). My preference and equipment are such that I LIKE the more open. The fact is: so do the deer.


Within the shadows, go quietly.
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-10-10 AT 10:34PM (MST)[p]I've experienced the exact opposite. Big ol' bucks seem to avoid openings like the plague. Might have a lot to do with the fact we've got a $hitload more predators than what you guys have got. But, for the most part, you've got a $hitload more human hunters. Ever wonder where those big ol' monsters that show up on the winter range spend their summers? You can bet if there is the slightest bit of presure, they'll live in that awesome looking timber in the top photo until the snow gets balls deep. The term mossback or mossyhorn didn't orginate from a famous outfitter.
 
I might pass it up, packing in there, in favor of better looking country. For sure, i'd set up my glass on it though and spend a couple prime time hours anyway, trying to nail down any bucks that may show themselves, set them or it up for a long stalk. Looks to me, like i might swing around to the left and check out the head of that basin. I'm guessing that there will still be plenty of cover for big bucks to feel safe but it might also have more open brushy pockets to glass across into. That's just me.

Joey
 
>I dont see any deer in
>the photo, it must not
>be good:)

+1

My thoughts exactly, After studying the photo carefully I did not see a single deer. I would move on..
 
I don't think you mentioned the time of year you will be hunting? Obviously things can change dramatically in Aug/Sept vs Oct/Nov. You also mentioned south facing. Here in Colo south facing usually means the hottest, driest slope and if you are hunting Aug/Sept the bucks may be on cooler, lusher slopes. In Aug/Sept it can be 80 to 90+ degrees on any given day so they likely won't be on south facing slopes.

I also don't think you mentioned whether there are any roads, 4 wheeler, or hiking trails in the area? If you are deer hunting an unlimited elk unit in Colo this could affect how much hunting pressure is in that area. As mentioned above, if you hike into some of the steeper cliffs in the background you will likely find fewer hunters...especially if you can find water and fairly lush browse.
 
time of year will be archery season. Most likely last week in August or Early September. That mountain side faces East and maybe a bit south east facing.

There are no roads whatsoever withing 6 miles of this basin.
 
Good Big Glass would be the start of the scouting, if you found a really good buck then you should call me and we will go from there.


"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
 
I can tell you in about 30 minutes or less if its worth hiking over there with my spotting scope. All you have to do is set up early one morning from right where your at. Its worth a look though for sure.
 
That is some great looking mule deer country. Fun to hunt. Not a bad buck either.
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-22-10 AT 01:36PM (MST)[p]That looks a little on the familiar side :) looks like you stayed on the trail



Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...
 
ya i would say at the tops of those ribbon cliffs might hold some bucks but from what i've noticed over the years is that the monsters are clear at the top good luck
 

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