Questions from a new hunter.

[stevep]

So here's the background. I went on my first Muley hunt 2 years ago and I'm hooked. Hunting in Idaho and planning on going again this year.

I hope to make a scouting trip, but depending on timing, not sure if I'll be able to make a summer scout or not. I'm NOT looking for spots or any specific locations to hunt.

I'm used to hunting midwest whitetails, where range remains fairly constant. I'm trying to wrap my head around how to find muleys in October when we'll be out there. Last trip didn't yield as many deer sightings as I had hoped and I'd like to learn a bit more about range and where they'll be at that time of year. Any help is appreciated. PM is fine if you don't want to post.

So one of the area's we were hunting had pretty extreme elevation ranges... typical creek drainage all the way up to tree-less steep rocky peaks. The creek / river bottoms were densely wooded. I stuck mostly to the upper stuff, more open rocky terrain. We didn't have a lot of snow, which I know affects the deer, but I'm not 100% sure how it moves them around. I guess my questions center about which of those ranges I should be starting at to try and locate deer? Will the deer be as HIGH as possible until the snow pushes them down, or will they be found down in the thick stuff by the creeks? Will the big bucks be in a different place than the younger ones? Is it correct to assume that they will stay below the snow if possible?

Once again - sorry if these are dumb questions, and yes, I've been searching and reading different posts and articles. Just wanted to see what some of the pro's on here had to say about the subject. It's much different than hunting whitetails in the midwest... they pretty much stay in the same place all year long.

Much thanks.

Steve

 

[Blank]

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy it and learn from it while sharing your own experiences. Not to be a smart azz, but the short answer to all of your questions is YES. They live up high, they live down low, some migrate and some don't. In certain drainages they stay within a mile of the hay fields all year long. Some live in the quakies and sagebrush until rut and weather make them move. There are some monster bucks that stay in the main river bottoms and never leave the cottonwood islands.

As a general rule in late Oct, 4-6" of snow will move does/fawns. 6-12" of snow will start to move cow/calf elk. A lot of the bucks and bulls will stay away from human pressure until the snow is belly deep on them.

What areas/units are you looking to hunt. I'm sure others will have something to add when they know what you are asking.

 

[Soccerdude]

Steve a lot of factors into spotting deer/mature bucks. I have hunted Idaho bit, send me a PM and I will offer my .02

 

[Muley]

There's a reason they put the rifle seasons in Oct. It's the worst month to hunt for muley's. They can be at any altitude and that's what you have to figure out to be successful. There are so many rifle hunters they couldn't put the seasons in Sept when we know where the big bucks are. There wouldn't be any bucks left.

 

[nk]

What blank said. Also, the best way to find big deer is hunt areas that hold big deer and scout, pattern and know their migratory tendencies. Good luck

 

[jims]

As mentioned above, October is about the toughest month in the year to find monster muley bucks. They often hang out in open country when in velvet but once velvet comes off they generally go into seclusion until the rut and/or snow drives them to winter ranges. I'm not sure what hunting pressure is where you'll be hunting but I generally look for the steepest, roughest country that will hide bucks and that's where I spend time. Most hunters don't stroll too terribly far from vehicles so the steeper and deeper you can go the better. Here in Colo there is OTC elk hunting units that pressures deer prior to the first rifle deer season.

If you are hunting relatively open country it often pays to get up high and glass. Keep the wind in your favor. There are a bunch of factors but your best bet is to think like a monstermuley buck and figure out where they would be spending time the particular time of year and season you are hunting. Good luck in your pursuit!

 

[heywouldya]

Figuring out mule deer in October can be brutal! I'm no expert, but I've found that mule deer act way different in each geographical area, and they "transition" for no apparent reason.
It sounds like you already hunt the traditional mule deer country, and aren't afraid to get after it. a few things that I've learned hunting in Idaho, Nevada etc;
-You aren't going to see a lot of deer! Its not whitetail hunting. If you find deer, there won't be a lot of them.
-Glass a lot! It's taken me a lot of years to grasp the fact that bucks can hide in the wide open, rocky country.
-In early October the bucks will usually still be in bachelor groups and nocturnal.
-If they aren't where you're looking, move to another place. Deer densities change throughout mountain ranges.
You asked a very broad ranged question and there are a thousand opinions and books on that very same question. My personal advice is, keep scouting, find an area where there are deer, learn that area, and keep hunting it! The "west" is huge and doesn't hold a lot of deer.
This may not be the answer you are looking for, but its a little bit of what I've learned.
Good luck

 

[littlebighorn]

I hope you have learned a few things from the above posts, but here are a couple more critical points. During hunting season, Mule Deer don't move much, but if they do it will usually be at first light and last light. That doesn't mean you won't find them during the day, but generally if you do they will be bedded or only up to feed for a short while.
That means you need to identify a glassing point and a route to get there in the dark so you are in buck country when it gets light. That also means you will be hiking out in the dark. I will also mention that since most hunters are out on weekends, you will find far more deer during the hunt in the middle of the week vs. weekend. Probably true with whitey's as well.
Lastly, identify good deer country where you can see far and glass, glass, glass.
Best of luck

 

[Muley]

When you're hiking to your spot in the early morning dark hours and the hair on your neck is standing up because you feel like you're being followed. You probably are by a cat.

 

[liecabucks]

Idaho is a great OTC state in my opinion. I hunt it even if my slate is full since I live 20 minutes from the border. October will bring change to the west including lots of hunting pressure. The deer that generally thrive in the big open basins during August and September have opted to bounce down a few hundred or a thousand feet into more dense areas that offer the protection they seek when they sense danger. Like many of the above posts indicate, the deer are where you find them but in general it's going to be in some of the more nasty/thicker/rougher glassing areas. First and last light will be monumental in finding a buck out of his October home. Glass with the sun not into it if possible, add more emphasis to the north facing slopes or finger ridges that offer some thick cover on shady parts of the mountain. I personally like to glass for a long period of time during the day. Take some time picking apart these northern/shade pockets and you might be amazed at what they hold. Bring the best glass you can afford and don't leave your spotter home!! One of my favorite pieces of equipment is a packable chair. I'm using a Crazy Creek model in the high back. Weighs around a pound and I pack that sucker absolutely everywhere. Keeps your butt off the cold ground and supports your back while steadying your binos. Good luck-



Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

 

[BIGJOHNT]

Find someone that is experienced in the areas you are wanting to hunt. Hunt with them and learn. Like a buddy mentoring program. You will more then likely learn faster and have a better experience.

 

[stevep]

Thanks guys. All good stuff to keep in mind. I'm going to head out there with a little different plan this year and see how it pans out.

Much appreciated.