Weminuche Mule Deer ?? CO Unit 76 & 77 question

Stealthycat · Dec 31, 2003

I have elk hunted in Unit 77 for 7-8 years and have never really seen much in the way of mule deer. Of course I archery hunt first two week in Sept and am rarely at timberline.

Question - are there any really dandy mule deer in the Weminuche, UNits 76 and 77 Colorado ? Reason I ask is my Dad and I are going back and hunting elk there in 2004. He'll have a general archery tag and I have 3 PP for elk that I can use for gen muzzleloader (not valid in 76 I don't think) or I can draw a muzzleloader deer (I have 7 PP for deer)

From what I have seen I wouldn't burn my PP there for deer .... can ya'll tell me if this gut feeling is correct or maybe I am just not seeing the big muleys because I'm elk hunting 9,000-10,000 feet and in the timbered areas ?

We have llamas and will be going into the wilderness area.

Thanks

DeerKing · Dec 31, 2003

Yes there are big deer there but if I had 7 points I wouldn't be spending them there. Do a little searching ABOVE timberline and you will find deer there if you do decide to hunt that area.

cowboye · Dec 31, 2003

There are some Hogs in that area, not as pronouced as the elk that are in the area, but if you work hard, you can find a keeper....we usually hunt for the elk there and uses the horse and mules for way back in deep....But I tend to agree with DK, If i had 7 PP i would be looking into some of the early hunts...Dwayne

IronBuck · Dec 31, 2003

I have hunted both units a fair amount during the archery season. Always for elk though. I mostly hunt at or just above tree line. I have seen some amazing Mulie bucks up there. I have yet too see any other hunters in the area aside from a few sheep hunters.

The Weminuche is an amazing place. One of my favorite hunting spots on Earth. I love that rough country. Beats the hell out of running into quads, cars and trucks at every turn !

StealthycatAH · Dec 31, 2003

Thanks for the replies. WE did see quite a few muleys going in on the Continental Divide trail this fall - small bucks, nothing big though.

Anyone else with Weminuche big mule deer opinions ?

JFWRC · Dec 31, 2003

When I was a kid I spent 13 summers in the Weminuche north of Pagosa. I helped an outfitter pack people into Pine River, Hossik Lake, Granite Lake, and into Williams Fork Lake. Back then, 70's, I was mezmorized by some of the huge bucks we'd see above timberline, right below the peaks themselves. I have thought about the day I could go back and look around. I hope that day will be soon and that I have the stamina to give it my best. I know there's a 200 incher up there for you. Good Luck

StealthycatAH · Jan 1, 2004

JFWRC - I think ya'll hunted west of where I go - I stay to the easter side of the Weminuche, but did hike about 14 miles on that Continental Divide trail first week of Sept last year. Still ya'll are giving me something to think about maybe