12AE Muzzleloader Tag

[snlwarren]

I am brand new to this site (don't know how I have been missing it) so I thought I'd join.

I drew a Kaibab 12AE muzzleloader tag this year. I know this could turn out to be a very good hunt and I don't want to waste it. I'm not going to be able to scout until the week before the hunt. I know most hunters don't like to give out info like this, but does anyone have any info for me on where to start. I don't expect anyone to give me there secret honeyholes, but some direction on where to start would be fantastic. I'm not afraid to get out there and work at it, I just hate going in blind even a few days early. I know the snow up high is key, so I am praying daily for it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone else have this tag? email me direct if you want to. Thanks.

 

[wj]

Congrats on the tag, should be a good hunt. I'd be interested in hearing how your hunt goes, as I'll be hunting on the west side a week later.

As for where to start, if there's snow, the answer is low as in the cocks combs area and lower. If there's no snow, it's a toss-up most of the deer will be on top, but you can't do much glassing up there. Personally, snow or no snow I'd be low. Take a look at the wilderness area (South Canyon, North Canyon and everything in between). Good luck!

 

[Bura Nut]

Last year there were deer down low even though there wasnt tons of snow. I would spend your time glassing from a vantage point up around the cocks comb area like wj said. I hunted 12ae last year and if you put in your time glassing for the doe bases, then you will see good bucks....... Allen Taylor......

 

[snlwarren]

wj, Thanks for the info. This will give me a great start. I'll get back to you as soon as possible with a weather and activity update, hopefully before you leave to go up there. When are you leaving?

 

[snlwarren]

Allen, Thanks for the info. Are there resident deer down low or do you think they just wanted to beat the morning rush? Are you up there this year as well? Thanks again for the info. I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[wj]

We'll be leaving for our hunt on the 19th, it would be great to get a report from you! As for your question regarding resident deer down low, well I always thought there must be some, but have yet to see ANY sign of one! The Kaibab deer herd is a truly migratory herd. As Allen mentioned, there doesn't always have to be a ton of snow on top to bring them lower, it seems there may be more involved than snow.

 

[snlwarren]

wj, I'm slated to hunt through the 18th. If all goes well I will have the deer butchered and in the freezer by then, so I shouldn't have a problem getting a report to you. That said, I will probably still be hunting as the sun goes down on Thursday the 18th, but I will try to get you something.