Moving the season back to what used to be the thrid season will allow you to get in on the pre-rut. I have hunted the end of October for the last decade in the 5000-6000 ft range, and in my experience, lots of success can be had when locating does. The pre-rut breaks up most bachelor groups although it isn't uncommon to see pairs of bucks still together. Usually a forkie can still be found with a sub mature 3-4 year old. I have had good success finding does with immature bucks that are sniffing and sparring. Look to the edges of these groups for larger bucks that will filter in as the week grows longer. I have found these bucks in quality hiding spots within 1/4 - 1/2 mile of these doe / forkie groups. Seems that the large bucks come in after dark, sniff around, stomp on some smaller bucks, then retire before sunrise to get to a place where they can wind or see the group. A good trick is to shadow these doe groups as they filter back into cover or to bedding spots late morning. You don't want to bump them, or even be noticed. Play the wind. If your lucky enough to have a good vantage point where you can follow their movement for a long distance, even better. I have found that at times, they will work back to areas that the big boy may be bedded, and I have even seen him get out of bed to check on his girls as they pass, and to once again remind a few of the smaller bucks who's boss. In the course of that week long season, the guard slowly starts to drop and if pressure doesn't get to them, they will begin to get dumb. Most of the deer I have killed during this week have come later in the week (Thursday - Friday). Patience can pay big dividends. Stay out all day, many of these animals get antsy from 12-2 and can make fatal mistakes. Good glass is key.
Good luck, and have a blast.
five_point_buck
aka Larry Pasero Jr.
