High Country 65

Bolt · Apr 2, 2019

Ok guys. I am thinking of cashing in 11 points on the early high country deer hunt in unit 65. Any objections

Seriously, lol, I have 5 hours to figure this out...

Or hunt 22 3rd?

I wanted 53 3rd but dadgummit I cant catch the point creep!

Any advice asap would be helpful .... I do have horses so the high country is no problem. Well...till I get off the horse...lol...

Bolt · Apr 2, 2019

I guess what I was asking is 65 high country worth it or should I wait a few years and do 67 3rd?

The_Coloradoboy · Apr 2, 2019

If you're not committed to a hunt/unit this late in the application deadline. I'd advise you to punt to 2020.

Coloradoboy

nripepi · Apr 2, 2019

or go 3rd season unless you have the time to scout in August.

Bolt · Apr 2, 2019

Gonna scout like crazy!! I asked a bit late

BluffGruff · Apr 2, 2019

This tag has been going on for several years, biggest bucks above timberline are dead or way too smart, you'll be lucky to catch anything over 150" above 11k. All the big deer are year round resident on low elevation private these days. That said, goodluck. I hope it is worth the decade wait. But might want to scout early enough to turn the tag in.

schmalie79 · Apr 2, 2019

So did you pull the trigger on the early? Punt?

Bolt · Apr 3, 2019

I pulled the trigger. Some of these guys are negative no matter what

I have seen pictures of some of the bucks coming out of there. I think I'm going to be just fine

the cool thing is I get to Scout in August in some of the most beautiful country and the bucks will still be there in September. I don't need to wait for the rut or for the migration.

One of the pictures I saw was of a book that was a 11 x 9 and over 32 inches wide. I guess if those are the little ones I will just have to settle

BluffGruff · Apr 3, 2019

I have been there August and September the last 2 years. I wish you luck! I just think it's not the kind of hunt that is worth that many points.

Thomas11 · Apr 3, 2019

I think u will be good. I don't buy into the theory that all the bucks live on private yr round. Not saying some and potentially a lot do. But that's like trying to change the evolution/migration patterns of animals. They are going to use the same areas or patterns as they have in the past for a 1000 yrs! Yes things can and do change and animals adjust but I don't feel they totally abandon the principles of how and when they migrate or where they live at during certain times. I have saw a pic of a big deer from that unit just a couple yrs well above timberline from archery season that would drop your jaw.

Bolt · Apr 3, 2019

Thanks for the encouraging words. I look forward to updating all of you in October

Bolt · Apr 3, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Apr-03-19 AT 12:36PM (MST)[p]Bluff, I know you say you don't think the hunt is worth that many points but think of this. I was looking at multiple units. One of them was unit 22. Third season. Hundreds and hundreds of guys dump this many points on that hunt. Over the last 10 years thousands of guys have done it. Most of them say that you were lucky to get a 170 buck in unit 22 or 54 or 66 or 55. I took a 170 buck last year on a hunt that was only decent. I know there are bucks that will push well over 170 in unit 65 in the high country. So I get to hunt some of the most beautiful country in the lower 48 and I know there are bucks over 170. So many guys will dump points on the third season hunt because they love to drive around on their Can-Am. I dumped mine on this hunt for exactly the opposite reason. If it makes sense in 22 or 54 then it does in 65.

BluffGruff · Apr 3, 2019

Check your season dates. No velvet left, plus archery elk hunters by the thousands = bucks below 11k in the timber. Good luck.

The_Coloradoboy · Apr 3, 2019

There is truth to what bluff is saying.... high country hunts aren't nearly what they used to be after the season dates got restructured. Being able to prescout bucks is a huge advantage but you have to remember that archery hunters will have the first crack at them and will move deer out of basins. I have watched a lot of bucks be patterable as the day is long all summer until they see some archery pressure and the velvet comes off. That being said it should be a fun hunt. Truth be told I don't believe there is a unit in the entire state that's worth waiting 10 plus years for. 44 for example can be a down right terrible and tough hunt if you don't hit a he weather right as are a lot of November hunts. It's crazy to me to sit on years and years of point for one tag, one hunt and hoping the stars align while you miss out on so many good opportunities to hunt bucks on second choice to 2 point units. Bottom line, your on the right track. Make the most of the tag and when it's said and done you can start hunting bucks every year or every other year in November if you choose to.

Coloradoboy

XpeditionMako · Apr 8, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Apr-08-19 AT 11:24PM (MST)[p]65 has some above timberline areas, but not a ton outfitter usually has wall tents setup close by for above timber areas. you will be competing for the same trophies. unit would be a lot better if not so many tags handed out.