rockymtnhunter
Active Member
- Messages
- 198
Year of the Lupine
First, congrats to all successful hunters who drew Kaibab tags. I just spent 6 days on the North Kaibab camping and early pre-season scouting. Wished I had drawn a tag, but my luck fell short this year ? oh well, maybe next year if my health holds out.
My scouting confirmed that last year?s fall-winter-spring moisture has resulted in abundant forage conditions for deer. Aspen looks super healthy and grasses, forbs and other stuff is in great condition, definitely a big improvement from last year (and the past few years) ? I would say probably the best condition I've seen in a long time. Lupine growth is fantastic, a lush purple carpet in most places (see photo). FYI-Kaibab Lodge (just north of park entrance) is closed this year due to heavy snow that collapsed roof on the lodge, but North Rim gas station/store is open.
Wildlife water is available in tanks/ponds/lakes, including some that I haven't seen water in for years (see photo).
So what about bucks? I'll just say I saw lots of bucks, but perhaps no more than in recent years. I noticed a lot of 4-pts, perhaps more than usual ? looks like the bucks are putting on good antler growth this year, most looked like they are about 75% grown out ? buck/doe ratio was impressive about 50/100. Saw 2 or 3 really good bucks (maybe in the 180-190 pt range when finished). Should be a good year, but I would caution hunters not to expect to see a B&C buck behind every tree. Saw a few of this year?s fawns, they looked like they were mostly 1-3 weeks old.
Hopefully, the monsoon will turn on soon to keep conditions flush through summer into fall. All in all, I'd say it looks good for the lucky Kaibab hunters this year. I know many of you have high expectations for this year ? and I've already talked with quite a few. Good luck to all!
First, congrats to all successful hunters who drew Kaibab tags. I just spent 6 days on the North Kaibab camping and early pre-season scouting. Wished I had drawn a tag, but my luck fell short this year ? oh well, maybe next year if my health holds out.
My scouting confirmed that last year?s fall-winter-spring moisture has resulted in abundant forage conditions for deer. Aspen looks super healthy and grasses, forbs and other stuff is in great condition, definitely a big improvement from last year (and the past few years) ? I would say probably the best condition I've seen in a long time. Lupine growth is fantastic, a lush purple carpet in most places (see photo). FYI-Kaibab Lodge (just north of park entrance) is closed this year due to heavy snow that collapsed roof on the lodge, but North Rim gas station/store is open.
Wildlife water is available in tanks/ponds/lakes, including some that I haven't seen water in for years (see photo).
So what about bucks? I'll just say I saw lots of bucks, but perhaps no more than in recent years. I noticed a lot of 4-pts, perhaps more than usual ? looks like the bucks are putting on good antler growth this year, most looked like they are about 75% grown out ? buck/doe ratio was impressive about 50/100. Saw 2 or 3 really good bucks (maybe in the 180-190 pt range when finished). Should be a good year, but I would caution hunters not to expect to see a B&C buck behind every tree. Saw a few of this year?s fawns, they looked like they were mostly 1-3 weeks old.
Hopefully, the monsoon will turn on soon to keep conditions flush through summer into fall. All in all, I'd say it looks good for the lucky Kaibab hunters this year. I know many of you have high expectations for this year ? and I've already talked with quite a few. Good luck to all!
