Hi everyone, new to the forum and pretty new to mule deer hunting as well.
A friend and I drew 3rd deer in 71/711. I scouted the units 10 days ago and seem to have generated more questions than answers. I primarily spent the time in 711. It seems like most of 71 is too high for mid November deer. Is that correct? The low BLM ground generally appears to be choked with pinyon and juniper, but is that where the deer concentrate later? The oak brush appears very thick in most places, but does it tend to hold deer?
Is private access needed to have a reasonable chance at larger deer?
I printed a fairly new motor vehicle map (2020) for the area and noted that some signs say road closures start Nov 15 north of Dolores along FS 526 yet the map says Nov 30. I have called the FS and have not yet gotten an answer on the discrepancy. Does anyone have direct knowledge of the road closure situation there?
How are the crowds in Nov for 3rd deer?
We are debating between light backpack tents, wall tent (or similar base camp), or camper. any advise based on weather and access this time of year?
Any help sorting out this unit would be appreciated.
TIA
A friend and I drew 3rd deer in 71/711. I scouted the units 10 days ago and seem to have generated more questions than answers. I primarily spent the time in 711. It seems like most of 71 is too high for mid November deer. Is that correct? The low BLM ground generally appears to be choked with pinyon and juniper, but is that where the deer concentrate later? The oak brush appears very thick in most places, but does it tend to hold deer?
Is private access needed to have a reasonable chance at larger deer?
I printed a fairly new motor vehicle map (2020) for the area and noted that some signs say road closures start Nov 15 north of Dolores along FS 526 yet the map says Nov 30. I have called the FS and have not yet gotten an answer on the discrepancy. Does anyone have direct knowledge of the road closure situation there?
How are the crowds in Nov for 3rd deer?
We are debating between light backpack tents, wall tent (or similar base camp), or camper. any advise based on weather and access this time of year?
Any help sorting out this unit would be appreciated.
TIA