Early or Late for Eastern Plains Deer?

nmelktrout · Mar 14, 2014

I just moved back home to Colorado after a 10 year stint in New Mexico and was wise enough to build a few preference points. I've got enough points to draw any season in the eastern plains, but was wondering if it is better to go early and get the first crack at some of these eastern plains bucks or go during the late season when the rut should be in full swing?

I've got access to a couple of good sized tracks of land in two units in the eastern plains that hold a good number of deer and was hoping to get some advice from some of you eastern plains deer killers. Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated!

-Cody

http://themeateater.com/
www.streamflies.com

zekers · Mar 14, 2014

Muzzy season! It is by far a better time to kill a trophy IF you have time to scout. They are still bachelored up and are usually still on their summer feed pattern. First rifle has them broke up and underground. The weather is usually unseasonably warm as well, making them nocturnal. The late rifle is normally post-rut or has them on lockdown with a single doe. It is a good time to kill a deer, but not a trophy. December 1st is the best day, every day after is going downhill. My personal favorites are the muzzy, archery during 11/13-11/17, or archery after Christmas. Good luck!

bcoufal · Mar 14, 2014

I would go for late season. If you hunt the early season there is no guarantee all the corn will be picked by then. If the corn isn't picked in the area you may not see as many deer as one would hope. If it's picked early then you have a great chance. I don't think there's a right or a wrong.

Brett

nmelktrout · Mar 17, 2014

Thanks for the insight, guys. I spent a day glassing and hiking one of the ranches and am pretty sold on where I'm going to hunt, now I just need to stay on it and locate a mature deer or two. No corn on this place, but there is good water, broken country, creek bottom and some dryland hay. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me!
-Cody

http://themeateater.com/
www.streamflies.com

bowhuntinnut · Mar 17, 2014

I would go early, especially if you have no corn to worry about! Pre-rut to start of rut in those dates! Calling works very well then! I've seen some big bucks during that season!