First Western Mule Deer Hunt

[ShutdownDB]

Hi All-.
Have spent a lot of time perusing the board and have come across a lot of threads about hunter's first time trips out west chasing mule deer. I am heading out to Colorado this week with a second season mule deer tag for my first Colorado hunt. I'm not going to play the hits and list my unit or ask for any specific unit advice, etc. When I read those threads I'm always amused by people asking about specific spots and looking for area advice - I don't think I'd give up any of my secret spots to someone on the internet.

Instead, I was hoping for general advice from some of you more experienced hunters on how to hunt Colorado mule deer. I've done a ton of e-scouting on OnX and Google Earth for my unit, and have identified a bunch of spots that I'm hoping to hunt. I will have all day Thursday and Friday to do some on the ground scouting and will then put my plan together for opening day Saturday.

A couple questions I was hoping to get feedback on, based on my plan. In a general sense, I'll be in a unit in the West-Central part of the state. As a first timer, my main concern is a safe hunt and to generally stay out of other peoples way and avoid the crowds. I'm not ready for a full backcountry, backpack trip so have a motel room about a ~25 minute drive from a few of the spots I have located. I plan to drive in early, hike the ridges and spend a lot of time glassing. I've identified a few places that give me up to a 3 mile hike out from my access point that should give me multiple glassing areas and potential opportunities. My general plan is to hike, glass and keep moving/glassing until I turn something up. If all goes well, hopefully I'll have an opportunity to take a shot at a mature buck.

For my questions-
Is this a decent strategy for my first CO hunt?
With the weather seemingly being all over the board the last 5 years - what type of deer behavior can I expect to see for 2nd season?
I've got an emergency first aid kit, bear spray and my general deer hunting staples. Is there anything you wish you would have brought with you on some of your first hunts? Any piece of gear you never go without on a mule deer hunt?
Any tips on avoiding crowds and staying out of other hunters way?
If successful, I plan to quarter and pack out the deer in game bags. My pack is on the small side, a Sitka Mountain Hauler 2700. I'm thinking at worst I can accomplish this in 3 trips. Is that a reasonable assumption?
Any first timer mistake that you made that you'd advise me to avoid?

Overall I'm super excited for my hunt, but as a first timer a little anxious as well. Any general feedback or suggestions for someone in my position would be appreciated.

 

[Muleys32]

Do you have a tripod for your binocs? Tripod mounted binocs are a game changer.

 

[jpcoll01]

Great advice on a tripod or something (I use a small monopod with great success) to stabilize your binos. Also, I’d maybe buy a stumble on bear tag since you will be up high glassing a lot.
Most of all enjoy yourself and enjoy the country. Take time to enjoy the sunrise and look at it as a learning experience since you have never been there before. Good luck!!

 

[cahunter805]

Sounds like a good plan so far. I’d try to find a couple more spots in case the first couple don’t turn up any good bucks.
You may have snow, rain and sun all in the same day. Be prepared for some weather just in case.
Have a good time and enjoy the scenery as well. Good luck.

 

[ShutdownDB]

Thanks for the call out on a tripod for my binoculars. Didn't have one but will now.
I will look into a bear tag. To be honest I've never really had a desire to hunt one, but that's mainly because in my area it's typically over bait and I'm not too interested in that.

Thanks for the responses. Definitely going into it as a learning experience and not expecting to kill a big buck.

Any other feedback is appreciated. Will let everyone know how it goes when I'm back!

 

[WildWill]

I think you've got a pretty solid plan. Few comments/ questions.

1st. Even for a larger deer 3 trips should be plenty honestly 2 trips will probably get it done especially after dumping most of your gear after the first load.
2nd. Be ready for serious weather! 2nd rifle can be real mild weather but things can happen quickly on the mountain. Keep a eye on it and come prepared.
3rd. Do you have a inn reach, zoleo, or similar product? I never hunt the mountains alone without my Inn reach mini. Besides always being able to communicate with my family the SOS function gives me the peace of mind to know I have a out if there's a real emergency.
4th. What are you using for mapping? Whatever it is make sure you've practiced beforehand. If using a phone make sure you have all your maps downloaded beforehand and invest in a good power bank charger (Anker is great).

Goodluck and stay safe out there!

 

[Muleys32]

Also, if you are using a spotting scope as well with your tripod, get an extra quick plate so you have one attached to your spotter and attached to your binocular adapter.

Another thought is these are high value added pieces to add if you don't already have them:

1. Gaiters
2. Puffy jacket
3. Puffy pants

The puffys allow you to hike in to an area dressed light and once you get to your glassing area, pop those puffys on. That is heaven right there! If your hike is at all strenuous in the morning, dress a lot lighter than you might think as you warm up and start sweating quickly. Have your puffys or any other clothes in your pack depending on conditions.

I also prefer to bring unscented garbage bags with my game bags instead of just game bags. After I hang the meat in game bags in a tree to let it cool, I toss the game bags into a garbage bag or two before it goes into my pack to save on having to clean my pack afterwards.

 

[utah400elk]

I would ditch the bear spray because you will have your rifle. I find most people over pack and carry a very heavy backpack. This limits their ability to be mobile. I have found in most western states, getting one mile away from a road is a huge plus. You will loose most of the hunters by simply doing that. Three miles is awesome but don’t kill yourself. Three miles each way in the western mountains is a lot. The most important thing is to remember to take tons of pictures and have fun.

I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you with a good deer in the end.

 

[jpcoll01]

On the inreach/zoleo mentioned above I agree having something that works anywhere is important. If you have a newer iPhone update it and you will be able to send iMessages via satellite. If you do this take a small battery to charge phone.

 

[pabearhunter]

Drink lots of water 2 weeks before you go if you are going to higher altitudes !

 

[ShutdownDB]

Thank you all for the replies, it's very much appreciated.

I did not plan to bring an in reach or similar product. But the messages here have convinced me, so I bought an inreach messenger and will activate my monthly subscription ASAP (Hunting is expensive!). I'm planning on being safe and not making any stupid decisions, but as pointed out if something happens it's good to have that security.

I've got all my OnX maps downloaded for offline use, and feel pretty comfortable using it as I've logged a lot of hours chasing pheasant, grouse and whitetails. The mountain terrain will be different but I know how to follow my track.

Thanks for the tip on a power bank - I've got it added to my gear list.

Interesting note on the bear spray. I wouldn't say I have bearanoia, but am a little concerned about turning a corner in some low visibility areas and getting face to face with a bear.

The Colorado Hunting Atlas has been a nice resource as far as accessible roads go.

Appreciate all the feedback, very excited for the hunt!

 

[perma]

In the two years I've hunted mule deer, I learned the biggest thing about hunting October bucks is that they're sly. They will stay in an area that everyone will overlook. Some pretty stupid places too, and once you see one in there, you'll often question yourself why he picked that spot.

Also, you may benefit from finding a herd of does from afar and study what they're eating. Chances are the bucks will be chomping on the same thing. For example, I learned that when mule deer hunting in September this year, i found a group of 5 does that were eating on some darker (what I think it was) oak brush. The next day, I glassed a decent 3 point buck in some oak brush hanging out and walking around. He would have been a dead buck had it not been for the antler restriction for that unit, but you get it.

Second season may have some younger bucks rutting early. The one I shot last year was a 2 year old decent forkie and was chasing does around on November 2 before I shot him. Bigger ones are likely still hiding. Probably not the strategy you want to use but if you're on the last day and want some meat, I'd try that out.

Food water and shelter is really the name of the game. Find which one is the least abundant in the unit and target that area. Good luck, post some pictures of your hunt, good or bad.

 

[perma]

Also, when you shoot one, check its ears for ticks. If you see them, take your clothes off in the garage before you go into the house. Poor muleys have to deal with not only big floppy ears, but nasty bugs taking refuge in there. Sad, really.

 

[brymoore]

Thank you all for the replies, it's very much appreciated.

I did not plan to bring an in reach or similar product. But the messages here have convinced me, so I bought an inreach messenger and will activate my monthly subscription ASAP (Hunting is expensive!). I'm planning on being safe and not making any stupid decisions, but as pointed out if something happens it's good to have that security.

I've got all my OnX maps downloaded for offline use, and feel pretty comfortable using it as I've logged a lot of hours chasing pheasant, grouse and whitetails. The mountain terrain will be different but I know how to follow my track.

Thanks for the tip on a power bank - I've got it added to my gear list.

Interesting note on the bear spray. I wouldn't say I have bearanoia, but am a little concerned about turning a corner in some low visibility areas and getting face to face with a bear.

The Colorado Hunting Atlas has been a nice resource as far as accessible roads go.

Appreciate all the feedback, very excited for the hunt!

If you have an Apple IPhone that meets certain requirements, you can satellite message for free. I’ve been using it since it came out.

Get over your black bear phobia. Black bears aren’t going to attack you. You have a rifle. I’ve had a lot of black bear encounters, living in Idaho. The bears ran away from me every single time.

I agree with the comment above that most first time hunters overpack their packs. A heavy pack will wear you down. Nice to have items should be left in the truck.

 

[jpcoll01]

If you have an Apple IPhone that meets certain requirements, you can satellite message for free. I’ve been using it since it came out.

Get over your black bear phobia. Black bears aren’t going to attack you. You have a rifle. I’ve had a lot of black bear encounters, living in Idaho. The bears ran away from me every single time.

I agree with the comment above that most first time hunters overpack their packs. A heavy pack will wear you down. Nice to have items should be left in the truck.

I kind of think if black bears as big raccoons. I don’t carry raccoon spray but don’t want to corner one either
Edit: all that said the most important thing is you feeling comfortable. I hunt solo a lot and struggle with it, especially in grizzly country. So if spray makes you feel better take it, if a side arm makes you feel safe, take one of those. The only right answer is what makes you feel comfortable heading into the mountains alone in the dark.