I’m Headed west tomorrow....hide your deer

[MITCHMO]

I hunted western Montana for the first time this year for elk and had a blast. Minus freezing to death. But I still have this deer tag burning a hole in my pocket. I decided yesterday I’d head west and try to fill it. I’m excited and nervous as this will be my first solo trip for deer. I’m headed to Montana to an area I’ve never been. I’m focused on region 7 like everyone else. Wondering if the rut is still going? Also wondering if the deer travel or migrate at all after the rut? I’m trying to understand how much sitting and how much walking I should be doing. Hopefully I’ll have something to report back.

 

[Western Traveler1]

I’m not familiar with the area you are heading but the mule deer in the area I was just in (a good distance from you) have been running the doe’s hard the last few days right up till yesterday.

 

[antlerradar]

The rut will be starting to wind down buy the time you get here. The good news is it looks like we may get some colder and snowy weather and that could keep bucks moving. It will also help with deer returning to public to winter in the rougher hills. The bad news is that nearly all of the better bucks will not be making the return trip.
When I was young Thanksgiving week was the best time to go. Now with all the hunting pressure SE Montana most of the better bucks are in someones freezer this late in the season.