Scouting For September Mule Deer

[BuckhunterBen]

Just got back from a scouting trip yesterday. Glassed up several does and hiked past a few on the way in/out. The drainage has good water in the bottom and good feed throughout. Two main questions, first one is more of a reassurance.

1. Will the does be there in 2 months so long they still have food and water?

2. Is there a good chance that bucks are in the general area or will make there way into this area by mid to late September?

 

[BuckhunterBen]

 

[BuckhunterBen]

This one had some warts

 

[Treeshark]

What state/elevation?

 

[Tmbrgost]

No. Go higher.

 

[BuckhunterBen]

What state/elevation?

Colorado. 5,800-7,000

 

[Cornell Cowboy]

Just got back from a scouting trip yesterday. Glassed up several does and hiked past a few on the way in/out. The drainage has good water in the bottom and good feed throughout. Two main questions, first one is more of a reassurance.

1. Will the does be there in 2 months so long they still have food and water?

2. Is there a good chance that bucks are in the general area or will make there way into this area by mid to late September?

Your questions are pretty broad. I don't know if the does well be there in two months, but it wouldn't surprise me. On my property, I've been watching a couple does with their newborn fawns. They're typically in about the same place in September too.

In my experience, bucks will hold to their summer patterns/areas until early September. I see herds of big bucks all summer here on my property and they move out around mid-September. I don't think does will draw the bucks to their area until late October at the earliest. So I would doubt that that area would draw bucks by late September, but anything is possible.

 

[Treeshark]

Colorado. 5,800-7,000

May want to look a little higher (if available in your unit).

 

[BuckhunterBen]

Your questions are pretty broad. I don't know if the does well be there in two months, but it wouldn't surprise me. On my property, I've been watching a couple does with their newborn fawns. They're typically in about the same place in September too.

In my experience, bucks will hold to their summer patterns/areas until early September. I see herds of big bucks all summer here on my property and they move out around mid-September. I don't think does will draw the bucks to their area until late October at the earliest. So I would doubt that that area would draw bucks by late September, but anything is possible.

Broad by design, was hoping to get some good insight from guys who have knowledge on the topic. Seems like going higher is the ticket. Any specific/minimum elevations to look for? Unit ranges from 5,800-12,000.

 

[Treeshark]

I would start right around treeline.

Muzzleloader or bow tag? A week can make a big difference that time of year.

 

[BuckhunterBen]

I would start right around treeline.

Muzzleloader or bow tag? A week can make a big difference that time of year.

Muzzy

 

[Treeshark]

Muzzy

Got it. Could still be high, but I would think some would start to hit the trees by then. I’d still start the search up higher than you scouted.

 

[Oak]

Broad by design, was hoping to get some good insight from guys who have knowledge on the topic. Seems like going higher is the ticket. Any specific/minimum elevations to look for? Unit ranges from 5,800-12,000.

Go to the top and work down until you find them.

 

[trb]

Depends on the experience you want. If you want to locate a buck in the summer, then pursue that buck in September, I’d be targeting the edge of treeline to the top of the mountain. If you follow that route, you’ll need to check multiple basins at dawn and dusk until you find buck(s) that tickle your fancy. You can’t rely on glassing midday to check off basins. The details kind of depend on your unit, but happy to talk more via PM.

 

[rjthehunter]

Broad by design, was hoping to get some good insight from guys who have knowledge on the topic. Seems like going higher is the ticket. Any specific/minimum elevations to look for? Unit ranges from 5,800-12,000.

Go up a ridge near some of the higher stuff where you can get a good vantage point of it and let your eyes/glass do the work. (assuming it's glassable terrain) I'd start by focusing on the treeline like Treeshark said. Even in early November last year, bucks & does were all above the treeline in some of the higher areas of the unit I was hunting.

 

[rogerthat]

Go to the top and work down until you find them.

+1