Live Hunt- Huntin’ the Pockets

It’s time to head for the hills.  If you’re new around here, welcome to my annual Live Hunt.  For those subscribers who’ve been here since it all started back in 2012, you know the gig.  Watch your inbox each day and you’ll see instantly as I post about the days events live from mule deer country.

I’ve scouted close to 20 days this summer and have located quite a few nice bucks, but still looking for something special.  I’ve been spoiled the last few years hunting Jalapeño as I’ve known right where to focus my time. With his absence, the strategy has changed.  Rather than focus on one buck, I’l be focusing on many of the “pockets” of mule deer country I’ve hunted and scouted over the years.  Some of the places are a hundred miles apart but because I know them very well, I’m not worried about losing hunting time by changing areas if I’m not seeing a buck worth stalking.  This will be very different than the way you’ve seen me hunt in the past, but I’ve learned over the decades that it can be effective if you know exactly where in different units to look for bucks, and I do.

I’ll be using much of the tried-n-true gear I have in the past but I’m excited to try a few new items from Rokslide sponsors.

First, Kryptek.  Most people know they are a leader in technical hunting clothing.  I’ll be trying their Hyperion shirt in short sleeve built for hot-weather hunting.

This time of year, though, the early mornings can be nippy, especially in the high country, so I’ll be trying Kryptek’s Dallibor II jacket.  You can click on the pics below to learn more.  I love the good looks of their Highlander pattern.

Also, I’m a big fan of tripod-mounted high-power binoculars.  I’ve been testing Vortex’s Vulture 15×56 this last year, but for the 2015 season will be stepping up to their Kaibab 15×56 HDs. These are their flagship 15x binos that put Vortex on the radar among the hard-core mule deer and coues deer hunters.  I’ve been using them for a few weeks and really like them so far.

I’ll be giving some feedback on the gear throughout the hunt.

So if you’re stuck working these next 10 or so days, it’s a great time to follow the Rok Blog as I post daily from the field.  Can’t promise it will be action packed as big mule deer hunting usually isn’t, but I can guarantee you’ll see many of the techniques I wrote about in my new book, Hunting Big Mule Deer: How to Take the Best Buck of Your Life.

Make sure you “Subscribe to blog, upper right under Fitness/Other” so you don’t miss a day of this hunt.

If you really like hunting big mule deer, check out my new book by clicking on the cover sample below.