bigeasygator
WKR
Man, as if I haven't been amped up enough all of these posts about people hitting the woods and mountains is about to put me over the edge! I leave in less than a week for my first ever high country mule deer hunt (Unit 43 in Colorado for those interested). I plan on staying a week in the backcountry and I'll be going with another buddy who just purchased an elk tag.
I've got a number of things working against me no doubt. This will be my first mule deer hunt, first time hunting these elevations, first time stepping foot in the unit, etc. Of course I've read all the material I can and I've been researching areas and looking at maps until my eyes bleed. So, I've got a few areas picked out and some suggestions on where to look for bucks.
My question is for those that have done a similar thing, given all of the above, what's a reasonable expectation for the hunt? I'm really hoping to get the opportunity to put a few stalks on deer. I would be THRILLED with a buck that went over, say, 150" but I don't think I'll be holding out. I'm looking more to get some experience under my belt (fully understanding that I may be coming home with my tag!). With all that being said, what should I expect? What would your expectations be in my shoes (particularly those with more experience!)? What should I make sure I get out of this trip?
I've got a number of things working against me no doubt. This will be my first mule deer hunt, first time hunting these elevations, first time stepping foot in the unit, etc. Of course I've read all the material I can and I've been researching areas and looking at maps until my eyes bleed. So, I've got a few areas picked out and some suggestions on where to look for bucks.
My question is for those that have done a similar thing, given all of the above, what's a reasonable expectation for the hunt? I'm really hoping to get the opportunity to put a few stalks on deer. I would be THRILLED with a buck that went over, say, 150" but I don't think I'll be holding out. I'm looking more to get some experience under my belt (fully understanding that I may be coming home with my tag!). With all that being said, what should I expect? What would your expectations be in my shoes (particularly those with more experience!)? What should I make sure I get out of this trip?