Hunt opener or wait?

[chancey]

Buddy and I are going to be hunting a general deer unit in WY next year. Due to work and family we won’t have time to make it out to scout prior. We are torn between getting there the day before opener for a quick scout/setup or waiting until about 4 days into the season and hunting until the end. We will have llamas to get gear in and get away from the trailhead if that makes any difference. We don’t need world class bucks, just a good hunt and a good time.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! We are both experienced hunters and comfortable in the backcountry but have never hunted WY.

Thank you in advance!

 

[chancey]

I am also happy to discuss location we plan to pack into via PM. Still being a FNG around here I’m not sure if I should even post the region! Thanks again!

 

[Gulogulo]

When in doubt, best not to post the unit. Share the general area of the state and someone with actual experience in the unit can help you out via PM. So much damage has been done regarding specific units with social media. It's crazy how many "sleeper" units (or specific areas in a unit) in MT have changed over the recent years due to over sharing and making it easier for the lazy hunter without putting boots on the ground.

 

[chancey]

Good call, not unit specific but general region is in Western WY. I’m not asking for anyone’s spots just more interested in hunting pressure on opener and deer behavior vs a bit later in season with possibly less hunters but also bucks have been chased for awhile.

 

[Wacko]

JMO...hunt as many days as you can. The first 2 days can make you "lucky" as the deer will be getting pushed around and moving to hideouts. You might catch one making a "mistake".

Plus you will see probably see deer and get a good idea of where they are going....

 

[chancey]

I never considered seeing where the deer are getting pushed to on the first few days. That would help a lot to see if they are going up in elevation down or just side hilling. As of now we are leaning towards hiking in two days before opener with camp on our backs and hunting as long as work/family will allow. Probably 2 days scouting and 6 or 7 hunting. We ditched the llama idea to be more flexible.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

I don't know why you would avoid opening day if your scheduling allows being there. That's just silly to me.

 

[chancey]

I don't know why you would avoid opening day if your scheduling allows being there. That's just silly to me.

I have done well in other areas by waiting for the opening zoo to subside a bit and also keep fingers crossed for some weather later in the season. I have never hunted this area so wasn’t sure of the best tactic. As of now we are planning on being there for opener.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Can't kill them from the couch

 

[Oakman]

If you’re planning to hunt higher altitude, it’s a good idea to arrive earlier to scout, learn the terrain, and acclimate. No reason to delay it, first light on opening day is always one of your best chances to tag out. Once pressure kicks in, it gets tougher and honestly more frustrating dealing with all the chaos.

If your goal is to just camp out and enjoy some quality time in the woods, that’s a different story, maybe save that for after you fill your tag.

 

[Fetty Wapiti]

If it is h or g, get in there and get it done. Be ready for people just about everywhere. We usually hunt the last days of season. However the bigger bucks are dead or timbered up by then.

 

[rookieforever33]

Sitting out the first few days help the guys who have spent time scouting and are trying to get their top target quick before someone else gets them. Showing up the day before the opener helps you get those bucks.

 

[chancey]

Thanks for all the feedback, now I just need to keep focusing on maps and deciding where we are going to hunt and how we are going to hunt it!