Idaho mule deer elevation in late summer

[silverbullet555]

Got lucky and drew an early season mule deer buck rifle hunt in unit 39 in Idaho. I've hunted the area for the last few years, but never this early in the year. Will likely be out for them in early September with late September being the focus.

That being said, how high should we be looking? Above tree line or just at the top of the trees? We will be out scouting soon, but want to start e scouting and creating a plan.

Thanks.

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[kiddogy]

that time of year , could be anywhere . I would get a high vantage point and glass,glass ,glass. be there first light and stay till last light they probably won't be moving much throughout the heat of day.

sometimes them big bucks get up pretty high in the rocks where it is virtually impossible to stalk them

 

[Touchdown88]

I was doing some scouting last nigh on the boarder of Idaho and wyoming. The only bucks I saw were above 7000'. Start high and you would be able to find something.

 

[idahohikker]

Got lucky and drew an early season mule deer buck rifle hunt in unit 39 in Idaho. I've hunted the area for the last few years, but never this early in the year. Will likely be out for them in early September with late September being the focus.

That being said, how high should we be looking? Above tree line or just at the top of the trees? We will be out scouting soon, but want to start e scouting and creating a plan.

Thanks.

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I’m familiar with the area. PM me and I’ll pull out my maps. I enjoyed chatting with you last fall.

I’m excited for you even though it’s not necessarily a top notch draw. A lot of guys struggle to find bucks in the early season when they’re bedded almost all day and spread over huge country. Most guys don’t find a buck or shoot a 150-160” type buck.

 

[kiddogy]

yup! 39 has big bucks but not in abundance. it gets pounded hard in the general season and not many bucks live to see year three or four.

that said, there are some few nice bucks around if one is willing to leave the truck.

 

[silverbullet555]

I’m familiar with the area. PM me and I’ll pull out my maps. I enjoyed chatting with you last fall.

I’m excited for you even though it’s not necessarily a top notch draw. A lot of guys struggle to find bucks in the early season when they’re bedded almost all day and spread over huge country. Most guys don’t find a buck or shoot a 150-160” type buck.

I'll shoot you an IM. I've got a busy fall of tags so starting early is a plus. I have a father/son campout opening weekend and work gets in the way the next week. Plan is to do some after work hunts until mid September and then perhaps do a spike camp. Drew it on a 4 person party tag so we've got good opportunities to partner up.

yup! 39 has big bucks but not in abundance. it gets pounded hard in the general season and not many bucks live to see year three or four.

that said, there are some few nice bucks around if one is willing to leave the truck.

Yeah, it does get hit hard. I don't need anything big. If given the choice, I would love to be 130+ because it would be bigger than my last buck. But, I also need to be somewhat efficient to keep hunt/work/home life balance in a good place. We intend to spike camp if tags aren't filled by the 2nd half of September in between some birthdays and work meetings.

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[dpidaho]

wherever you decide to go, at least you'll be able to get away from the crowds compared to the general rifle season in 39. I thought I picked some good areas last season to get away from tons of hunters, but it was a zoo. a friend of mine drew it last year. he saw a decent amount of good bucks the first few days, then almost nothing the rest of the season. good luck!

 

[silverbullet555]

wherever you decide to go, at least you'll be able to get away from the crowds compared to the general rifle season in 39. I thought I picked some good areas last season to get away from tons of hunters, but it was a zoo. a friend of mine drew it last year. he saw a decent amount of good bucks the first few days, then almost nothing the rest of the season. good luck!

The crowds should be better. If I can find a buck or two I will chase them opening morning. Then I'll hunt the following week. After that it will be after work here and there. In other words, if I don't kill something by the end of August. Its going to be a tough go.

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[Nickjohn44]

He's not a giant but he was up at 8800ft. How did your hunt go?