Idaho Mule Deer Hunt with David Long

[muley_crazy]

Another goat I'm guessing?

 

[david long]

Yep. Lots of goats. Zero deer.

 

[david long]

During slow times, which may be often, I will bore you guys with a few tips.

I spent this morning glassing some lower ridges along the main trail that went up the bottom of the drainage. The reason I chose to glass them is because hunters normally blow right by them on their way "to the top." Although I didn't see any deer this morning, these types of ridges have produced good deer for me in the past.

I often hear people make the statement, "The biggest bucks are in the most remote country." I disagree with this. The "remote" country often times receives the most hunting pressure because everybody wants to "go deep."

I believe you will find the biggest bucks in the locations that receive the least amount of hunting pressure. Often times, this is in close vicinity to heavily traveled trails.

A good example of this is my 233" B&C buck I took in Wyoming in 2004. This buck lived on a steep ridge that overlooked one of the busiest trailheads in the Greys River. Why did he live near all the hustle and bustle? Simple. No one ever bothered him. Everyone rode right by him on their way to the more "remote" country.

Remember, large bucks prefer to hang out by themselves in locations where they will not be disturbed. Keep that in mind next time you are out muley hunting and you just may be lucky enough to find one.

 

[belly-deep]

Please keep "boring us" with your tips. They are very helpful

 

[Slim Jim]

Don't worry about boring anyone on this thread, I'm sure nobody is reading it. Lol
Taking in everything you put out there

 

[david long]

Just met up with my buddy Scott. We are loading up and are going to hike up to a vantage point that will allow us to glass a mountain that is located between the areas I hunted yesterday and this morning. I will send a photo once we get on top. Probably an hour hike.

 

[VANDAL]

The unit that David is hunting is tough...very tough. I bet there are more billy's in 67 than 180 class bucks but it does have potential.

Good luck David!

 

[provoflyfisher]

I agree with the previous posters, keep "boring us" with tips!

How big of an area in the high country does a mature buck need to feel safe, is it 50 or 500 acres? Or is it more important to have multiple escape routes in over looked high traffic areas. I realize a tough question, unfortunately I hunt general season units in Utah. Any and all information is appreciated.

 

[7mag.]

Thanks for all the tips, David, we all appreciate them. I've been checking this thread several times a day, looking for more info and hoping to see you with your latest Muley. Good luck.

 

[david long]

We got back to the truck about a half hour ago. Just cooked a couple of brats. Glassed our buts off! Absolutely zero deer today. Never even laid eyes on a doe. Goats and elk is all.

The wind was awful this evening. Bitter cold up on top. Scott kept doing pushups to stay warm. All of the deer were hunkered down. No activity at all. We will be back up on top at first light to glass the same country. It is good looking country and I want to give it at least one more glassing session before moving to a new piece of real estate.

I will post more tomorrow and will answer questions. I am shot. Gonna climb in the sleeping and get warm.

Vandal, if you get bored, come on over and join us if you want.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

The wind got bad here as well. Bridal on the top, the elk were hunkered down and made it tough.

 

[VANDAL]

David- I spent the first 6 days of the season in that area and I'll be headed back shortly. Unfortunately I had to travel a few days for work.

I plan on hunting Monday-Wednesday. Thanks for the invite, I'll send you a text or call when I get back.

 

[david long]

Pic of Scott. Hitting the trail.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good luck, hope there is more action today than last night.

 

[Steve O]

Seems like an awful lot of Brats being consumed...is there anything else on the menu of do you just bring a gross?

Seriously, I am enjoying this follow along immensly. Keep it up. Thanks.

 

[david long]

Steve O......brats every night for me. I am a creature of habit.

Scott glassing

 

[david long]

View of mountain we are glassing. A couple of deer and elk but that's about it. Lots of hunters today.

 

[david long]

Today the plan is simple. Glass from the same vantage point from daylight to dark. We can see lots of country.

 

[desertstalker]

Dave, We all know you have taken numerous whopper bucks through the years (and passed countless big deer along the way). Do you adjust your goal/standard based on the area you are hunting, weapon, time remaining? If so, what kind of deer are you looking for RIGHT NOW???
Regardless, I hope you find "Him" today!

 

[carnyman]

Definitely the most interesting/informative forum I've ever read. I've spent some time hunting Idaho and when it lacked in deer it paid me off in the prettiest country you'll ever see. Good luck guys and keep it coming.