* Idaho* North Facing vs South Facing Slopes.

[dzlfarmboy]

First post here after always browsing this form I joined. Members of a few other forums and always looking to advance general knowledge of western hunting being a flat lander from Maryland. But I love hunting in the west. Have hunted the mountains every year except last year since 2011. So was curious if anyone was up for some discussion on best times to focus on either the North Facing slopes or South facing slopes, high/low. Generally speaking for the October Rifle Season which I will be in Idaho this year for with a General Deer Tag, Bear and wolf tag. I get the impression if its still hot your best bet is to find them on the shady cooler north facing slopes probably bedding under some cool shade, or possibly even down in some deep cuts where they could find some relief from hot weather. If its cold and heavy snow pushing in maybe in the lower elevations and not so much favoring the north slopes? Anyways, if anyones up for chat I'm all ears. Here are a few pics of my western hunt successes

 

[Salmonchaser]

You’ve done well pilgrim. I start my elk season from the same rock out cropping for the last 20 years or so. Gives me a commanding view of a huge south face area and north face as well. As the sun comes up, no surprise, lots of elk. What has always amazed me is how many elk I could find on the north slope at first light with careful glassing.
In 20 years I’ve found one boot track on my false ridge. What I’m always looking for is a canyon wide enough it can’t be thoroughly covered from one side. Between the two ridge tops look for a lower false ridge. That’s the ticket.

 

[SniperHunter]

Two of my best stand sites are on north facing, wooded slopes. When it is cold and frosty, it seems to take forever for the sun to reach it. On these mornings I usually don't have any normal deer movement until 7:30-8:30, or even later if it is real cold. I have never noted a difference in the amount of deer movement between north and south facing slopes, just the difference in timing. I will say, and it is probably just a coincidence, that I have definitely taken more mature bucks on these two ridges. One is a loaded with beech trees, and the other overlooks a brushy flat that is traditionally a prime spot when the bucks are actively chasing.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

I would say 9/10 bucks prefer the north or northeast aspect all times of the year. Ive been in single digit and lower temps and find most deer there especially the mature deer.

 

[dzlfarmboy]

Appreciate the input, always tuff hunting new places and just google scouting. But glassing in the mountains is really fun, you never know what you'll turn up. I wish the western mountains were half the distance so I could visit and physically scout some.

 

[Marble]

I think its more situational. Depending on the mountain range the south slopes may receive more storms because that's how most storms come in. You'll know by looking at them.

North slopes generally have more timber, more shade and more water. But if a south slope has access to all that, is game on for animals. Ive killed just ar many animals on south slopes as north.

Totality of circumstances. Consider everything.

 

[dzlfarmboy]

I think its more situational. Depending on the mountain range the south slopes may receive more storms because that's how most storms come in. You'll know by looking at them.

North slopes generally have more timber, more shade and more water. But if a south slope has access to all that, is game on for animals. Ive killed just ar many animals on south slopes as north.

Totality of circumstances. Consider everything.

That makes sense, And I know there are tons of variables in where game is, Honestly I was just looking to discuss mule deer hunting in general. If I was local I would be out scouting for sure. Looking forward to my trip in 3 weeks.

 

[idahohikker]

I don’t feel there’s any hard line rule with slope aspects.

Many north facing slopes can hardly be glasses into IME. Randy Newberg mentions this also.

Often south slopes are pretty dry and open.

West and east slopes and SW/SE slopes have some advantages for these reasons.

 

[dzlfarmboy]

IME ? Whats that? I know the Northern slopes do seem to be heavily timbered.

 

[debevemos]

in my experience?

 

[Rizzy]

North and northeast slopes get afternoon shade, especially at this latitude in Idaho when the fall sun is low in the sky at the heat of the day. The same slopes you find your huckleberries on, that's an indicator shrub.

 

[Block]

Iv actually had pretty good luck recently focusing on SE facing slopes... they use these naked slopes a lot during the winter/spring to hide from the cold wind but ALSO seem to bed out in the open at night all year on these same slopes (esp around new moons) and can be caught slippin in the morning...

 

[Salmonchaser]

Went scouting Friday, deer season opens Saturday. I Wanted to see what the elk were up to. This guy is pulling out, leaving a south west slope for a dog hair thick north slope. As been stated, it’s all situational.