Mule Deer Scouting

[ndbuck09]

I've never really focused on hunting mule deer but would like to try to locate a buck or two or 6 this summer here in Idaho. I've seen some nice ones in the area while elk hunting in September and I want to try to find these boys during the summer to see if i can't try to play with em come opening weekend. With that said, i'm curious of your thoughts on accessing the basin I've seen bucks in the last weekend of august last year.

Basically its a basin that tops out at 8400 and has a creek in it. The whole basin is about 6 miles long and basically the ridge line is like an upside down "U" with the head of the drainage being at 12oclock when upside down. I usually access this via angling up and side hilling all the way in but I'm thinking it may be better to go straight up to the ridge and run the "U" around to the head the drainage to glass this summer. Is that what ya'll would do when truly trying to glass up a basin? I think it's kind of elementary but I shouldn't expect as much luck spotting a nice buck if i tramp right up the basin slopes to the head of the basin even though we're talking about pretty large country right? Just want to make sure the extra work of running the ridge will help make the difference in spotting bucks before my wife and I embark on this untracked (read likely very demanding and I'll have to do some selling to the wife as to why we're going the hard way) mission lol.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[robby denning]

I always approach an area with the wind in my favor and without skylining myself. That's what matters the most to me. Thinking like this, every situation will be different and require you to think it through.

If you saw those bucks there before mid-October, they should be there in August too. Good luck!

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

Finding a couple good glassing points where you can look at alot of country is always key

 

[Nomad]

It sounds like you're about to "discover" some new country if you take the long way. You might stumble upon something really good that way. That's my favorite part of scouting trips... Blazing a trail to and through new country.

 

[ndbuck09]

Thanks Ya'll!

 

[Rizzy]

The archery deer season is open along with the archery elk in a lot of the units. Are you wanting to come back for rifle deer in October?

 

[elkguide]

It's so much fun to find new areas to hunt in! In every area that I am learning, I try to get to a spot that I can view the most area along with being able to see down into some of the pockets and find out what is hanging around in there and where they are spending their time. It isn't a one day affair. Many wonderful days afield will give you some great knowledge. Then it is up to you to find ways to get in to the areas that they are spending their time in and be able to get in there without being seen or smelled or heard and bring something home with you.

Man do I love hunting!