NW Colorado Mule Deer – Genetics & Post-Winterkill Recovery?

[GabeHunts]

Thread:


Hey guys,


Trying to learn a bit more about mule deer in northwest Colorado in general.


I’m a newer hunter—last year was my first season and I was able to harvest a small buck, which was an awesome experience. This year I’m hoping to take a step up and be a little more intentional about the type of buck I’m targeting.


I’ve been reading quite a bit about the tough winter a couple years back and the winterkill that hit parts of NW Colorado pretty hard. Curious how things are looking now from guys who have been in those units consistently.


A few things I’d love to hear about:

• Overall deer genetics in NW Colorado—does the area still have the ability to grow solid, mature bucks?
• How noticeable was the winterkill in the field, and how has recovery looked since?
• Are you seeing decent age classes coming back, or is it still pretty young across the board?
• Anything that surprised you post-winterkill compared to prior years?

I’m planning to hunt Unit 11 this year specifically, but I know unit-specific talk can get sensitive on here. I’ll be doing my own scouting and homework regardless, but if anyone has any general thoughts on that unit in terms of genetics or whether it’s worth the time right now, feel free to shoot me a PM.


Appreciate any insight—just trying to learn and set realistic expectations going into this season.

 

[35WhelenAI]

You are in a good position having been in Colorado and harvested a buck. What did you see? Each area is unique unto itself even specific parcels within a unit. With respect, mentioning units and asking about specific units is taboo. You're probably going to find yourself on your own at this point to call Division of Wildlife and rely on your innate abilities to research and decide for yourself.

 

[RancherJohn]

Thread:


Hey guys,


Trying to learn a bit more about mule deer in northwest Colorado in general.


I’m a newer hunter—last year was my first season and I was able to harvest a small buck, which was an awesome experience. This year I’m hoping to take a step up and be a little more intentional about the type of buck I’m targeting.


I’ve been reading quite a bit about the tough winter a couple years back and the winterkill that hit parts of NW Colorado pretty hard. Curious how things are looking now from guys who have been in those units consistently.


A few things I’d love to hear about:

• Overall deer genetics in NW Colorado—does the area still have the ability to grow solid, mature bucks?
• How noticeable was the winterkill in the field, and how has recovery looked since?
• Are you seeing decent age classes coming back, or is it still pretty young across the board?
• Anything that surprised you post-winterkill compared to prior years?

I’m planning to hunt Unit 11 this year specifically, but I know unit-specific talk can get sensitive on here. I’ll be doing my own scouting and homework regardless, but if anyone has any general thoughts on that unit in terms of genetics or whether it’s worth the time right now, feel free to shoot me a PM.


Appreciate any insight—just trying to learn and set realistic expectations going into this season.

Since your post comes across as AI slop, I went ahead and did the hard work for you and highlighted some of the relevant parts below. You can ask AI to condense it down further if needed. Doing this type of post at all is not good for the unit or the forum. Doing this type of post during tag applications is especially obvious and can only harm your chances of success, both in the draw and on the ground.

Also did you post this exact thread yesterday, then delete it and re-post it?

@fngTony


GENERAL ETIQUETTE REGARDING SHARING OF INFORMATION

1. This is a hunting forum, people are going to discuss hunting information, that is what the forum is and was created for. People are attempting to gain knowledge and people are attempting to share knowledge. How you specifically gain and share knowledge on a hunting forum requires a certain tact that many people either are ignorant to, or have not gained knowledge of, the following suggestions may help you gain or share knowledge on the Rokslide Forum.
2. Do not make your first post asking for knowledge of certain areas. Every year the members of Rokslide see the same posts regurgitated over and over again that look something like this....... "Hey guys, I drew unit 1234567 tag and never been there where is the best spots to go?" 90% of the time, this is the user's FIRST post, and many times their last post as well, as they never return to post on the forum again. People are more likely to share information with people they somewhat trust, (as much trust as u can give someone on an online forum anyway) that they have seen contributing to the forum, posting and commenting for some time etc. I guarantee there is a difference in the amount and type of feedback someone gets who posts the above question as their 1st post vs someone posting the same questions and it's there 500th post. In general I’d say make an introduction post, some congratulations comments or thanks for any helpful info you find, use the like button instead posting something like “good, okay”. Show some enthusiasm and initiative towards the hunt your asking questions about also gratitude to those who answer. Oh, a trip report is a great way to show thanks to the guy who shared their information with you.
3. Now unfortunately we aren't letting FNG's (new guys) post up unit specific questions. Any unit question/answers remain out in the world wide webs forever, which can doom some really great spots.
   The expectation is that all Rokslide members will understand and support this concept and take all such conversations to private message.
   Yes, it's a hassle to join and be part of this community but the rewards are worth the effort including the ability to send and receive private messages.
4. Posting specific unit numbers, while not against the rules for even for members in good standing, is still sometimes frowned upon by members depending upon the context of the post. A good rule of thumb to follow when discussing specifics of a unit is to ask for Private Messages or share information in private messages. While posting specific unit numbers is frowned upon, posting specific drainages or trailheads are grounds for much worse from the rokslide community lol. Use your common sense, use private messages, etc. we are all in this together and to help each other.

 

[Pacific_Fork]

I’m planning to hunt Unit 11 this year specifically, but I know unit-specific talk can get sensitive on here.

Can get sensitive on here? It’s death by firing squad using a 6mm out of a 16 inch barrel including suppressor.

Did you seriously use AI to make a post? Who starts a thread saying “Thread:” that’s freaking AI.

“Hunters” are devolving good grief. Do better, spend more time in the woods.