Rookie Questions

[SteveTX]

Hey gang. FNG here.

So I’m working on a plan for archery mule deer in ‘21. Right now I’m thinking solo DIY but of course a lot can change between now and then. I’ve narrowed down location to 2-3 units SW of Gunnison based on points needed and success rates. I’ve got a few questions below that I’d certainly appreciate any feedback on. Hope I’m posting this in the right forum.

1. Camp locations - I’m wondering about the differences in camping in the trees right at timberline vs somewhere in a basin above.
- How far below is too far from your morning glassing spot?
- Storm risks if camping above timber and minimal cover?
- Is it more preferable to camp high and hunt down, or camp low and hunt up? I ask this because one of the units I’m looking at has a lot of open country up high that can be accessed, but it may be a trek to get to timberline if that’s where the deer are.

I’m also new to public hunting so some others thoughts I’ve had....

1. Hunter crowd expectations - CPW info shows anywhere from 80-150 hunters in these units for archery mule deer. And I’m assuming that most of those will be there earlier in Sept before the guns come out. That sounds like a lot of folks looking at the same deer, but I’m trying to understand the realistic expectations. Should I expect to see multiple hunters in every basin?

1A. Knowing that some level of crowd will likely be there, what is the common thought on who goes after the deer? First come, first serve / you spot it, you chase it kind of deal? What is considered careless and disrespectful?

Any other thoughts for a newbie are greatly appreciated. Especially lessons learned about what NOT to do. Sorry if this is a long post, and thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Wapiti1]

Where the water is determines where I camp. I don't like to camp more than 100 yards from water due to a severe lazy condition I have at the end of a hunting day. I do not want to work for water to cook a meal at the end of the day. That typically means treeline or just above.

Having trees around in a storm is great until one falls on you. Pay close attention to the quality of the timber you camp in. If it's been burned or there are signs of beetle kill, camp in the open. Knowing how to pitch a tent or shelter to weather a storm is important. Evaluate if the stakes you have are the right ones or not for where you are going.

There isn't really too far from a glassing spot. There is how early do you want to wake up and hike to the glassing spot. If you are OK with getting up at 4am and not seeing camp until 10 at night, you're good. I prefer to be within an hour of what I think are my best spots. That may only be 1/4 mile, or it could be 2 miles depending on terrain. Ideally, I'll be on a ridge, near water, and can hunt two basins easily from camp.

Etiquette is simple. If it would piss you off, don't do it to someone else. I'm a first come first crack guy. If you have position on me, good for you, I hope you get him. I've had all manner of other hunter goof ups. 90% of the time, they bumbled in and there was no intent to do anything to my hunt. I'm sure I've done it to others without knowing.

Some basins are big enough for more than one hunter/group. Others aren't. Have plan A, B, C, and a hail mary just in case.

Jeremy

 

[16Bore]

Just be happy if you fail. A trip of 100 steps shouldn’t be ruined because you only got 99.

 

[SteveTX]

Thanks for the input guys. All good points.