Colorado GMU 29 - Mule Deer

[Vanish]

Howdy all,

More than likely we'll be hunting 2nd season rifle in GMU 29 as our third choice tag this year. I realize this is not a trophy unit (though you can get lucky anywhere!), the access is checkerboard and the harvest statistics are not good for the unit. However, as our third choice I figured I would rather be out hunting than sitting here wishing I was out hunting.

I have scouted a few areas already just to get a good idea of the terrain and cover, but what most concerns me is determining what the best elevation to hunt at that time of year (mid-october). I know, it is probably weather dependent. Last year we were grouse hunting above the peak-to-peak after elk season and snow wasn't an issue.

If you've got sensitive info you're willing to share, PM away. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[8750]

Tough unit that time of year. Trying to find a friendly land owner would be worth the effort.

 

[Timberline143]

Check the National Forest off of Gold Hill road as well as the Switzerland Trail.. There are big bucks near Sugarloaf but the DOW will send you a no shooting zone map if you draw your tag but still some huntable areas.. If not much snow, Caribou Flats holds some good deer.. Also the National Forest off of Madnolia Road will hold deer and Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservior always has a lot of deer.. Hope that helps some..

 

[Vanish]

Should be interesting this year to see how the Flagstaff fire might move some animals, thought I suppose its only ~400 acres.

 

[Vanish]

Hunted Winiger Ridge. Tough weekend. Saw three bucks at opening light at 800 yards. Got to 600 yards and someone else shot the lead buck. The other two just stood there. Got to 400 yards before the other hunter came down and spooked the other two. That was our only chance between three of us. Saw a few others at 1/2 mile but never found them.

Hunting pressure was not terrible, though the two guys that asked us where we were headed then ran in front of us to beat us there were lame. The main problem was the gate was still open (did not expect that!), and there were people everywhere. I got way back in away from the roads but there was no sign at all. Seemed like the traffic had them pushed completely out of there.

One more weekend, probably going to try higher unless the weather changes.