Early Mule Deer in CO

[buckwhisperer]

Hey everyone was looking for any info on the early season Mule Deer hunts in CO.. I'm coming from Arkansas and have been to CO. once, to the Flat Tops for elk. If i know what i am looking at as far as my 1 point i think i might have a shot at units (14,16,161),(47), or 471. Any info would be appreciated as i am totally green on this hunt, I am looking at this hunt because it comes before my hunting here at home. Again ANY info will help, thanks.

 

[Musket Man]

I think 471 would be a tough hunt. Its mostly high steep country. Any early rifle hunt thats easy to draw will likely have some reasons that its easy to draw. Have you thought about an archery or ML hunt? that would open up alot more options.

 

[BucksnBulls]

I hunted the 47 early rifle season this fall. Like Musket Man said theres a reason those tags are easy to draw. It was tough! Its big country, very steep and rugged. I don't know what you've done for research but the population for this area is pretty low. We worked hard for 5 days and saw some deer but they were few and far between. That being said we were successful, so its not impossible, but I would probably look at other options if you have them.

 

[Musket Man]

How was your elk hunt in the flat tops? You could easily draw a ML deer tag for there and you know some about the area already.

 

[buckwhisperer]

Thanks for all the input guys, i had been staying away from the ML because of the legal use methods( i'm usually able to use a scope and sabots). But after your thoughts and questions i'm looking at it a lot harder. My elk hunt in the Tops was 10 years ago and i only saw a few deer, but the terrain was easy enough. If i were to apply for a ML muley tag would any have a good tip on where to apply for? I"m not greedy, just want a good hunt with a reasonable chance at seeing something, big antlers are secondary on this first hunt.Thanks

 

[Musket Man]

Co ML regs arent bad compared to Washington where you cant ever use a 209 primer. lol Are you looking for a high country hunt or just a sept season?

 

[d.kerri]

BW-

Welcome to the forum! Tell us a little about yourself. Guys are more willing to offer advice when they don't feel like someone just pops in to pull information out of people without contributing. Not saying that you aren't planning on stickin' around for a while- everyone hopes you will!- but guys will be more apt to offer advice if you share a little about yourself and how you're excited to offer any insights you can in return

I love shootin' the ML also. Slap some fiber optics on there, switch out your sabots and get some good boots. I'm hoping to do a ML hunt in CO in the next few years also. Good luck this season!

 

[buckwhisperer]

Yeah mainly looking at the Sept. slots, that way i hope to find fairer weather and can be home for my bow opener here in AR. d. kerri thanks for posting, man i'm 36 yrs old and ready to get back out west. When i was there 10 yr ago i didn't get all i wanted and i should have punched a tag and didn't, It happens and that's fine, but its time to go back. I run heavy equipment, have 2 great kids, beautiful wife and a crazy passion for hunting. I'd rather do it all with a bow, but if G&F says i can take a ML or rifle than who am i to argue. I always try to slip in and out without being detected, if i know i could have killed but passed for whatever reason, and the animal never knew i existed, cool. Thanks

 

[d.kerri]

Sounds like you'll fit in well around here- welcome again!

 

[Musket Man]

Where are you from BW?

 

[xtreme]

If you decide on 161 I might help. I have not deer hunted there but have hunted in the unit several times and saw some super deer though not a lot of deer. I did see a real monster in there during first elk season. I haven't had a wolf report but one was seen and filmed just north of town about three years ago.

 

[Work2hunt]

BW,
I'm in a similar position trying to decide what early season high country mule deer rifle hunt to do. But we are with 9 pp's cuurently and are not sure if we should go this year or next. In my research I have been calling several biologists and game wardens and asking about there respective areas of responsibility. The biologist for the North part of 43 is also the same for 471.

Feel free to PM me and I can provide his name and contact info. It can also be gathered by calling the regional offices for 471 or whichever unit you are looking at and asking for the biologist or warden.

 

[buckwhisperer]

MM i'm in Carroll County, AR(Berryville mail). xtreme, good to see a fellow Arky and i appreciate your post, what can I expect with 14, 16, 161 as far terrain, access, etc.? Thanks. W2h, great tips, thank you, I'll PM you, now that i know what that means.(had to ask son)

 

[Engideer]

Hi fellow Arky! I have not hunted in the areas you are asking about, but the early season bowhunts in the Southwest part of CO have been good for me. The rugged terrain is not as big of an issue when you are only having to pack out a mule deer as opposed to an elk. I generally have several opportunities on a week long hunt at what I consider decent bucks.

 

[buckwhisperer]

Thanks Engideer, i'll have to check that area out. I'm looking at ML season also now and will be checking stats for that area.