Help deciding on a deer hunt - Opinions Sought

LCH

Very Active Member
Jun 28, 2015
774
246
Southern Indiana
Since I was unsuccessful on my Montana application, I'm trying to decide on a course of action to make a deer hunt happen this year. I have the dates of 11/4 - 11/12 off, which really narrows down my options.

The hunts I'm considering are:

-Wyoming Regional F> I know this area had a tough winter with high fawn mortality. However, I'm sure that some bucks made it through OK, and I've wanted to hunt this area for quite a while now. I'm thinking the time to hunt it may be now, since an entire age class of bucks will be missing in a few years. I'd put in as 2nd choice in the special draw (already have an app in with a long shot 1st choice).

Wyoming Region A> I could probably pick this tag up as a leftover after failing to draw my long shot special app, so I'd save a couple hundred bucks. Also, coming from the East, it would save several hours of driving and significant fuel costs. No griz, but probably more hunters. Higher deer density, but probably less trophy potential. I've also wanted to hunt the Black Hills for a long time now.

Colorado Leftover> I know 3rd season leftovers are typically pretty slim pickings. I could hope to grab one though, and if it doesn't work out just use that week to focus on deer here at home.

Any other ideas are welcome, but those dates (11/4 - 11/12) aren't flexible, so it would need to fit into those dates. Thanks for any input...
 

rcfireninja

Active Member
Mar 3, 2014
389
12
Rapid City, SD
I'm taking it your fixated on a mule deer hunt? I would open up your choices to archery otc tags in Nebraska and South Dakota. Perhaps even a archery whitetail hunt in Iowa if you have points to draw a good zone. That is a great time to have off as the rut should be in full swing. If you choose SD let me know, I have that same time off and will be after mule deer if I havent filled that tag yet.
 

LCH

Very Active Member
Jun 28, 2015
774
246
Southern Indiana
I'm taking it your fixated on a mule deer hunt? I would open up your choices to archery otc tags in Nebraska and South Dakota. Perhaps even a archery whitetail hunt in Iowa if you have points to draw a good zone. That is a great time to have off as the rut should be in full swing. If you choose SD let me know, I have that same time off and will be after mule deer if I havent filled that tag yet.
I would want at least the opportunity to shoot a mule deer. If I hunted Region A I wouldn't pass a good whitetail, but would be looking for muleys.

I've considered South Dakota, but I'm not sure I have the confidence to go all that way for an archery hunt. I'll give it some more thought though.
 

LCH

Very Active Member
Jun 28, 2015
774
246
Southern Indiana
Well I guess I'll keep my app as is. If I fail to draw my long shot 1st choice, I'll wait to see the Colorado leftover list and also see if I'm offered a MT tag as an alternate. I may still try to grab a Region A tag if any are left after those options are exhausted.

If nothing else, maybe I'll actually put in an honest effort of filling all my Indiana tags this November.