High country for first mule deer hunt?

[Jrshuman]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I plan on doing an early season archery mule deer hunt in Colorado, if I'm drawn this year. I have been reading everything I can about the unit, and high country hunting. My main question is, am I getting in over my head, doing a high country hunt, for my first mule deer hunt? I stay in really good shape year round, so I'm not worried about being in shape. I'm more worried about the altitude, and going crazy, being solo for 8-9 days. I have been reading that the mental aspect is really tough. Any advice for a first timer? Good books to read? I'm looking at unit 67, so any info about the unit would be nice as well. I'm hoping to get a scouting trip in this summer, if I end up getting drawn. I have a lot of experience hunting aoudad in west Texas, and I see some simularities(lots of glassing,long tough stalks), but aoudad roam, while mule deer seem to be more territorial. Thank you in advance for any advice.

Jared

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You don't say where your from, but if altitude adjustment is a problem, my advice would be to get to your unit as early as you can. It will probably take a couple of days (maybe more) to start adjusting to the altitude.

 

[Jrshuman]

You don't say where your from, but if altitude adjustment is a problem, my advice would be to get to your unit as early as you can. It will probably take a couple of days (maybe more) to start adjusting to the altitude.

I live on the Texas coast about 20-30' above sea level lol. On my elk hunt a few years back, we got up to around 10,500' and I felt pretty good, so Hopefully I won't have too much trouble adjusting. But, I will plan on getting there early to give my body time to adjust. Thanks!

 

[lostriverproductions]

Well since I did my first ever mule deer hunt last year and it was high country and I was successful, so I consider myself a expert now. (Kidding about being an expert) I read Mike eastmans highcountry book. Read everything else I could. Forgot half of it once was on the mountain. Now I have no idea what the country is like where you will be hunting, but I thought I was in really good shape for my hunt. But the area I hunted was steep, plus it was extremely muddy which made it even harder. One thing you will want to plan on during scouting is finding water, may not be any up high. I packed in 3 gallons which didn't help my hike in. But I didn't want to drop 2500 feet to where I knew water was if I didn't find any up high. I had a horrible first experince in WY. You can read my experience here if you wish http://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/15231-First-ever-Reg-G-hunt
You need to be mentally prepared to sit being your spotting scope or bino's for hours on end not moving locations. Water takes longer to boil so make sure you have an efficient stove and enough fuel. But never give up you never know when a buck is hiding at the next thicket or basin.

 

[Work2hunt]

I can't help with unit 67, but I did my first above tree line hunt this past year for mule deer. Here is a couple lessons learned.

-Go slow. That type of a hunt is a marathon not a sprint. The mountain controls the pace.
-No matter how good of shape you are in get in better shape. Mountain shape is different and hard to get into when you live at sea level. I regularly run 8-12 mi, lift, hike, be active all of that. But, the mountain still was tough.
-Get your feet prepared. Up and down hills can be tough on knees, heels, balls of feet, etc. Good boots are a must.
-Get to your area at least a few days in advance. Plan on camping low the 1st couple nights even if you are hiking high during the day. Acclimation takes time. I've been to the mountains numerous times, but getting above 10500 ft is different than 8 or 9000 ft.
-Drink lots of water and than drink some more.
-Prepare yourself mentally. It to me was the hardest part of the hunt. I was by myself for 10 days and when you see no one or hear nothing but birds for 5-6 days you can start to question yourself.
-Light weight gear is a must. Those ounces really add up after 8 or 9 or 10 days in the back country when you are going up and down mountains.

Good luck and have fun. Being in the high country is some very beautiful country.

 

[Jrshuman]

Well since I did my first ever mule deer hunt last year and it was high country and I was successful, so I consider myself a expert now. (Kidding about being an expert) I read Mike eastmans highcountry book. Read everything else I could. Forgot half of it once was on the mountain. Now I have no idea what the country is like where you will be hunting, but I thought I was in really good shape for my hunt. But the area I hunted was steep, plus it was extremely muddy which made it even harder. One thing you will want to plan on during scouting is finding water, may not be any up high. I packed in 3 gallons which didn't help my hike in. But I didn't want to drop 2500 feet to where I knew water was if I didn't find any up high. I had a horrible first experince in WY. You can read my experience here if you wish http://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/15231-First-ever-Reg-G-hunt
You need to be mentally prepared to sit being your spotting scope or bino's for hours on end not moving locations. Water takes longer to boil so make sure you have an efficient stove and enough fuel. But never give up you never know when a buck is hiding at the next thicket or basin.

Sorry to here about your trip to WY. I have located water on google earth, but plan on taking a little extra for the hike in. I will get Mike eastmans high country book and start reading it. I still need to get a stove and fuel, so I will start checking reviews and find one to buy. Thank you for the advice! I'm pumped, but also a little nervous

 

[JimP]

One thing is to never and I mean never depend on Google Earth for water. Take a look at the time stamp on the screen, if it wasn't at the same time that you plan on being there don't expect any water. Water can also depend on what has happened in the last month weather wise, I have seen streams dry up in a matter of a couple of days. So unless it is a large flowing stream expect to pack in all of the water that you need, then if you find some water then feel lucky.

As others have said, once you feel that you are in good enough shape get into better shape. I've seen a lot of hunters terminate a hunt after a day or so when they find out that these mountains out west are real mountains. Also Google "Altitude Sickness" and read up on it. It is a deadly problem that a lot of people experience every year, and if you are not prepared for it can be deadly.

Now back to you hunt. I would plan on hunting below the treeline. Most of the animals will be down there and you will have better luck. Once you get above treeline you have very limited areas where you can put a stalk on a animal with enough cover to hide in.

 

[Jrshuman]

I can't help with unit 67, but I did my first above tree line hunt this past year for mule deer. Here is a couple lessons learned.

-Go slow. That type of a hunt is a marathon not a sprint. The mountain controls the pace.
-No matter how good of shape you are in get in better shape. Mountain shape is different and hard to get into when you live at sea level. I regularly run 8-12 mi, lift, hike, be active all of that. But, the mountain still was tough.
-Get your feet prepared. Up and down hills can be tough on knees, heels, balls of feet, etc. Good boots are a must.
-Get to your area at least a few days in advance. Plan on camping low the 1st couple nights even if you are hiking high during the day. Acclimation takes time. I've been to the mountains numerous times, but getting above 10500 ft is different than 8 or 9000 ft.
-Drink lots of water and than drink some more.
-Prepare yourself mentally. It to me was the hardest part of the hunt. I was by myself for 10 days and when you see no one or hear nothing but birds for 5-6 days you can start to question yourself.
-Light weight gear is a must. Those ounces really add up after 8 or 9 or 10 days in the back country when you are going up and down mountains.

Good luck and have fun. Being in the high country is some very beautiful country.

I have to get new boots! I'll get them soon, so I can break them in by my hunt. I don't think my old danner pronghorns would be able to make the trip. I do have some steep hills that I can walk up/down at my hunting lease, to get my knees ankles and feet used to a little punishment.
I will make it a goal to go into this hunt, in the best shape of my life! I may not be in mountain shape, but hopefully I won't be hurting too bad. I know it will be hard, but hopefully I'll be closing the distance on a buck, to take my mind off of it.
I think the worst part for me will be not talking to anyone, and being completely isolated for 8 days. I'm sure it makes your mind wander.
Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it!

 

[Jrshuman]

One thing is to never and I mean never depend on Google Earth for water. Take a look at the time stamp on the screen, if it wasn't at the same time that you plan on being there don't expect any water. Water can also depend on what has happened in the last month weather wise, I have seen streams dry up in a matter of a couple of days. So unless it is a large flowing stream expect to pack in all of the water that you need, then if you find some water then feel lucky.

As others have said, once you feel that you are in good enough shape get into better shape. I've seen a lot of hunters terminate a hunt after a day or so when they find out that these mountains out west are real mountains. Also Google "Altitude Sickness" and read up on it. It is a deadly problem that a lot of people experience every year, and if you are not prepared for it can be deadly.

Now back to you hunt. I would plan on hunting below the treeline. Most of the animals will be down there and you will have better luck. Once you get above treeline you have very limited areas where you can put a stalk on a animal with enough cover to hide in.

I didn't even think about the water drying up in different seasons. I'm glad you told me that, and I will plan on taking enough water with me. I will read up on altitude sickness, and how to prepare for it. Thank you for the advice, it is greatly appreciated

 

[JimP]

On getting into shape, if you have stairs in your home or somewhere that you can get to then they are one of the best things out there to work the muscle groups that you will be using.

 

[Manualman]

I would drag my feet for a bit before applying for a tag to find out how bad the winter kill really is this winter.

 

[JimP]

I would drag my feet for a bit before applying for a tag to find out how bad the winter kill really is this winter.

Waiting until the end of the application period really won't get you anywhere since most of the winter kill won't be known until after the application period ends. That is unless you plan on waiting until next year but then you might have to wait until the year after that.

 

[lostriverproductions]

Steps with a 50 pound back would be great or steps at a football stands. Down hill with a lot of weight on my back was horrible on my knees. And yes read up on altitude sickness. Can ruin your hunt.

 

[DRUSS]

Last year I went to Wyoming high Country for the first time. What a trip. So much learned and enjoyed. My first thought is enjoy what's where your going.
I also live at low altitude 30-50'. So training for elevation was a big concern of mine. I walked, hiked as much as I could whenever I felt like I was getting "comfortable " I added weight to my pack and cut down on time if it was a repeat type hike. I also tried to make a point of walking up,down and side hills to get legs,ankles, etc used to it.
I really had a great trip and can't wait to go back. As most have said already work harder about being in shape. The mountains are tough!

 

[MOhunter28]

I did the whole high country thing for the first time last year and one of the mistakes I made is what you are doing now. "I think". "I think I'm in shape", "I think there's water there", "I think I can hike X miles in a day", "I think I'm going to hunt here" .... Once your physically up in the mountains your expectations change fast. We had all the same thoughts you did and man were we so wrong. If your scouting trip can consist of an extended period of time and not just an overnight trip, do it. Use your first trip with the expectation of "I'm here to learn how to do this" killing something is just all the more sweeter and a bonus. We packed things that I will never bring again, learning how to even sit in the right places to glass, learning how to eat when you have to, etc. The books only teach you so much until you get some experience doing it.

As for finding a unit in Colorado, your not going to get a lot of info out of this forum from people. Use the Colorado website and they info they have to narrow down your choices. Its much more helpful than you would imagine.

I hope I didn't seem negative about hunting up high. Its just that when I went I thought it would be a nice little camping trip up on the mountain with a bonus of hunting. It will humble you if your not careful. Get out of the mindset "I think". Just an example, I thought there was water in some drainages in the basins we would be hunting in (via google earth) and low and behold its a drought year, forest fires all over the area and not a single seep to find water. We ended up having to hike 3 miles to get water with big elevation change. Its just not what you would expect until you actually get there.

 

[MOhunter28]

OH but it was so enjoyable even without success. Case and point we are going back again!

 

[Work2hunt]

Oh and find a butt pad. Something light weight. I used a cheap kneeling pad I found at Walmart for gardening. One of the best things I brought. There are not many comfortable spots to sit on a mountain when you are not moving and glassing all day.

 

[Slugz]

"As for finding a unit in Colorado, your not going to get a lot of info out of this forum from people. Use the Colorado website and they info they have to narrow down your choices. Its much more helpful than you would imagine"

I'd disregard that comment I cut and paste from a previous post above. WE have lots of great people and info here who help regularly the people/members who want to put in the time and be helped. You have already got all the pertinent info needed in previous posts so I wont repeat anything.

My advise is KISS and just go do it. Ask questions, do your research, plan thoroughly and enjoy yourself.

Lastly you are spot on to focus on the mental aspect and being in shape. If you are in shape the mental part will be fine. If you are going solo though I'd recommend an SAT Tracker or communicator to be used in case of emergency and maybe even a daily check in depending on your location hunting. Feel free to PM me on anything Colorado. Good luck and God Bless, heaven knows you got the right attitude for it already.

 

[Matthoek21]

I can't help with unit 67, but I did my first above tree line hunt this past year for mule deer. Here is a couple lessons learned.

-Go slow. That type of a hunt is a marathon not a sprint. The mountain controls the pace.
-No matter how good of shape you are in get in better shape. Mountain shape is different and hard to get into when you live at sea level. I regularly run 8-12 mi, lift, hike, be active all of that. But, the mountain still was tough.


-Get your feet prepared. Up and down hills can be tough on knees, heels, balls of feet, etc. Good boots are a must.
-Get to your area at least a few days in advance. Plan on camping low the 1st couple nights even if you are hiking high during the day. Acclimation takes time. I've been to the mountains numerous times, but getting above 10500 ft is different than 8 or 9000 ft.
-Drink lots of water and than drink some more.
-Prepare yourself mentally. It to me was the hardest part of the hunt. I was by myself for 10 days and when you see no one or hear nothing but birds for 5-6 days you can start to question yourself.



-Light weight gear is a must. Those ounces really add up after 8 or 9 or 10 days in the back country when you are going up and down mountains.

Good luck and have fun. Being in the high country is some very beautiful country.

This is spot on! For me the two most important things are mental toughness and your feet. "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Not trying to sound brutal but the mental part ruins more hunts than anything else, and some people don't know till they get there. But you sound confident and I'm sure will do well. Like others said enjoy every minute of it, even the good, the bad, and the ugly. I enjoy it all.
As for the Danner Pronghorns. I would definitely not go with those for a unit 67 hunt. I know from experience. Get a solid hiking boot that fits your feet and train with heavy pack up, down, and side hilling. Your feet will thank you.
Good luck and let us know every detail when you get back.

 

[Jrshuman]

A lot of good advice. I'm going to make a folder and write everything down, to study and help get me ready. I know that nothing gets your body ready for the altitude, but would cardio with a training mask help with the mental aspect of less oxygen? I talked to my wife and we are going to plan on a scouting trip in July. It looks like 2 full days of scouting is what I'll be able to do.