Hello all, I have been given an opportunity to come hunt mule deer in UNITS 69, 691, 86, and 861 this year for the third rifle season. Nov 3-11. I have been anxiously reading and studying topo/satelite maps of these units for months. I have a place to stay in Westcliffe, Will be able to use and ATV and as of now I plan to hike in from the Rainbow Trail for most of my hunting. With this being my first 3rd rifle season ( I have hunted unit 27 3 years for 2nd rifle with no success) What differences can i expect the mule deer to be doing? Pre-rut activity? Their elevation being much lower due to pressure in the wilderness areas/weather getting worse? Should i be focusing my time on BLM land instead? Please feel free to give me ANY advise you can. Trust me I am not a nonresident hunter coming to get in your way, I devote a ton of time to hunting and am really looking for this year to finally be successful. Thank you all. Also any info you don't want to put for everyone to see please feel free to PM me.
Looking for advice!
- Thread starter TN911
- Start date
Never in Doubt
Active Member
- Jul 9, 2012
- 304
- 0
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Joe Bontrager
New Member
Just wondering if you have spent any time in this area before? The rainbow trail is nice to travel along the foothills, but the forest is extremely thick, mostly black timber, and all the trails are 3 to 6 miles and several thousand feet up till you come to any open place where you can glass. And if we get any amount of snow, [which is likely] they will move down in the thick timber for the rut.
I don't know what size buck you are looking for? or are you just wanting to fill your tag? But i could direct you to some BLM that might up your odds
I don't know what size buck you are looking for? or are you just wanting to fill your tag? But i could direct you to some BLM that might up your odds
A friend of mine had suggested this area to me after he had 2nd season elk hunted it in 2016. He had seen several nice 4x4 and 5x5 mule deer in the area on his elk hunt. He was seeing alot of deer from his UTV on the way up the mountain early in the mornings and late in the evening during feeding times. I am looking for a 4x4 with 20 inch spread or larger. What BLM would you suggest? Should I have applied for the 2nd season tag instead of the 3rd?
who are you????
you might get more help if you introduce yourself to the forum members , before trying to pick their brain.
there are many here who can and will help but a lot of them frown on one post wonders begging for hotspots.
good luck on your hunt.
Sorry Kidoggy, My name is Terry, i'm and avid whitetail hunter from Missouri who isn't looking for anyones secret spots, Just trying to get some advise from someone with more experience in the area and who has hunted mule deer in colorado in the 3rd season. I was not aware to introduce myself first. No plans for being a one post wonder. Thank you
thanks.
no doubt. but this time of year ,one posts, are a dime a dozen and most won't be willing to help much till you get to know them a bit.
Slugz
Veteran member
Id hook up with Joe B and he may be able to help you more. I spend a fair amount of time in 86/82......and not wanting to sound negative but I wouldn't be looking for mule deer on the NF at that time at all. Private ,BLM in that order that time of the year. The girls will be down in the valley eating the sweet Westcliffe timothy/alfalfa mix and the boys will be chasing them around there.
Thank you! That is exactly the info I am looking for! Have you been successful in 86 or 82? I am hoping to see some larger deer than I have came a crossed in the past. I am very surprised the deer would move from the NF in that short amount of time. (2nd to 3rd rifle) is that caused by hunting pressure or more by the weather?
Slugz
Veteran member
Joe Bontrager
New Member
Hi Terry, we are living in Westcliffe for only 3 years, so i am also in the learning process, but i do know several spots on BLM where large herds gather in the late fall, early winter, so if you are interested send me an email with phone # ,with the best time to call. and if i can help i would be happy to.
Wishing you a successful hunting season !!
Wishing you a successful hunting season !!