So I drew Region G!

[NABE07]

Somehow.... I only had 2 points and my partner had 1 so we had NO Plans on going to G for another 3-4 years. I guess those 4.5% random draw odds aren't that far of a longshot.

Now we have less than 3 months to prepare!

We've actually done really good the last few years (several 150"-160+" mule deer) in a poor unit in another part of the state so we planned on making a quick trip there (2,000 miles from Georgia) this year but this drastically changes our plans because not being familiar with the unit I'm sure it might take a little time to find what we want.
Having never been in the TRUE high country...

What type of weather/temps should we prep for?

Season opens on September 15th which is a Thursday - time away is an issue - Would I better suited arriving opening day and hunting then until the 24th/25th (9 full days)? OR Scouting a few days before the season and flying out on the 20th (5 full days)?

Any other suggestions I'm willing to listen because my aerial scouting starts today!

Thanks guys!

 

[RICMIC]

Congrats on the tag NABE07. I have never hunted G (although I have applied there a couple times), but have hunted H next door a number of times. You will get a lot of good advice on this thread, but some of it may conflict. I'm from Minnesota, and as much of a flatlander as you, so first off 1. Get in shape. Lose the extra weight, and start today. 2. I would go into your chosen hunting area at least a day or two before your hunt. Other hunters will have done so, and some will disturb the critters while doing it. 3. Pack in, and camp high where you can start hunting as soon as you leave your tent. If you camp at a trailhead, those on horses will be way ahead of you. 4. Try to go where the horses can't. I prefer to hike in on a trail, but then bushwack through some tough country (and even climb a cliff if necessary.) 5. Bring bear spray. You are not in a primary griz area, but they are around. 6. Gear; Hiking poles and boots with good ankle support are a must. Take your time going in, as no matter what shape you are in, you won't be acclimated to the altitude for a few days. 7. Once at camp, walk less and glass more. 8. Weather; expect anything. We hiked in the day before the season started in mid-Sept. last year, and were snow/fogged in for three days. We were right next to our tent on day 4 waiting for the fog to clear when 3 good bucks were pushed right past us by other hunters (who still took an hour to reach us). It later got to 65 degrees and we got sunburned. 9. Know you gun, and know your own effective range. Don't push it. 10. Camp near water; you don't want to be hiking & hauling water when you should be hunting. 11. Have a plan for your meat. Even a boned out deer with your camp can weigh 100#. Don't risk getting injured by trying to do too much at one time. I can't risk that at my age, and now make a trip out with the meat and then go back for camp the following day. That's a start, and good luck.

 

[NABE07]

Thanks man! Awesome stuff.
Luckily I got a headstart on the "in-shape" piece as I've been doing a few races and 1 - 12mile tough mudder last month. I know the altitude is a killer even at 5,000-6,000 the last few years there has been a noticeable difference.

 

[Matthoek21]

Good luck on the good tag. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[wy-tex]

While I haven't hunted G for deer we spent some good time there bow hunting elk. I take it you plan to hunt the areas that open in Sept. Area 135 will have sheep grazing it and maybe the units north of there too. The elk do not like the sheep and if the herder has a dog with him, he probably will, the deer may move around the flock. We saw one of the biggest bucks in the wild in 135 during our elk hunt. Expect anywhere from cold and snow to hot and windy in Sept. Don't overlook the BLM lands there. There are some campgrounds with water in the forest. Set a sturdy camp. We had winds at least 50 mph while camping there. No wolves or grizzlies in the south part of that region but you'll find some in the north part. Black bears will be around. Fishing is great in that region.

 

[B&C Blacktails]

Congratulations! Hopefully in the next couple years I'll be visiting G

 

[Triple BB]

I hunt it yearly. G is over hyped, mostly by guys who've never hunted it. Best advice I can give is rent horses. For most with no experience in the area, it'll be the difference between shooting a 130 class buck and a 170 or better.