Unit 43 or 45 mule deer.

[Musket Man]

Last year I hunted 43 with my smoke pole for the first time. Had a great time but didn't get a deer. I have some ideas of other parts of 43 I didnt get to this year if I go back to 43. I'm also considering looking around the holy cross, unit 45. 43 is having some point creep and I would like to find a unit I can rifle hunt every 3 to 5 years and draw some 2nd choice muzzle loader tags in between. I'm also considering 44 and 444 but 45 seems to have the most wilderness. Just wondering what to expect in the 45 area as far as hunting, hunting pressure and and hikers. In the end I guess the unit dont matter all that much, I'll still be backpacking in Colorado high country

 

[Graylight]

Did you hunt above timber on youre muzzle hunt?

 

[Musket Man]

The first part of the season I was mostly above timber line. Saw alot of mountain goats atleast!

 

[8750]

There are a lot of goats in those hills! Gave me some ideas after I spent time there last summer.

 

[Graylight]

Did you hit Maroon Pass, Buckskin and Frigid Air?

 

[Musket Man]

I was at buckskin pass and willow lake. I also packed in from red stone. Last year I screwed up and took the wrong rig and couldnt get to where I thought I should of been. But it was my first time there and mostly a scouting trip.

 

[Graylight]

There's usually bucks in Buckskin and Avalanche... Willow lake to the NE usually holds deer... You can try 5 fingers NE of Conundrum basin or Haisley basin as those areas hold animals too... There's no secrets in that unit... It's a hike but the deer are there. I'm a little surprised you didn't find anything in buckskin. Next time you go, take the trailhead a couple miles further past the buckskin trailhead and you will start to see more deer to the West.

 

[Musket Man]

the biologist said willow lake would be good too and ppl dont hike up there. I saw hikers and no deer. I came in from aspen. If i go back im avoiding the aspen side all together. tomany ppl and hikers over there.

 

[Musket Man]

Getting down to the wire. Think Im gonna stick with 43 and explore some areas I couldnt get to last year.

 

[CoBackcountry]

thats terrible news i hunt on the opposite side from aspen jk

 

[Musket Man]

With my luck ill blow a monster out and he will come right to you! lol

 

[CoBackcountry]

sounds good