What do you do during the day?

[shootist]

I'm going on my first mule deer hunt (archery, unit 79 Wyoming), and I wondered what you bowhunters did during the middle of the day? Obviously the best hunting will be in the morning and evening, but what should I do during the day? There is a bunch of timber in our unit, so I could possibly still hunt...I have a cow elk tag too if that makes any difference. I'll probably do a little fishing, and maybe some scouting, but I wondered what others would suggest?

There is a little above timberline stuff, so it is possible to have a lengthy stalk, but I'm talking more about other times.

Thanks.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Rest, put a card game or some sort on your phone to pass the time. Usually the only down time I have is when I've put a animal to bed and am waiting for him to stand up. If not I will continue to look for other good areas to hunt and glass the shade for bedded animals.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

Rest, put a card game or some sort on your phone to pass the time. Usually the only down time I have is when I've put a animal to bed and am waiting for him to stand up. If not I will continue to look for other good areas to hunt and glass the shade for bedded animals.

Rest if you need it. Check out other areas. If you find fresh sign, still hunting timber stands into the wind could produce. Walk the edge country and water sources to check for sign.

 

[Cokeman]

You would be amazed at how many deer actually move between the hours of 11am - 3pm. I have seen a lot of deer get out of their beds and relocate to a new spot due water, sun position, or stretching. I like to go back to camp and eat a good breakfast and then head back to areas that I can get some shade and glass. A lot of stalks happen during these hours for me. Other times I just take a nap and get ready for the evening hunt.

 

[In God We Trust]

I take naps in the sun! In between my napping I do some glassing and look for bucks moving or laying in the shade. I love napping in the sun during the early seasons!

 

[slim jim]

Find a horseshoe and play a game of horseshoes

 

[Orion/CO]

Like Cokeman said, animals do move around during the middle of the day, although it's usually close to their bedding areas, so I'm always worried about disturbing them too much at that time. I have hiked up high in the morning, packed a lunch and stayed out all day long and then come back in the evening. It makes for a long day, and it can still be very hard to stay awake once you have lunch in your belly and the sun is nice and warm. Typically I come back to camp for lunch and maybe doze off for a little bit (just short cat naps). I bring a radio with me and try to pull in a station to listen to music or a football game, just to help spend the time. Playing cards, games, fishing, etc. are all good ideas to help spend the time until it's time to go out for the evening hunt.

 

[shootist]

Thank you all.

What I really wondered was whether most of you tried to hunt all day or took a mid-day break. It sounds like most take a break, but some hunt all day. I'll probably try both and see what suits me. Since I'm not familiar with the area, I plan on coming back to camp and possibly driving to new areas to check them out during the mid-day early in the hunt.

 

[mrcowboy]

If I'm hunting out of a camp/truck camping and there is a stream is nearby, I'll cast some flies in search of hungry trout.

 

[Hilltop]

I spend months waiting for this time of year to arrive... so much time, money, energy, and strategizing goes into these hunts. That said, I spend as much time hunting as possible. I do however make time to fish and hunt small game and birds when possible.

Depending on the weather, the cow elk may be doable during the mid day... I like to use a calf call in heavy timber to peak the curiosity of cows. It has worked for me on numerous occasions. Usually the animals that respond are younger cows that just don't know better.... A little less weight to pack out but they sure do make good table fare.

Basically, if you have the energy, hunt as much as possible would be my opinion. It's not like we get to do this all year long...

 

[Never in Doubt]

Usually I'm set up high with a good view watching as much as I can, so I'll take short naps leaning against my pack in the shade of a bush or tree. Deer do still move during this time so obviously I sleep with one eye open. Other times I get up and go looking for a better spot if I feel like there's no bucks in the area I can see.

 

[Timberstalker]

Still hunting deer correctly takes a lot of concentration and is actualy not easy to do, especially with a bow. If I were to hunt timber mid day I would hunt for the cow elk, they are easier to hunt in timber mid day than Mule deer Bucks IMO. Hunting in timber is a completely differant task than glassing open country, mid day is rough. If you get rain thats when to still hunt timber, they can't hear and smell nearly as good, they will often stand up due to the lack of sences and rely more on their eys than there nose and ears. I hope you have a great time!

 

[2rocky]

Some good advice here.

I like to find a high vantage point out of the wind to nap. You can only nap so long though. If it is near a saddle, occasionally someone poking through the timber might spook some game through it. If you have a wide and long view, you can check out distant openings for bumped animals.

Midday a few days into the hunt is when I will wash socks and skivvies to dry in the sun. If you have a bivy camp it is a good time to filter water.

When I'm on horseback I'll graze the horses during this time. Usually rotate on hobbles with one tied up in case they get spooked.

If it is early in the hunt and I don't know the country, I'll work the ridge tops to get to see what the other side of the hill looks like. Energy conservation during this is important though. You have to be ready to rock when a bull bugles at 6:00 pm or you do spot that buck that comes out to feed.

 

[swampokie]

I listen to OU football on Sirius radio! If no football games on then I listen to el rushbo!

 

[tttoadman]

The big bucks may be hard to find just looking early and late. I look forward to the 1:00 stretch. It may be the only time you ever get to see a buck in the daytime. I would hate to miss an opportunity. Elk are loud and smelly. Be opportunistic with the elk, and hunt hard for the buck.