Question:
Maybe you can propose some strategies for this September's mule deer
hunt
Answer:
September bucks will be in bachelor bands of up to a dozen animals. They
will bed in the open and facing in all directions. It is unlikely this spot
can be glassed from a jeep trail--walking 50 yards to look over the edge
can make all the difference (or walking half a mile to look in that far
basin). Because they are grouped, it often seems there are no deer around
when scouting. Then one day, when glassing an opening above the treeline,
SHAZAAM--antlers everywhere. These groups are very difficult to stalk to
within bow range. Too many eyes, ears and noses. Do not get within a mile
of them upwind, even if there is cover or a rise to break the line of
sight. They will watch you from 800+ yards away, and though they won't
necessarily appear nervous, when you pop from cover in closer to check
them, they will be on the run. The bucks will go into the trees if alarmed,
or certain of danger, but prefer to be in the open where they can keep
track of their adversaries.
They will most likely be on the north side near the top (or lush side,
which is north in the desert) bedded above the water source which may be a
single spring or tank rather than the free flowing stream a mile below (the
does may be along the stream in the willows). Check individual high peaks.
If it is very hot, they will use shade at the edges of cover, but are still
likely to be able to see a long way and have several escape routes from
their beds. The dry side may be excellent after first storms, when the rut
is on and the deer seek warm sunshine--not in September. Mulies prefer to
be in the open where they can see predators, but in many areas, they have
adapted to the trees because of hunting pressure. I don't know about the
place you intend to hunt, but the above ideas don't hold if the animals are
hunted heavily.
Even bucks that have learned to live in the trees, may be out in the open
at night and can be caught at first light moving back to bed in the trees.
Routes to water are the best places to look. They will be habitual at this
time of the year, and can be expected to retrace a route like this at the
same time of day (sunrise for example).
