CO High country mule deer hunt - recap

[Kabo]

First off I apologize for the photo quality, I was taking these by holding my iPhone up to the eyepiece of my 8x binoculars. Hoping to have a proper spotting scope and phone adapter next year.

This was my first hunt. Not my first deer hunt or my first trad bow hunt, but the first time in my life I have ever pursued an animal of any kind. I'm clearly on the steep part of the learning curve.

I started by extensively reviewing Google Earth in units requiring 0 preference points for deer. I found a spot with 2 high country basins and no roads or trails leading to the area. Here are 2 of the basins I could glass directly from my campsite:

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I hiked in the day before the opener and had 3 full days of hunting. On my first day, I found the main basin LOADED with elk. There were 2 large herds in the open, with a total of just over 100 elk including this big guy:

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I was only about 200 yards away, watching him bugle once or twice and watching (and hearing) some smaller bulls lock antlers.

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I didn't have much luck finding deer, but the second day a group of 3 bucks and 2 does wandered into the basin:

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Again, sorry for the lousy photos. I watched this group for about an hour before they entered the timber on the far side of the bowl. Although I couldn't see them anymore, I could guesstimate their position within about 200 yards based on where they entered the trees. I gave them another hour, and then went in for a stalk. When I got about 200 yards from the edge of the trees I took off my boots and slipped on some heavy wool socks to creep closer. I crawled up behind a rock and looked through some trees to see 2 of the bucks bedded down about 60 yards from me. Unfortunately the large buck quickly heard or saw me (the wind was good so I don't think it was smell) and slowly walked over a nearby hill with the smaller buck following. I waited 20 minutes and snuck over the hill, at which point I found myself only 40 yards from the 2 deer with a tree between us. I tried to get within 25 yards, but they made me and took off. It took me about 2 hours to recover from that rush!

That was really it for action. That night there was a terrible rain/hail/snow/lightning storm that kept me in my tent for several hours:

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I also took a hike through the woods on the last day and jumped a 5 point bull about 25 yards away from me. Sorry, no photos of that one.

All in all, I felt like this was a very successful trip. I'd like to have seen more deer, but was very excited to get a chance to stalk one (almost) within my range.

For anyone who's made it this far, I have a couple questions:

1) In the high country do you find that elk and deer will inhabit the same basins? I was wondering if the large number of elk may have pushed the deer into adjacent areas.

2) I intentionally didn't get an elk tag (OTC for this unit) because I was by myself and several miles back and I didn't think I'd be able to pack one out by myself. How does one go about finding someone who could pack an animal out in this kind of scenario? I had a DeLorme inReach so I could have texted with GPS coordinates from the mountain. If I had a reliable packer, I would definitely pick up an elk tag next time around.

[Matty]

It's not too late! Get that elk tag. YES elk and deer in the same area. I see this often. Now as I regularly hunt an area with large populations of moose I rarely see them co-habitate. Moose  in the lower wet areas and elk higher up bedding in cold areas in the trees or in the shadows of big cliffs. I've packed an elk out with a buddy that was 6 miles in it took almost 3 days but we did it. We took literally the entire thing. I'm smarter now. I know what to take and what to leave behind. And how to cut them up is essential too.
The game ain't over. Get back out there champ!

[pete p]

incredible seeing all those elk! absolutely stunning country, i hope you get at it again, thanks for sharing!

[Pine]

Sounds like you are hooked .
Thanks for sharing and get back after them .
Graps

[PistolPete]

Awesome trip - time to get back out there after those elk! You can search outfitters in your area; most any of them will pack meat for you. Or ask around. Plenty of options!

[PistolPete]

And, for the record, that is a HUGE bull.

[Matty]

Originally posted by PistolPete:
And, for the record, that is a HUGE bull.

Yes petes right that's a really nice bull! And it's a bit blurry but that buck isn't too shabby either!

[Kabo]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I wish I could get out more this year, but with work and family obligations I was very lucky to get out for even 3 days. In 10 months my work situation is going to change suddenly and drastically for the better, so I'm going to work this year on being prepared for a longer trip in 2017.

BTW Pete, I've had your blog bookmarked and have been following regularly for several months. I have made use of CalTopo and MassDrop (along with a few other things) based solely on learning about them through you. Thanks for sharing so much good info.

[KSshrewman]

To me....that is an awesome first hunt ever.  To find yourself yards from elk & deer while on your first stalk is a heck of a day.  That scenery was incredible as well.  I say well done.  Enjoy the process of planning the next time.
   

[steadman]

Great hunt and some very nice animals! About packing an elk, I got my bull out in 3 trips last year and it was a big bodied elk. If you want it bad enough, start working out now and be ready for success. Or get a good buddy to help. The pack outfitter would be a great option as well. Good luck! Looks like a cool basin!!

[RedRidge]

Sounds like a successful hunt. My first experience like this I saw nothing but beautiful country side. Go get you an elk tag and head back!

[maineac]

I would say you did great.  I have no other input as an Easterner, other than to express some jealousy at how well you did on your first attempt.  And next time I would get both tags.