Adam...You will have a great time. Hunting Mule Deer above timberline is one of my favorite hunts. It will get in your blood.
You've been given some great advise already. I'll expand on a few of the items and add a few. Most of this I learned the hard way, hopefully you won't have to.
Optics - Steve O is spot on about getting good binoculars. A spotting scope is also extremely helpful, but if you can only splurge on one or the other make it the binos. You will also want a nice tripod and head with a quick release plate and a bino adapter. Here is a pic of the setup I used on my last hunt
The tripod is a Slik Sprint and the head is a Bogen 700RC2. Both are reasonably priced and I've been extremely happy with both.
The MSR Hubba tent is a great choice. Like Matty said you can expect some extremly strong winds and probably some violent storms during a week long hunt. It's a good idea to try to find some wind breaks for your tent if possible. Here is my HubbaHubba set up at about 12,500. It handled the winds without a hitch.
You also need to narrow down the location you want to hunt within your unit. I would definately make calls to the biologist that handles that specific area as well the forest service ranger for that district. They can let you know which trails see the most use by recreational hikers.
One other thing worth considering if you are going in more than 6 or 7 miles is calling a local outfitter in the area (the forest service ranger will be able to tell you which ones are in the area you are looking at) and seeing if he offers a pack in service. Sometimes you can get them to pack you in at an extremely reasonable cost and it's a huge benefit to start the hunt on fresh legs. While you have them on the phone tell them the area you are looking at and ask them them if it typically holds good bucks or if they can recommend other areas. Be sure to tell them you're hunting with a stickbow...they'll think your crazy and are likely to share a little more info with you.
Once you get on your hunt and you spot your buck, listen to Steve O's advise and don't rush it (I've learned this one the hard way). If it's early in the morning try to watch him bed and let the morning thermals get steady. Make sure he's in an approachable location, if not don't push it. He will likely hang in the area until he's pushed so let him get in a location where you can access him without busting him. I've found that getting within 50 or 60 yds is not extremely difficult, it's closing that last 20 - 30 yards for a good stickbow shot where the hunt really begins. Once you do get within range, don't try to force anything, let him stand on his own and present a shot(again, learned the hard way).
There are also some excelent books out on the subject. One that I would recommend is Public Land Mule Deer by David Long. It is not specifically an archery book but it is about hunting Mule Deer above timberline and is a wealth of knowledge.
One last thing, I'm assuming you are talking about hunting in 2014 since 2013 apps were already due. Make sure you pay attention to the dates of the early rifle and muzzleloader season. Several of the units in SW CO have early season rifle and muzzleloader hunts for areas above timberline that fall within the first couple weeks of season. You can still bowhunt but you'll be competing with the guns. Just something to consider.
Good luck and enjoy....the planning is almost as fun as the hunt!!
Topic: Colorado alpine deer hunt (Read 835 times)
