I was the first on scene, took all the precautions stopping often and watching and glassing. Got to a good midway point with great shot lanes in all directions and waited. Sure enough another hunter appears from below but still nada. Did not see one buck on that mountain side and no shots fired within earshot. However, there were plenty of fresh tracks of big deer on that trail as it rained Wednesday.
He was a local hunting all week. He came back down on Monday night and was heading back up over the mountain top into the charred Butte to a camp they set up. He said he saw 3 legals on opening day but it sounded like he was holding out for something larger. Tells me all the bucks basically get pushed on the first couple of days up the mountain and they seek refuge on the other side. Best bet was to hike up to the other side and hunt the burnt wood.
Lots of does milling in valley with their young - including two right outside my hotel room the night before. I almost ran over two does crossing Highway 20 which in thinking about it now may have been a good trade off for any minor damage to the pickup. Already tenderized, but I get more hamburger than I wanted.
The gal at the hotel reception said she heard from the butcher they had 184 deer so far. Great numbers especially considering the impact of the Charlton Complex fires.
I may get out again Saturday or Sunday and was looking for advice on a couple of things. After opening day, any truth that bucks basically vacate the valley and head to the high country (in other words - do not waste time off of any easy entry point in public lands off of a major access point like Highway 20)? Or do they just scatter with some good opportunities still on private land - get a new plan for next year?
As always, any perspectives would be greatly appreciated!
-Troy
