creed Report post Posted November 6, 2011 I've always considered myself an accomplished mule deer hunter but just hunted 5 days straight during the muzzy hunt and didn't see one buck. I was on the extreme southern end of the hunt area and don't know think that I have ever had such a hard time finding deer. It has been a few years since I hunted there and was wondering if this was the norm or if the dry conditions and predators are taking a toll on the deer numbers. Or maybe it is just my lack of hunting skills. Whatever the reason it was one tough hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ernesto C Report post Posted November 6, 2011 Yeap that's part of hunting...but at the same time, maybe that area is telling you..."help me, take some predators out of here" Ernesto C Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huntswnm Report post Posted November 6, 2011 I hunted the Coues Deer during the muzzleloader hunt in the Burros. I live within 15 minutes and I never saw a buck, mulie or coues, during all my scouting trips. During the hunt I only found 1 mature Coues buck and a couple of small forkies. I never did see a mule deer buck. I think the dry conditions and higher than average temperatures had a lot to do with it. I had a mountain lion cross the road in front of me one afternoon as well so I am sure that the predator numbers are up as well, and taking advantage of the limited water sources. Guess I am saying that as a local resident I was dissapointed in the lack of deer, although I don't believe that this is a typical year. Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted November 6, 2011 Ugh... It's part of hunting, but none the less frustrating! Just got off a hunt like that with my husband, tough... tough... tough! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
creed Report post Posted November 6, 2011 I had a lion cross right in front of me too. I know the local rancher and told him. He was going to get some dogs in there as he was having lion problems with cattle. I was kind of surprised at the amount of bear sign. Last time I hunted there I saw nothing. This time there was bear sign nearly everywhere I hunted. I got farther north at the end of the hunt just to see if conditions there were similar. It was a lot greener and we saw a couple of good bucks hanging in trees. Better luck next time, maybe. And even though it was dry it is still some beautiful country. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
