Hunting Virgin

[Garet Jax]

I just got drawn for white tail in unit 6a this upcoming November. It is my first hunt of any kind due to no one in my immediate family or circle of friends ever hunting. Right when I got the news I was jumping for joy, then it hit me. I don't know the first thing about hunting.

 

I have been doing a ton of research online and have gone up scouting around the "Bull Pen" and Stehr Lake. I haven't seen anything but rabbits...

 

I really wanted to reach out here and see if anyone could give me some tips on glassing areas/methods (I borrowed a set of bino's and am in the market for a spotting scope or nice bino's... any suggestions?), what I could be doing wrong (is it too early/hot?) and also some general tips or hints.

 

Most everyone on here seems pretty friendly and knowledgeable so I figured I would take the plunge. I look forward to getting some feedback.

 

 

 

[Antmo23]

Dude, that is a tough unit. You'd better be in the best shape possible, those canyons don't mess around. Buy the best binos you can afford, and a tripod, and spend as much time as possible behind your binos. And practice with you rifle, A LOT. All of the canyons south of Stoneman Lake Rd have WT's in them, finding them and getting them out is another story! Good luck!

[gotcoues]

If your are not using a tripod, your going to have a hard time finding deer. Best glassing hours are between sun up and 9-10am and then again from about 4 til dark. Finding deer mid day when they are most likely laying down is tough even for the seasoned veteran. I would concentrate on the more open terrain if you can and my experience has been the highest concentraition of coues will be around 5000 feet which also tends to be the easiest to glass IMO. There should be some good starting points listed with Game and Fish, also don't be afraid to contact the game wardens for your unit and let then know it is your first hunt. I'm sure they can point you in the right direction.

 

Also don't be afraid to sit water from a couple hundred yards away between 10-4. Many guys agree that deer will water mid day and it's not the best time to glass anyway. It's a good way to make the most of your hunt.

 

Good luck on your hunt and hopefully you can tag your first big game animal.

[capoeirajosh]

Dude, that is a tough unit. You'd better be in the best shape possible, those canyons don't mess around. Buy the best binos you can afford, and a tripod, and spend as much time as possible behind your binos. And practice with you rifle, A LOT. All of the canyons south of Stoneman Lake Rd have WT's in them, finding them and getting them out is another story! Good luck!

+1

[Adicted]

I use to hunt virgins also. Sorry had to

[capoeirajosh]

PM sent

[Garet Jax]

Thanks gotcous & antmo23, I appreciate the advice. Same goes to all who sent me a PM.

 

Nothing that was said will be wasted... Any pointers or tips given between now and my hunt is going to help me immensely.

 

Thanks again guys.

[bonecollector]

Cant help youvwith that unit but welcome to the site and good luck.

[roninflag]

What rifle? what scope? bear season opens 10-4. you could scout and hunt.

[Garet Jax]

What rifle? what scope? bear season opens 10-4. you could scout and hunt.

 

Remington 700 in .308 with a BSA Deerhunter 3-9X40 (unfortunately).

 

I have been up scouting almost every weekend since I was drawn and want to continue up until my hunt. This last weekend I caught some of my first glimpses of deer, so I know I am heading in the right direction. Thanks in most part to a lot of advice I have received through PM's.