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Quote from: 7mmfan on July 07, 2017, 09:50:14 AMIn general, the deer are going to start their days where the feed is, which is usually a South facing slope. They will then move to cover to bed. This isn't always timber on North facing slopes, but can be a brushy avalanche chute, strip of timber in the head of a basin, or even immediately downhill into timber below where their feeding. Bigger bucks that haven't been pressured yet, will often bed down very high on the ridge, below rock outcroppings, amongst piles of rocks/boulders/brush, overlooking the basin they feed in. Once they sense pressure, they will then move over into heavier cover on the north facing slopes. Don't be surprised to find deer well above timberline, in ground that looks more like goat country. If you think its "easy-ish" access to multiple basins, so will other people, and you will have competition. Consider that. There are very few secrets left in the high hunts thanks to the internet (forums are part of it, but mainly satellite imagery. It is very easy to scout alpine country with google earth, its highly visible). The best way to get away from people is to do just that, get away from them, go further/deeper/steeper than most people are willing to go.Yeah that^^^Last year was my first time hunting high buck and I saw deer every day. HOWEVER, I learned a spot and learned it well during the summer when the bucks were still in velvet and totally relaxed. Still returned home empty handed though, finding 'em is only half the battle. In my experience, you want to find a trail that will give you centralized access to run as many ridges and glassing points as possible. Get off the trail and peek into green basins that are a ridge or two away from the closest trail, DO NOT lose elevation, stay high and don't skyline yourself.There are almost always deer or bear in those basins. Glacier Peak Wilderness is full of places just like what I've described. Google Earth is a great start but I can't say I've found a single spot that I'd put in my top 5 by scouting online. All of the hidey holes were found with boots on the ground.This is how I did it.Step 1: Recon missions, bring binos but mainly you're just checking out country and trying to see as much as possible. Make a list of spots that have feed, cover, water etc. Step 2: Return to your best 2 or 3 spots and spend at least a night or two back there and glass the *censored* out of it at dawn and dusk. If you don't see bucks...move on.Step 3: Pick your best spot and show up on September 15th and hope you're the only one that knows about it (slim chance but you never know).The high hunt is fun, and as much as guys will try to scare a new guy away from it (like me when I moved out here) there really are some great spots that see very few hunters.Good luck this year man!Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
In general, the deer are going to start their days where the feed is, which is usually a South facing slope. They will then move to cover to bed. This isn't always timber on North facing slopes, but can be a brushy avalanche chute, strip of timber in the head of a basin, or even immediately downhill into timber below where their feeding. Bigger bucks that haven't been pressured yet, will often bed down very high on the ridge, below rock outcroppings, amongst piles of rocks/boulders/brush, overlooking the basin they feed in. Once they sense pressure, they will then move over into heavier cover on the north facing slopes. Don't be surprised to find deer well above timberline, in ground that looks more like goat country. If you think its "easy-ish" access to multiple basins, so will other people, and you will have competition. Consider that. There are very few secrets left in the high hunts thanks to the internet (forums are part of it, but mainly satellite imagery. It is very easy to scout alpine country with google earth, its highly visible). The best way to get away from people is to do just that, get away from them, go further/deeper/steeper than most people are willing to go.
Thanks Ian! And believe me, I know how to read a topo map well enough to know that finding a buck is probably less than half the battle . I'm no performance athlete anyway, so I'm expecting this hunt to be one of the more physical challenges I've encountered especially if I'm successful.
Your list looks pretty complete. By "map" I'm assuming you mean "map + compass"My personal preference would be to take the tent instead of hammock, for weather risk. Do you need the 2-way radio if you have the Spot? What's the range on the radio?
I think your pack looks heavy. Remember you have to bring out 100 pounds extra if you shoot something
Its hard to give advice because everyone has their own preferences on where to cut corners, what is safe, and what their creature comfort level is. For instance, I see three knives. To me, one is plenty. I don't pack a pillow. Are you hunting or are you filming. You have what looks like three cameras. You carry two headlamps with backup batteries. Now every item can be justified plus 100 more you didn't list. Its up to you what you want to carry. Having spent a lot of time in the mountains I can tell you your pack is going to limit you.
