Where should I pitch my tent? (not "where should I hunt")

[dvmagernbk]

New hunter here planning a 2018 back country backpack hunt. I found a similar thread in this Backcountry forum from a few years ago, but this question wasn't answered. Let's say I've scouted my area before early season archery and have found mule deer. Let's say they are bedded down on a northern facing slop or a bench or in a shaded area or whatnot and that water and food for them is nearby.

Where is the best place to pitch my camp? How far away from this area? Is it okay to be on the same slope, just secluded but higher up? Do I want to be on the other side of that slope (like the other side of the mountain or something) and come over/around and down on them? Cross wind all the time?

Any advice on where I should set up my tent?

[yakimanoob]

I'm in the same boat, except that I'm leaving tomorrow to try my luck without knowing the best answer to your question 

If I find a buck I want but don't have time to get to him, I'd try to camp in a location where I won't be blowing my scent onto him, but where I could still be at a glassing spot by dawn to try and find him again.  I hammock camp pretty light and fast, so I don't mind being relatively close to where I think they'll be hanging out.

[theleo]

A flat spot he won't see or smell you.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

Perhaps pitching your Tent close to the Main Game Trail, might create some unusual challenges. 
Doug

[buglebrush]

Don't camp in the same basin.  Thermals go down in the evening and early morning so keep that in mind too. 

[yakimanoob]

haha!  Those are great photos.  To follow up on my previous post:

I ended up camping by a lake in an open basin, and in retrospect I regret it.  Not like I expected to have a buck next to my tent in the morning, but I bet any animals traversing high in the basin changed their route due to the new reflective spot (my tent fly) by the lake. 

Next time, I'll tuck myself into the trees and out of sight.

[Stein]

As mentioned, thermals go up and down, if I was anywhere near the animals I would try to be as close to the same level, just several hundred yards one side or the other.  If given the choice, I would be in a different drainage as the deer will move around during the day and you don't want them catching a whiff of you no matter where they go.

[savagehunter]

I shot my high country deer last year from my tent 546 yard straight up the canyon from me.

[teanawayslayer]

Thermals you deffinetly need to pay attention to. One of the spots I go I camp close. It is close to a travel corridor. I have woken up in the middle of the night to deer busting after they get wind. I do quite a bit of scouting and adjust my plans to the pattern of the deer. Most of the time I do not do hot meals because I’m right in there back yard.

[paultanninen]

pitch your tent somewhere that the wind won't flatten your tent on your face

[WildlifeAssassin]

Beware of the trees you camp next to. Our forests have been slammed by Pine Beatles and an unbelievable amount of trees are dying and falling down. Also watch out for large limbs that could fall and cause damage to you or gear.

As for the situation mentioned, camp on other side of ridge to avoid blowing them out with your scent and sound. Wake up early, get in position before light.

[fillthefreezer]

Good question OP