When scouting fails

[wendigo]

Im hunting modern fire arm for the first time  this season (i usually bowhunt) and I have been doing a lot of scouting (mule deer)  but so far have not found anything remotely promising. I went out for high buck and saw plenty of deer in the wilderness areas I usually bow hunt.

I know weather will be a huge factor for modern firearm season, but im thinking about hiking into the high country and trying my luck. I have a lot more confidence in the high country but im usually out of there by the middle of September and have no idea what to expect for weather, deer, and hunting pressure mid Oct.

Or would I be better off doing more last minute scouting lower?


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[boneaddict]

If you are scouting to find numbers, I wouldn't put too much into it.  After the wee hours of opening morn, nothing stays the same as what is scouted.  Then weather, and normal rut migration happens.   Animals completely change. As for you high country question.  It varies.  I have been chased out of it many times by weather and have also enjoyed success.   I suppose what you are considering as high country might determine the answer to that question.   Just know it gets real very fast up there.

[rtspring]

Most of the deer Iv'e killed during modern I never seen during scouting trips.  Scouting only takes you so far.   The high country is awesome, but it can kill you if you are not prepared for weather to hit. 

[Turner89]

Same as rt, I never saw any of my deer while scouting. Like bone said, and you probably know, everything changes in October.

[wendigo]

I'm not even finding much of any fresh sign in the areas I have tried with my limited time. I have seen plenty of does way down low out in the open in private land, and a few does and small bucks in the high country but nothing (no sign) in between in areas that look like killer habitat.
Maybe I'm in a migration area and the migration hasn't started yet?


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[Skyvalhunter]

Of coarse were not talking about the scouting you are doing near Darrington correct?

[wendigo]

No, im scouting on the eastside trying for the blacktails big brother.


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[ian_padron]

I've found it's good to have a contingency plan based on the weather. If things remain fair, I'll be just below my high hunt spot during modern. If the shizz hits the fan, I move to the burns along the migration corridors. Find the feed and you will find bucks.

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