So as there always seems to be after the draws come out, here is another one of someone asking a couple questions.
I am not asking for places to go, how to hunt them, or anyone's secrets. I have been there before and know the area well enough.
I just have never been there in that timeframe, nor do I know anyone that has.
The tag is November 1-24. I will be off of work from the 2nd to the 22nd and am planning for up to 2 weeks of being there hunting.
The tag is good for either whitetail or mule deer. My focus will be for mule deer. I may poke around for whitetail if I am there for a day or two before the Palouse whitetail tag holders come out. But my plan is to get after mule deer.
These are the questions I have for anyone that would help. Anyone, feel free to PM if you wish.
What can I look for during that time frame for deer movement & habits? This is closely linked to my second question.
What 2 weeks would you try to be there for during this timeframe? I was leaning towards the last 2 weeks of my time off of work. Or splitting the difference and being there roughly the 6th-20th. I know trying to time what deer do can be rough, I am a blacktail hunter through and through. I know just like if I were giving advice to someone for blacktail it would be hard to say ahead of time. Sometimes rutting activity explodes in Oct, other years I dont see a lot until mid November. I am hoping for just a rough idea of what to expect.
Also, what is frequently the same, cant predict, but roughly what kind of weather should I be looking at having? Really cold? Snow? Cold enough to be able to hang the deer outside for a couple days?
I will take any tips or advice anyone is willing to share. I really appreciate it.
My standards for the size buck are probably below what a lot of folks look for on a quality tag. But its all about the experience for me. My personal hope is for a typical 4x4 and hopefully outside the ears. But I am the type that will have to have a buddy hold my shells
4x4 is my main hope, as it has always been a goal with blacktail but I have a 3 pt curse, haha. 12 bucks, 1 of which fell just shy of Boone & Crocket, and no more than 3x3

Thanks everyone.