Steptoe 139 Quality Deer

[Pete112288]

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.

[CP]

Could be some long-range shots.

[Pete112288]

Haha, yeah, I'm gonna spend some time this summer at the range.
My dad have hunted there in 2020 and last year for second doe tags.
Sure a drastic change from the 50 yard and less stuff I am used to.
We ended up having a lot more luck in scabland type stuff more so than farm lands. But that was also during general season with lot more people all over.

[bustedoldman]

I feel as if there has been a reduction in huntable land in that unit, could be its just me tho! I'd hunt the NW side of the unit, be quick on the hunt by reservation sign up. I think you have a realistic goal that can be easily met. Weather varies ALOT and I'd shoot for the last 2 weeks......

[buglebuster]

If you’re targeting mule deer I would hunt the first week. The last week for whitetail. The whitetail really seem to get it in gear after the Palouse tag ends. Whitetail numbers are down big time in that unit and not a ton of mule deer but can find good numbers of them in certain areas.

[nwwanderer]

Might want to scout from a wheat truck during harvest, big shortage and a great way to get access.  A CDL is a sure ticket to a bunch of ground.  No CDL, ag has a 150 mile exemption.

[elkaholic123]

They are done with the harvest I believe by October! I have hunted private a lot over the last 20 years and if you can get some permission would be great, also there are several hunt by permission areas in the unit! onX is great tool for this unit also!
Check out the Escure ranch also!