Unit 204 East Oky during late archery

[AKBowman]

I've read a few threads on here about people hunting this unit during rifle but anyone hunt it during late archery?

About when does the rut tend to kick in for the whiteys

I've always been interested in this unit and I drove through it today (traveling for work) saw 4 muley does and 2 decent muley bucks from the highway.

Id like to get up high and hike in 4-6 miles to get away from the crowds but i'm in need of a decent starting point. Also never huted whiteys before. I'm guessing you look for bowls and benches with thick stuff up high on North facing slopes like elk and muleys?

[AKBowman]

OK...maybe early archery?

[MtnMuley]

Whitey rut gets going good in there around the third week of November.  As for going in 4-6 miles up high, I wouldn't think that'd be your best bet for a whitey that time of year.

[AKBowman]

Thanks...I kind of thought that. Is that b/c its mostly muleys up high? Do the whitetails ususally hang in mid to lower elevations?

[Birdguy]

Whitetails will generally be in the mid to lower elevations. Late archery with a good snow would be a blast. We have only hunted the modern season, but I have drawn the late tag (Nov. 1-18) and had no trouble finding deer. I generally hunt between 2800-4000 ft. You will find both mule and whitetails in that range. I have friends that hunt that late hunt every year, find a good food source (alfalfa) and watch the does...the bucks will show up soon. Good luck

[MtnMuley]

Generally yes, AKBowman.  Also Birdguy is right on track.

[AKBowman]

Thanks for the heads up...so it sounds like I need to find some areas of public land above private fields.

About how far will a WT move from bedding to feeding areas?

[MtnMuley]

Depends on pressure.  In 204, most of the time they don't go far.  Just like anywhere, heavily hunted areas--they will move greater distances and feed more during the dark hours.  No-pressure areas, they might bed in the clump of alfalfa they are feeding on.  The time of year you're talking about hunting, feeding and bedding patterns would be the least of my concern.  Find the does and the bucks will be near.

[Birdguy]