Hey guys, I'm a pretty new hunter and I've been searching this site for tips on mule deer hunting, and any info I can find on my new area (just moved to Kamloops!). One of the recurring things I read in these threads is along the lines of "Just get off the road and hike, there's plenty of game!", especially when talking about a busy road hunting area. What I'm wondering is what you guys are looking for once you are off the road?
Obviously deer sign to know if there's anything in the area. But other than that, are you looking for clearings or meadows to set up in and watch? Are you walking through the thick bush trying to see/hear something before it bolts? When you are walking ridges, are you literally walking along a ridge and trying to spot something in the trees on either side? Is it all about finding vantage points, sitting and watching, or more about pounding through the thick stuff until you run into something?
I tend to be drawn to the open areas because I can see more and do some glassing, but the best areas for this seem to be the cut blocks which are full of roads, pickups and ATVs, which is what I'm trying to get away from in the first place. Cut blocks also seem to be the best food sources, so hiking away from them might be counter productive?
I love being outside and I'm not afraid of a hike, but I want to be using my limited free time wisely. I find myself always wanting to climb the next hill, see around the next corner, or check out a totally new area, and I have a hard time staying put unless I have seen deer in the area and know they will be there. I'm beginning to think maybe what I need is just to slow down and be more thorough, and I'm looking for some pointers to get me on the right path. Either way, it's been a couple of years since my last (first) deer and if I don't come home with a dead animal soon the wife is going to start getting suspicious!
Thanks and happy hunting!