Re: Advice for a new backpack deer hunter
I think your on the right track. Make sure you get to some good glassing spots before sunrise and sunset and glass every square inch of the mountain. the smallest shrubs can have deer bedded in it. don't be afraid to glass up into the rocks. I have spotted mule deer in spots you would think goats live.
the Coq gets lots of traffic in the early season. I would head up to D'Arcy and try to find some areas that get less hikers during the summer.
Good luck on your quest. I started out just like you with a lot of trial and error and over the years have learned lots and taken a few nice deer to show for my effort. Go have fun and enjoy your scouting trip. Take some bear spray or a shotgun. Theres lots of bears in the alpine this time of year.
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