Late Season Mule Deer Hunt

[264mag]

Call me crazy but this year I want to test myself and my gear and do a backpack hunt for 4-5 days somewhere in region 3 or 5. Looking at the last week of November. Where would you go?
I love the areas close to the Fraser myself, Big Bar, Empire, Churn,?

[warnniklz]

Looking at +10 to -32 temps in November along the Fraser. Could have no snow, could have knee deep snow plus drifts... it's all fun though.

Anywhere along the river is pretty good. Gets hammered hard. But the reality is there''s more than plenty of area to hunt... even though most guys want to hunt the same spots as everyone else.

[264mag]

Ya the -32 thing might change the plans a bit!

[ghost]

i been in the churn at minus 35 lots to plan and prepare for those type of conditions.if you need help good chance no one around

[twoSevenO]

i been in the churn at minus 35 lots to plan and prepare for those type of conditions.if you need help good chance no one around

and you must remember it can go from -5 to -30 overnight up in that stretch .... that can get you into some real trouble quick.

[Bugle M In]

and you must remember it can go from -5 to -30 overnight up in that stretch .... that can get you into some real trouble quick.

From +15 to -30 I would say.
But yes, be careful as it can change temps like flipping a switch over night!!!
And when it does get down around that temp, it is frickin cold.
Especially if you aint prepared. (so yes, good advice to keep in mind)

[swampthing]

Sounds like a great adventure. I have spent many days hunting the fraser and always have fun! Pick a spot. Moving locations may be wise as well. Lots of looking!

[guest]

Keep in mind water can be a real issue in some of the Fraser breaks area. And melting snows a pain in the arse time required. Its a beautiful area. And yes for those that work hard there are still some great bucks off the Fraser Breaks late migration. Buddy up 4 eyes instead of 2 searching with the understanding of 1 biggin Buckwheat between you. The experience is very cool. Good luck to you.

[264mag]

Water is actually my main concern. I have done a few of these trips and finding water and keeping it thawed are challenging.

[canoehunter]

Great idea. Done it 4 years myself (at 54,55,56,57) ..planning to this year as well.
2 things are important:
it’s dark early, so long nights in the tent. Plan on reading lots with a candle lantern for heat.
water is precious.
enjoy your own company

[srupp]

Hmmm few places hold the numbers of deer as does the Fraser breaks...among those will be large bucks.this is THE wintering areas..ie Churn creek...deer coming in from 30..50 miles for secure food sources .flying over the area during the winter..and in early spring..literally 10,000 deer along the river.
It takes a lot more depth of snow to push the really large bucks into winter ranges..much less for does abd youngstets..
the biggest issue is access in..access out when it dumps snow..and snow drifts.
Caught back there at Black dome rd.tucked in behind the last grader out before spring.
Its geen much warmer last 20 years..however it can get brutally cold.
cheers
srupp

[SemperAurum]

you will be disappointed in that area these days. it aint what it used to be.

It really does take lots of snow to bring big bucks down low and out into the open. Think belly deep or more.

More importantly, it takes lots of does in heat.

My best hunts have been at -20 or lower but.....................you had best be prepared and then some.