CO 3rd season unit 44 deer

COLOelkman · Oct 28, 2021

So I have the noted tag and going into this not super optimistic but I intend to give it my all. I tagged along last year on a 4th season hunt from someone I met here, as I was thinking about hunting this year. We didn't see any big deer or really a lot of deer but he did get a decent buck the next to last day. This was thanks to having a couple locals help via evening scouting which was huge. One of them has also helped me via showing me a lot of glassing spots however I probably won't have any spotters/scouters other than maybe a couple days from friends. I've scouted 3 times so far mainly trying to learn the area and roads more. I'm also planning to get there and have 2 1/2 days to scout which I might do 3 1/2 if I can swing it. My take is the weather will be the biggest factor as well as just getting lucky by the right place at the right time. I'll also be staying in a wall tent and perhaps a hotel a nite or 2 for a break and weather dependent. So I guess I'm mainly posting to see if anyone has any advice that perhaps I've not considered yet or if anyone wants to help scout or otherwise. Wishing I had some scouters as I think that's a huge benefit but not likely gonna happen as I think me doing that last year was not what normally happens. Thanks for any tips or help anyone can offer!

Stevo · Oct 29, 2021

You're hunting one of the top units in the state during the rut and you're not optimistic about it? Bucks will be moving a lot, go to those glassing spots you know of and be patient, you have a week to make it happen.

oldmossback · Oct 29, 2021

I would hit up "Coloradoboy" on here. Cole knows a lot about that area and has helped a few be successful there

270Whatelse · Oct 29, 2021

Hardscrabble ,nuff said. Cant hardly swing a dead cat without hitting a 200"r up there.

bingo · Oct 29, 2021

Optimism and positive energy help kill big deer. As has been said, you have an awesome tag and season dates. Hunt hard and enjoy every second of it and I bet you’ll find what you’re looking for!
I’ll be across the street to the north in 35, same season. Good luck!!

COLOelkman · Oct 29, 2021

I'm only not real optimistic because I was in the unit 4th season last year for 6 days and didn't see but 1 decent buck. We actually only saw 1 buck that appeared to be in the rut and I'll be hunting the same week this year. A fair number of deer but nothing that I guesstimated to be over 150. That said, the weather was not favorable as it was in the 50's and no snow so those 2 things can make a big difference I believe which also explains why they weren't rutting I think. I'm certainly gonna hold out as long as I can hoping for a buck above 180-190 (I'm not that good of a deer judge as I'm more passionate about elk hunting). I also fully understand deer hunting in 44 is not at all like it used to be but I don't believe things will be getting better anytime in the near future so I decided to burn my points and give it my best shot. I also do not believe the success numbers posted (17 of 19 4th season bucks taken) as we talked to many hunter (maybe 12-13) last year very late in the season and we'd only heard of 1 buck taken which was a small one. Although genetics are there, I just don't think the success is as they show it!

Country · Oct 30, 2021

Focus on what you can control. Can’t control the weather or the rut. Hunt hard and give it your best, you knew when you put in for the tag from going last year what you were possibly in for, give it your best shot. Have one of the most coveted tags in the state. Good luck and post a picture of the big boy on here when it’s over.

treedagain · Oct 30, 2021

COLOelkman said:
I'm only not real optimistic because I was in the unit 4th season last year for 6 days and didn't see but 1 decent buck. We actually only saw 1 buck that appeared to be in the rut and I'll be hunting the same week this year. A fair number of deer but nothing that I guesstimated to be over 150. That said, the weather was not favorable as it was in the 50's and no snow so those 2 things can make a big difference I believe which also explains why they weren't rutting I think. I'm certainly gonna hold out as long as I can hoping for a buck above 180-190 (I'm not that good of a deer judge as I'm more passionate about elk hunting). I also fully understand deer hunting in 44 is not at all like it used to be but I don't believe things will be getting better anytime in the near future so I decided to burn my points and give it my best shot. I also do not believe the success numbers posted (17 of 19 4th season bucks taken) as we talked to many hunter (maybe 12-13) last year very late in the season and we'd only heard of 1 buck taken which was a small one. Although genetics are there, I just don't think the success is as they show it!

Then why did you put in for the tag? Of you do not think its a good hunt for the points?

COLOelkman · Oct 30, 2021

I put in because I don't think the deer hunting will be getting better but going downhill fast based on how CPW is doing things. I chose this hunt because 1. genetics are there 2. I do have some experience from last year 3. I have a few contacts in the area that have been very helpful 4. I don't live too far away so easier to scout and learn more areas which I've been there 3 times this summer/fall. From reading lots of posts for several years now, many say it's not worth the points but relative to all other units, I don't see anything better and I want to use my points before things get worse as I'm not getting any younger.

txhunter58 · Oct 30, 2021

On the bright side, the dates are as late as what past 4th seasons have been. I am hunting the 3rd season in Southern Colorado and have high hopes to see some rutting bucks. Been some pretty good snows in the high country already.

mnthunter1 · Nov 8, 2021

I saw a 6+6 190in Buck at the meat processor in Gypsum 2nd season. Should be a great hunt.

elkhunterUT · Nov 8, 2021

It will be a good hunt if you make it so. We are all blessed to the level of our preparation and effort

SlowElk · Nov 8, 2021

I'm going to steal that comment, "We are all blessed to the level of our preparation and effort."

elkhunterUT · Nov 8, 2021

SlowElk said:
I'm going to steal that comment, "We are all blessed to the level of our preparation and effort."

Feel free - I stole it from someone else, but believe wholeheartedly it applies to every facet of life!

cmbbulldog · Nov 8, 2021

Picked up a reissue tag for a buddy on Wednesday and killed a good buck within the first hour of being there. Can't imagine a 3rd season tag in that unit... you should do great!

COLOelkman · Nov 8, 2021

cmbbulldog said:
Picked up a reissue tag for a buddy on Wednesday and killed a good buck within the first hour of being there. Can't imagine a 3rd season tag in that unit... you should do great!

So you were the lucky one. I saw that tag and the 4th season tag also. Headed out tomorrow and it's looking like the weather is turning a bit worse which is good. Plan to give it my all. Thanks to those that helped out as I appreciate it!!!

Snoopdogg · Nov 9, 2021

cmbbulldog said:
Picked up a reissue tag for a buddy on Wednesday and killed a good buck within the first hour of being there. Can't imagine a 3rd season tag in that unit... you should do great!

Is there a separate thread or can you share a pic?

cmbbulldog · Nov 9, 2021

I'll do a year in review thread at some point. Got 2 more tags to help fill in 3rd season, then my own hopefully in 4th. My 2 buds I have helped so far have killed there best bucks ever.

The_Coloradoboy · Nov 9, 2021

It should be a good hunt. Several solid bucks hit the dirt this second season. Last year was a extremely tough year and was undoubtedly not a accurate representation of what the unit can be. Patience and perseverance is everything when it comes to hunting big bucks, especially in a unit like 44. Cover a lot of country and once you find where the pockets of does are check on them continuously. Pound the north facing side of Hardscrabble from one side to the other and Redhill/Old mans gulch and you’ll turn one up.

COLOelkman · Nov 22, 2021

Just to followup, I ended up shooting what I considered an average deer on Thursday afternoon. Only saw 1 good buck just for a couple seconds before he was in the trees. Tough conditions for hunting with several days of very windy weather and too warm. One guy I hunted with later in the season shot a nice buck I think on Tuesday, but I don't want to post his as I'm guessing he'll post something when he gets time. Really kind of what I expected and a big one just was pretty hard to find. Although we ran into elk hunters that said they'd seen some "big" deer. Guess we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. That's hunting.

Joe2Kool · Nov 22, 2021

Congrats! And thanks for sharing the pics!!

Horniac · Nov 22, 2021

Congrats on a fine CO buck!

Horniac

Brushbuster · Nov 22, 2021

Still a dang nice deer if you ask me. Good job

elkhunterUT · Nov 23, 2021

Congrats on hunting hard and taking a nice buck!!

Humbleman · Nov 23, 2021

It was a pleasure spending time in Camp with you and Dan. Congrats again on a great deer. It was a tough hunt, but the rutting activity saved us. I could have never taken the buck I did without your help and a dozen other people from this forum. Also some great locals in Eagle/Gypsum were critical to our success. I’m very grateful! This Southern Boy from Louisiana learned a great deal! Appreciate Ya!