Glassing

Cable · Nov 18, 2007

Hi All,
Great forum! I appreciate all the expert opinions here on a variety of topics. Good reading for me.

I've been in AZ 4 years now and am taking up hunting again after (hard to believe) 20 years. I grew up shooting recurve in central California. Now I find myself in the midst of some very nice mule deer country with a new Bowtech Guardian.
I was up in North 22 this Aug on my first archery hunt in toooo long. Saw 3 decent bucks but never got close enough for the shot.

I have recently bought the Nikon Monarch 8.5 X 56 goggles and took them out for a field test today. I'm pretty happy with them (maybe a bit heavy but not too bad). Anyway, I'd like to ask for any tips anyone might be willing to share for glassing Mulies.
I'll be heading back up to the north end of 22 come Dec 14.
Any tips on that area are also greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

a3dhunter · Nov 18, 2007

Even if it looks like nothing is there, triple check it! Check edges of growth and look for "pieces" of a deer, you may only see an ear or a piece of antler so you have to go slow.
Learn to recognize areas that hold deer, notice what is in the area and look for similiar areas to glass.
Check the shade around every tree, especially trees that are isolated from others.
Patience!
You can check out David Longs' book "Public Land Mulies" for a better system of glassing and much more specifics.
I have just kept learning that the more I sit with my bino's up, the more deer I see in an area that I thought was empty of deer.
Maybe some others will have better advice for you.

tageater · Nov 18, 2007

I'm no "expert" but if you can get to the highest place with the best views, 45 minutes before light. And just sit. i start glassing before light, as the binos gather more light and makes it easier to see.
Look for the white. white rumps white throat patches etc.

Wiszard · Nov 19, 2007

When I was younger, I wouldn't glass out more than 300 yards. I never realized that I am missing everything beyond that. Glass as far as you can that is "effective". Obviously you can't really glass effectively further than what your glasses can handle. Like it was said earlier...glass slowly. Take one section of the hillside/canyon at a time and pick it apart.

Steve

grizzlyplumber · Nov 19, 2007

Not sure if the northern part of 22 is a great place for long range glassing, that is some pretty thick timber up there, most of the desert units make for easier glassing. That said your choice of 8 power binos seems perfect for that area. I have seen some nice deer up in that area, just get away from the cabins!

Cable · Nov 19, 2007

I keep debating desert vs high country. I saw a really nice 4 pt buck down near Oro Valley a year ago, but that's about all I know about the desert mulies. I've seen others, mostly does of course in other desert areas, but they seem few and far between, and it's been so dry these last couple of years.
If you know where all the water is I can see the advantage.

CAnAZbwhnter · Nov 27, 2007

Ive been bowhunting for a while but only for 2 years now here in AZ. I started hunting further north up above Payson and had some fun but found myself glassing up a bunch of elk and hardly any deer. Then last winter I decided screw it!..Its time for me to hunt closer to home which equals more time in the field and I figured the deer were not having to compete with elk for food, etc. Its been fun hunting this same area for the past year. You can really get to know an area by spending a lot of time in the same region. All I hunt now is the middle to lower portion of 21. Its definately not as wooded by any means but I was surprised how many mature bucks I saw last winter. Atleast a handful of good shooters were out there. I found that the more time I spent at a high vantage point behind the glass increased my odds bigtime of spotting deer. Dont take my word for it though, listen to what these other guys say because they are right on with their input. Glass glass glass. Keep your eyes on the doe as well the boys are close by. I could use some input about water this time of year though? Are you guys finding that its good to stick close to a water source or has that not been to big of a deal during the winter? GLuck

timberline_shedfreak24 · Nov 29, 2007

Lots of time and a good high quality glass.

Timberline

BigPig · Nov 30, 2007

Look for horizontal lines. Most things in nature grow verticaly for the most part. Horizontal lines can often turn into a deer's back. Aside from that look for pieces of deer. Glass North facing slopes mid morning - mid day. Put your binos on a tripod and you will be much more effective.

http://www.wildernessathlete.org/ because the most important piece of equipment you own is YOU!