I found bucks on their summer range last night and it was snowing (8500-9000')!
Some are already balling up their 3rd and 4th tines. It's going to depend on the
area. This particular herd does move down to 5000' during the winter, but
they don't have to go far (5 miles or so).
I say start checking em out every chance you get. It was nice to see 5 decent bucks on my first evening trip of the year.