Wyoming deer

[Bonehead13]

Just curious how everyone hunting western Wyoming deer are doing? Quality/quantity or both or neither? Anyone finding deer over let's say 180? Thanks

 

[wytex]

They're doing great here. Lots of giant bucks showing themselves.
Good rains lately and forage is greening up again just before fall.

 

[boomer]

In my opinion horn growth is way down in region G and H. Last year I took 4 scouting trips. In those 4 scouting trips I found 7 bucks that I thought were 190 class bucks. Most were killed and scored over 190, some would probably score under 190. So far this year I have taken 3 scouting trips and have 1 more to go, I have yet to find a buck approaching 190. Just my experience.

 

[orion23]

Hasnt wyoming been doing a big study or mule deer initiative? that working?

Travis
www.SkullHanger.com

 

[wytex]

Yes they are and good things are happening. Everyone seems to be fixated on G & H but we have big bucks elsewhere.
Keep talking up western Wyoming and leave the rest of the state in the dark.

 

[fullthrottle]

^^^yup^^^

 

[Bonehead13]

That's kinda what we are seeing. A lot of 150-160 bucks and a few 170 class but no giants. Either way it going to be a fun year hunting, trying to turn up a stud!

 

[liecabucks]

Similar things from my scouting this year. Looked at 75+ bucks last weekend on a three day backpack trip. 3-4 were 175 ish. The large majority were 140-160 type animals. One was relocated from last years hunt that was a 190 buck and had clearly regressed or suffered from the rough winter nowlooked be a 175 class deer. It will be interesting to see how the season plays out in western WY.


Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

 

[mntnguide]

I would agree with those sentiments as well. . Ive made 3 3-day trips the last 3 weekends along with some evening hikes after work into closer areas...Seen over 200+ bucks and the horn growth difference between this year and last is noticeable. And with the ridiculous amount of green this year, I was hoping that would off set the rough winter, but it doesnt seem to be making a huge difference. . Ive seen a few in the 185-195 range, and know the location of a 200+ giant typical with a dropper, and he is the largest ive seen pictures of. Heard from guides in the area, and they are noticing the same. Fewer deer in the areas that historically have good numbers etc..It will be an interesting year for sure.

 

[Founder]

I'm at 22 days and looked at 487+ bucks. I haven't seen one yet I'd say for sure would/will break 185. It's been frustrating for me for sure.
Last year I looked at about 600 bucks in 25 days, so buck numbers it seems might be off just a hair is all based on what I see.
It sure looks to me like a 180ish buck is the top 1-2%. For those who've found bucks over 190, I'd say they should feel great.
I think the tough winter has just slowed growth some. I don't know.
I had my hopes high, 200-inch high, but that isn't looking good at all. 190 would look giant right now!

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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[letmgetbig]

The lack of big bucks is not so much about horn growth. But more about over Hunting and not recovering from the hard winters. The few mature bucks I have seen grew nicely. The majority of the bucks are 3 and 4 year olds. And not mature enough to score high. I have found 1 buck that is well over 220 inches and 3 or 4 others right near or just over 200. That is the fewest BIG DEER I have ever seen. More importantly, I have seen the fewest Fawns and total Deer numbers that I have ever seen. I am very disappointed in the WY G&F and Commissioners for the lack of action taken to protect what's left of these deer. This year will be good compared to the next ones. One of my favorite basins has about a dozen nice looking young bucks,170-175 (and not a forked horn in the bunch) nearly all of them will be killed come Sept. And there will be next to nothing to take their place. We should take care of our Deer at least as good as we take care of our Bears and wolves. For the record another of my favorite basins doesn't have a Deer in it.

 

[mtnman208]

Having spent several days over the course of the last few weeks up in the hills, I would have to say that the deer herd looks to be about the same that it has for the last several years. I have seen a bunch of younger bucks. The day before the opener, I saw a dozen forky's and few spikes. There were a good number of the 160-170" bucks as well. As has been stated before, I didn't see any monsters, but that is also no different than the last several years I have hunted in the area. Now that the snow has hammered the high country, the bucks have headed for the greener pastures of the lowlands, or more than likely, the darkest timber patch they can find. I also saw a lot of younger does and fawns over the past few weeks. I know there was a heavier than normal winter kill, but I don't think it got them all. We still have one of the healthiest deer herds around.

 

[Bonehead13]

Mtman thanks for your reply I think you are probably spot on I can't speak for the last couple years but this year we saw a few in the 160-170 range with several days being poor hunting and glassing conditions. I took home a decent buck not quite my goal but not far from it and i am happy with him and the hunt was one to remember and that has no score to be put on it. with that being said, I had a great week and I would definitely do it again if I had the points.

 

[Bonehead13]

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2017/18780img0201.jpg
This was my Wyoming buck from this year. we had a great time! Froze our buts off at times and survived the snow. I hope to make it back again one day.

 

[mmwb]

Great buck, Bonehead! Love to hear the story. I botched a set up on the opening of the archery hunt, on a buck that would probably go 180. I later shot an old buck on opening of the rifle hunt. He wouldn't score well, for small fronts, but had nice mass and a nice proportion of width and height. An old buck. They are there, but I think the bucks are learning to spend less time in the open, even earlier in the hunts.

 

[liecabucks]

On my third scouting trip I was able to locate a shooter buck (200-205). He was in an area that I normally wouldn't hunt due to the low deer numbers and seemingly decent access. I was able to locate him 3 more times. I had one opportunity during the archery season but couldn't make it happen and got winded. I've spent 16 days with weapon in hand trying to pile him up but due to the weather and pressure in the area, he's either timbered up or bounced out all together. Overall, I was content with my pre-season scouting and decided to focus 100% on that buck early on. Hope I don't regret it! I really think the weather changed their patterns up and some have headed out all together.


Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

 

[Bonehead13]

Ah man! Lieca I wish you the best! Hopefully you can turn him up again and tag out. That would be an incredible deer. Good Luck!!??

 

[liecabucks]

Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

 

[Bonehead13]

Yeah he is a stud for sure! Good luck!! ? ?

 

[mmwb]

Talking to a local taxidermist, there are a few real toads shot, as with most years. A lot of hunters don't frequent the internet or enter big buck contests. I'd love to see them though.

 

[Gator]

Lie
That is one fine buck.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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