I wouldn't depend on Schaffer Mtn. to provide a buck for you unless you got one scouted out. Last i had the tag, i hunted that mountain opening morning, top to bottom, 360 all the way around and saw 2 dink bucks, a few does, and about a hundred chucker. I hunted it 3 days straight and because so, missed out on some pretty good bucks taken elsewhere in the zone. This year could be different but if i had to do it again, i'd skip schaffer, at least hunting it from the top i would..
Horse lake north up past coon camp, Hanson or Hansen Rd, the one going north but neither are bad hunts, several miles of rocks, wrapping back west teeing to the road to Fredonia from grasshopper valley, find the water. It's a rough road could be hard on tires. Lots of places to park and take a hike. There's only a couple other crappy roads in that whole area, lots of dandy country for a big ol muley buck to call home.
That year i started off on Schaffer, i was talking to a couple cowboys the last weekend who were taking a nice water break at a pond, had been pushing a 100 head or so back from summering on Grasshopper Valley grass. They told me that they seen a nice three point in the area, figured he was the son of another way bigger buck, the two running together with about 10 does. They said the big one got shot by some city guys Sunday of opening weekend.
I asked where they saw the big 3 point? They said right up there on that ridge both pointing bent fingers like they was looking down gun barrels! I went up there and found a group of deer with a nice three point, last weekend and i had stayed hunted every day of the season, i gave him a ride home in a happy camper truck but would have liked to seen the "Way Bigger Buck" first.
I'm sure them Cowboys still live and work cattle in that country. If they point you toward a buck or give some advice, don't discount their words!
Joey
"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"