Emigrant Wilderness Deer Scouting.

[Sunshine714]

Hello!

I just wanted to ask and see if anyone has experience hunting in Emigrant Wilderness (D6). I am planning a scouting trip next month or so to check out the deer population and/or any sign to see if it would be a great idea to buy a deer tag this coming season for that zone. Just wanted to know if there deer population has gotten better because there is an older thread in this forum claiming that the deer population decreased in the early/mid 2000's and if the wildlife hasn't really recovered yet since the Donelle fire. I'm aware that the fire didn't really reach the wilderness but thought I asked. Any information would be appreciate it, Thanks!

 

[Sunshine714]

Hello!

I just wanted to ask and see if anyone has experience hunting in Emigrant Wilderness (D6). I am planning a scouting trip next month or so to check out the deer population and/or any sign to see if it would be a great idea to buy a deer tag this coming season for that zone. Just wanted to know if there deer population has gotten better because there is an older thread in this forum claiming that the deer population decreased in the early/mid 2000's and if the wildlife hasn't really recovered yet since the Donelle fire. I'm aware that the fire didn't really reach the wilderness but thought I asked. Any information would be appreciate it, Thanks!

Also if anyone can give an insight on what elevation would be best to scout around that would be great. I've been researching the areas i will be scouting to the typical elevation would be from 7,000-8,500ft

 

[sportyg]

never been there good luck though.

 

[Local Boy]

That scout trip may have to wait longer than "a month or so" - LOTS of snow up high. I'd imagine the high country will be snowed in till early summer. Snotels in the region showing 20+ ft. on the deck with more on the way. Deer #'s are low but just like anywhere there's deer. Bring your fishing pole and camera. Good fishing and epic views.

 

[D8hntr]

Hello!

I just wanted to ask and see if anyone has experience hunting in Emigrant Wilderness (D6). I am planning a scouting trip next month or so to check out the deer population and/or any sign to see if it would be a great idea to buy a deer tag this coming season for that zone. Just wanted to know if there deer population has gotten better because there is an older thread in this forum claiming that the deer population decreased in the early/mid 2000's and if the wildlife hasn't really recovered yet since the Donelle fire. I'm aware that the fire didn't really reach the wilderness but thought I asked. Any information would be appreciate it, Thanks!

You won't be going to any wilderness area in the next month. With all the snow, travel will likely be impossible. Even if it is, the deer won't be there until snow melt and they move to the summer range...never been to the D6 high country but the conditions this year are the same up and down the whole state. I'm thinking some of my spots in D8, I'll be lucky to get to in mid to late June.

 

[Sunshine714]

You won't be going to any wilderness area in the next month. With all the snow, travel will likely be impossible. Even if it is, the deer won't be there until snow melt and they move to the summer range...never been to the D6 high country but the conditions this year are the same up and down the whole state. I'm thinking some of my spots in D8, I'll be lucky to get to in mid to late June.

That's what the brother-in-law was telling me a few days ago, he's not a big game hunter but he's familiar with the wilderness. So considering that ill probably scout some of the lower ranged places in D6 and reschedule the trip for July, besides wouldn't hurt to do some trout fishing either. thanks though

 

[Sunshine714]

That scout trip may have to wait longer than "a month or so" - LOTS of snow up high. I'd imagine the high country will be snowed in till early summer. Snotels in the region showing 20+ ft. on the deck with more on the way. Deer #'s are low but just like anywhere there's deer. Bring your fishing pole and camera. Good fishing and epic views.

Yeah figured. We might just head up there in July, a little bit of scouting and some trout fishing. Thanks!

 

[Tuolumne]

living in D6, you are going to need a long range snowmobile, snowshoes, or some crazy bootleather determination. There is so much snow up here it's INSANE. I live at 3500 feet for ref.

 

[Tuolumne]

after the first heavy snows, we saw many deer pushing lower, I can't imagine deer not migrating lower this year, turkey too.

 

[Sunshine714]

after the first heavy snows, we saw many deer pushing lower, I can't imagine deer not migrating lower this year, turkey too.

Yeah talked with about it with my buddy and we didn't anticipate so much snow early Jan so looks like we might relocate in buying our deer tags for D8 this season lol, he has a cabin there so might be cool. Thanks for the pictures btw.

 

[D8hntr]

Yeah talked with about it with my buddy and we didn't anticipate so much snow early Jan so looks like we might relocate in buying our deer tags for D8 this season lol, he has a cabin there so might be cool. Thanks for the pictures btw.

Whereabouts in D8? If you don't mind me asking? Just curious.

 

[Tuolumne]

Most snow SHOULD melt by deer season

 

[Sunshine714]

Whereabouts in D8? If you don't mind me asking? Just curious.

Somewhere near camp Nelson. More than likely around golden trout wilderness in the greenhorn mountains.

 

[Sunshine714]

Most snow SHOULD melt by deer season

I’m hoping for that. I’ll keep in touch if you don’t mind to ask about road conditions and snow and such.

 

[D8hntr]

Somewhere near camp Nelson. More than likely around golden trout wilderness in the greenhorn mountains.

Greenhorns are further south than Golden Trout. Hopefully things are fixed by deer season but there's a few washouts along 190 above Camp Nelson. Right now they're only letting residents up that way.

 

[D8hntr]

Here's a pic of some of the damage. This is between Camp Nelson and Cedar Slope.

 

[Sunshine714]

Here's a pic of some of the damage. This is between Camp Nelson and Cedar Slope.

Aww man! And my buddy had a cabin in camp Nelson. Lol Daaang does anyone have any good news for me??

 

[Sunshine714]

Here's a pic of some of the damage. This is between Camp Nelson and Cedar Slope.

Which road is that btw?

 

[D8hntr]

Which road is that btw?

Hwy 190

 

[Sunshine714]

Hwy 190

I might just asked the judge on my next f-up to give me community service with cal-trans to help fix these roads asap