Need information on deer hunting in Sierra mountains

[rpm4463]

I'm trying to combine my two favorite hobbies, backpacking and hunting. I've backpacked several areas in the Sierras including: Cottonwood Lakes, Bishop creek(s) trailheads (North Lake, South Lake, and Lake Sabrina), the national parks, and a few trailheads from Mammoth. These areas are in deer zones X9a, X9b, and X10 (all east of the Sierra crest). When I'm backpacking I will spot a few deer and find tracks, but I don't spend anytime glassing meadows in the morning and evening. Of course in the national parks its a different story, I see 100's of deer.

These are my questions:
During archery and riles season what elevation are the deer at? East of Bishop I've seen several deer in the valleys from HWY 168 that probably live in the valley year round as "resident deer" around the homes and cabins. I will also see deer in Mammoth, but I'm interested in the backcountry.

Do the deer stay at or above treeline during the hunting seasons? I've never found much deer sign above treeline (11,000'+), but I've not spent much time glassing either. Do they feed in the open meadows and rocky basins around the high alpine lakes (usually around 10,500')? Of course treeline will vary depending on specific locatoin.

I've been told many people try to hunt passes deer cross during the migration. But, this is hit or miss and usually happens after rifle season unless there is heavy snowfall early.

This summer I crossed Piutte Pass and continued through Desolation Basin on a 55 mile loop trip. Hunters have mentioned this pass, but I have a feeling it gets alot of pressure. I did not find any deer tracks in the basin until I got down into Piutte valley around 9,800' and lower.

This summer I'm planning on a loop trip near Lake Thomas Edison. This area is on the west side of the Sierra crest and I think it is in zone D6. I also plan to visit the areas around Kennedy Meadows at the southern end of the Sierras. It is at a lower elevation and dryer climate.

Any advice would help.
shoot strait!

 

[cjack]

Kennedy Meadows gets alot of pressure as does the Lake Thomas Edison area to the south in D7. To the north of the lake is D6 and borders Yosemete which has always intrigued me. Can't help you on the higher elevation questions as my limit is 11'000ft then I'ts altitude sickness. Good luck on your adventures rpm4463!

 

[OVHunter916]

My limited experience with D7 is that on years with high rainfall/heavy snow pack migratory westside herds will get scattered across a variety of elevations from 6,000 up with the highest concentrations just below the treeline. On drier years supposedly there are few deer above the treeline and they concentrate in mid elevation areas from 6,000-8,000 feet that are thicker and hold more moisture. I'd imagine its more consistent on the east side as their is less total moisture and the various "life zones" occur at comparatively higher elevations.

 

[OVHunter916]

Also, Rocky Mountain and Inyo mule deer prefer rockier, drier, steeper summer range than do "California" mule deer so they will often summer higher in the same basins (eg McCormick basin in d6) than the deer migrating down the west slope (I know, some deer migrate down the wrong slope...). It really varies by area depending on water and vegetation. I'm sure DFW biologists can help cue you in on hot spots. Some high country areas hold deer and some don't.

 

[Bubblehide]

rpm, From my experience the deer that winter on the eastern slope begin to migrate back over toward the west in early spring and they distribute themselves throughout their zones. I've hunted and scouted X-10 extensively (the following would also be true for the X-9s), by the time archery season comes around the majority of the deer are in the western part of the zone. Granted you can find deer dispersed throughout the zone and at or near the top of the crest (depending on where you are), but there are fewer deer there. The crest country is steep, with lots of big open areas making it exceptionally difficult to archery hunt successfully (note the 0 success rate for years and years for archery hunters). The western end of the zone has steep rocky areas as well, esp if you head down toward the river. But this area is thick with pines and fur, or manzenita, making it difficult to hunt as well. The key to success in these areas is putting in plenty of scouting, knowing the feeding and bedding areas; water is a given. During the general season, the deer are pretty much dispersed the same as they are during the archery season; except they know they are being hunted, and there are no secret spots, i.e., the is plenty of competition from other hunters (note the last couple years the success rate has ran 10% compared to a long string of previous years of 4%). Clearly the zone isn't very productive for the vast majority. If I recall correctly the x-9s have a slightly higher success rate.

Treeline: In the areas I've ventured, I've seldom if ever seen deer above 10,500. Frankly I'd limit my scouting/hunting to 9,500. That doesn't mean I wouldn't glass above 9,500. I simply haven't found it productive unless it's been a high elevation pass the deer climb up to to migrate over the eastern slope.

Hunting passes during the migration: Most people have no real idea of when the migration actually occurs, so hears a little inside information from someone who's witnessed it numerous times. The deer in these zones generally don't begin to migrate until mid November. Granted there can be some movement from the west to he east during late October. However this movement (if it does occur, it's not a regular occurrence) is limited. The deer simply position themselves closer to the crest (it's also more complicated than that, as food sources and water supply generally change during this time). So in short, attempting to hunt the migration during the archery or general season would be a waste of time, unless you happen to be hunting during the migration (very few zones have a season timed to or after the migration).

The rut: I know you didn't ask about the rut, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway. There are several identified stages of the rut. But to get to the point, I'm going to summarize. Mature bucks really aren't responsive to mimicked rutting activities unless the rut is actually going on, i.e., does in estrus. so rattling and estrus scents aren't likely to be useful. In fact, it's my opinion that they can be detrimental. now with immature bucks, it can be a different story. You might be interested in this thread: http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/showthread.php/234982-D16-Rut-Analysis

Advice: To start with, these zones have low hunter success rates, as such I would start with the general season using a rifle until you have confidence you have learned an area and patterned the deer within that specific area, ie., you know their feeding areas, bedding areas, travel patterns... from there I would consider using a bow. The bottom line is, pick yourself a zone, then a general area you want to hunt (I suggest it be an area you enjoy going as your most likely to end up with tag soup to go along with some wonderful memories), and then scout the heck out of the area every chance you get (year round, conditions permitting).

Best of luck!

 

[thewolfman]

Yea...wateva bubblehide said...haha...thats alotta good info...thax bro!!!

 

[Jaybird]

We hunt d7. What is timberline?

Always hearing hunters talk about timberline. What's that?

Thank you for any and all replies

 

[Bubblehide]

Jaybird, timberline is considered the elevation where trees no longer grow/survive. It can vary from area to area, but generally ranges from about 10,000 feet and up. If timberline is at 10,000 feet, and your at 11,000, you would be above timberline.

 

[slanttop357]

Its where the bachelor herd boys hang out.