High Country Mule Deer
Join us on a Fully Guided, Backcountry Mountain Hunt.
Truly captivating views.
THE HUNT
This hunt is the most physically demanding adventure we have, it is not a hunt that can be completed by everybody. Exclusive by nature, the rewards of chasing high country mule deer go far beyond the meat, antlers, or any other physical possession. The memories of hunting a seldom touched, pristine mountain wilderness are carried for a lifetime. Whether hunting in the early season by bow, or late season with a rifle, each of these hunts comes with its own challenges that must be overcome. Regardless of the time of year most days will consist of a fairly similar pattern of life. We will be rising early, getting back to camp late, with countless hours behind spotting scopes and binoculars. Sudden rushes of adrenaline punctuate the hours behind glass, as stalks are planned and executed.
Some Details
Hours spent behind binos and spotters are an investment that pays out.
Hunters should arrive expecting to have to gain a minimum of 1500 feet of elevation per day, with some days hitting 3000+ if multiple stalks are attempted. Shot distances will vary greatly hunt to hunt, as well as stalk to stalk. Arriving with confidence to 400 yards with a rifle, and 60 yards with a bow will greatly improve your opportunity of success. Hunters will have to demonstrate their confidence in their maximum range.
The weather, will vary greatly. It is not uncommon for snow in early September, and beautiful warm sunshine in November. Seasonal Averages in September are a high of 16C (60F) with lows of 4C (40F). That being said, hunting at elevation will be cooler and frost should be expected every night. November typically holds daytime highs around 0C (32F) with a historical average low of -10c (14F). Temperatures in November do drop down to -20C (-4F) for a few nights every year. The only thing we can promise about the weather, is a fairly steady wind out of the west, making it a little easier to plan a stalk and get close.
Watching this buck filter through dense brush on a north slope was nerve racking. After a grueling climb to get within range, he finally emerged in an opening, offering himself a broadside shot at about 300.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are few things more representative of western hunting than the canvas wall tent.
While hunting we will employ three different forms of accommodations. The first of these is the base camp, where a wall tent with cot and wood stove will be waiting for you on your arrival. Our base camp will also have an enclosed trailer which will provide secure storage for your extra items not needed when hunting. In addition to spending the first and last night in base camp, if the weather is particularly bad for a few days it will be there for us to retreat to and warm up/dry out. A generator and fridge/freezer will also allow us some fresh cooked meals, and the ability to store any meat while we pursue secondary species.
A room with a view. An example of Bivvying behind a small false summit, giving us protection of observation, while saving hiking up/down in the dark.
From the Base camp we will pack up and head into the spike camp. Here, a smaller wall tent or Kifaru Sawtooth will be set up at the entrance to a valley for us to hunt from. Here we will be sleeping on the ground, on an air mattress you have brought with you based on your own needs of comfort. A small wood stove will keep us warm in the morning and at night, but it will not burn through the night. This means your sleeping bag (in conjunction with other layers) needs be adequately rated. Here we will have with us all the food we will need for the week, mainly consisting of commercial dehydrated meals and bars. Generally we operate out of the spike camp for the duration of the week, only moving if greener pastures are observed.
Glassing, Finding, then planning a stalk… Much more than just sitting sitting in a stand for days on end…
Over the course of the hunt, it may become necessary or desirable to camp farther up the valley or stay setup on top of the mountain. Weather permitting, we will use top end backcountry shelters from Kifaru and camp in some truly spectacular places to set us up for success the following day. Bivvying will usually involve 36 to 48 hours of supplies and be fairly minimalist. Ultralight tarp shelters, backcountry stove sets and water purification provided by us will make a room with view livable.
Guide Matt East sets up a top end Kifaru Shelter and box stove. The stove has a limited burn time, but will keep the tent warm and dry things out when needed.
A 350+ yard shot brought this buck down from a crown overlooking a basin.
“The Grind” to pick up a thousand feet of elevation and cut off a Mule Deer as he slips over a saddle.
A high alpine lake often frequented by Bighorn Sheep. It’s eastern shore offers a spectacular view of dozens of south facing slopes.
A Buck taken by rifle in the prime of the rut. While set up on does it was only a matter of time until a fella came to check on them.
Other Activities
In September, low water levels usually make for some spectacular fishing opportunities for trout. During the hunt, trout can often be targeted during the midday heat when bucks are bedded down. A few of these spectacular eaters can be quite the morale boost when the menu has largely consisted of dehydrated back packing meals. It is not uncommon for those who drive to camp, to take a few extra days getting home and sample a few of the other world class waters. A 3 to 5 wt rod with a double taper line is suitable for the hunting area, while a 5wt is typically used farther downstream.
Our hunting area also shares a border with the world renown Banff National Park. An important selling feature for us, and possibly you, as getting approval from “The Committee” to go on a guided hunt, is a little easier to obtain if includes a romantic week in Banff for the two of you first.
Lastly, we are also able to guide you onto (or connect you with those who can) Whitetail Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Canadian Moose, Yukon Moose and Sheep.
