First things first, coffee! What I love more is Bullet Proof Coffee. They provide an instant coffee mix for the mountains. It includes, Brain Octane C8 MCT oil from the best part of the coconut and 100% grass-fed ghee, high in omega-3, CLA, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Vitamin E. Mix one bag up with coffee and enjoy!
https://amzn.to/38AFDUX
My other favorite is Fat Fuel Keto coffee with MCT Oil, Coconut oil, Grass-Fed Butter. Long lasting fats that help me in the morning fuel my body for long hunts. Lightweight and with little time to waist in the morning I am out on the hunt.
In combination of coffee powder. I like to use protein power mix as a regular shake on the mountain, in my coffee (added protein), or daily while at home and after workouts. The best product I have tried for the price is Optimum Why Gold Standard (double rich chocolate). At home I will mix it with almond milk. You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/3npxpn3
Foot booties are super nice to have at camp, sleep in, and or stalking. If its getting out of the tent and having something to slip in or sit around the fire these guys are essential in my kit. Super lightweight, packable and warm! Black was my go-to color, but pink is not a bad idea.. at least you wont lose them.
https://amzn.to/2H1rqFq
Talk about comfort, my backcountry pillow is hands down a game changer. Take this everywhere camping, in the car, you name it. It has a small stuff stack that fits inside your pocket, so legit and super lightweight.
Extremely lightweight (1.8lbs) and compact. It has four short leg sections extending to 47.4 inches and folding down to 16.3 inches for carrying on your pack. Its hands down the sturdiest for the weight, my backcountry dream tripod.
https://amzn.to/3pnl18L
Never leaves my truck and always keeps things (wild game, beer and food) cool. And in the winter (without ice it it) it prevents food and drinks from freezing completely. Its a game changer on all levels, all year long.
Water filter for anytime anywhere. Fills up quick, filters the water correctly with little effort and with ease. Best I have used and tried. Four years strong with this guy. Super Lightweight, fits anyone in my pack or truck.
Probable one of the most important backcountry items that is essential is a survival shelter. One that is versatile and lightweight is best. The six moon design Gatewood Cape is only 10 oz and does just that!
Another great options would be the Drop + Dan Durston X Mid Tent at 36oz! Lots of room, double walled to breath well and can be two person no problem!
]]>THESE ARE EXACT LOCATIONS FROM GOOGLE EARTH THAT I HUNT. |
I will also provide you with the different styles for hunting Mule Deer in these exact locations as well as what to look for.
]]>
I have paid my dues in the cold months of November / December watching deer with a bow in hand. I have picked the brains from some of Idaho's finest archery deer hunters. I have listened to the podcasts and I have watched all the films I can think of but most of all I have covered the ground day in and day out within the units that offer a late archery mule deer hunt in Central Idaho.
I'll start off by providing tips for the type of terrain I like to hunt during this season in which provide me the best opportunities during the rut.
THESE ARE EXACT LOCATIONS FROM GOOGLE EARTH THAT I HUNT. |
I will also provide you with the different styles for hunting Mule Deer in these exact locations as well as what to look for.
TERRAIN TIPS:
|
Now that you have the location narrowed down, here are tips for getting into the area and setting up for a shot.
1. Always know what the wind is doing during the time you are walking in.
2. Always pick the least likely route (approach) that you will run into deer, even if it looks longer. Being undetected walking in is key and I will share why. 3. Stick to the bottom deep ravines when walking in, you are less visible and sounds from your foot steps will not travel as far.
|
CAMOUFLAGE AND MOVEMENT: 1. Pick camouflage patterns that match the area you are hunting. If the area is dry, low land sage, find clothing that can match it. If its dark timber forests, find broken camouflage that matches it. If your wearing dark camo in low land dessert you will stick out like a black bear, movement of any kind is a dead giveaway for these deer. 2. Move slow, glass often, and assess the situation. Just because you see a good deer right off the bat doesn't mean you need to rush the the process. Most likely you will find more and see more if you take your time.
|
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR LATE ARCHERY SUCCESS:
|
I'll start off by saying I am by no means an expert or a veteran late deer hunter. I do not have a ton of trophies to show for (only a small few) but I have picked the brains of some of Idaho's best and currently successful archery mule deer hunters. Here are a few of them:
|