Co. GMU 21 deer ,
Contributors to this thread:Mule Deer
From: mattfish7
26-Mar-15
going to hunt GMU 21 CO., any info or experiences shared, would be much appreciated.
Thanks Matt
From: SDHNTR(home)
26-Mar-15
Tough hunt. At least it was 5 years agoa when I hunted it. Very crowded, and a somewhat limited amount of land. Thick and steep. I personally would not hunt it again. That said, I had a couple opportunities at some really good deer and missed a chip shot on a nice 26" 4x4.
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
I've hunted there a lot since 2004 and had archery buck tags in 2005 and 2008 with '05 being far better - after 2008 I began hunting elsewhere for deer. Most of the bucks will be over 8,000 feet elevation, which means that most are within 1/2 mile of a road. Drive and glass morning and evening the first week of the season will be your best bet. If you can scout a big buck beforehand you might do okay in a blind or tree stand. The best bucks tend to water after dark, but sitting water in the P.M. can be productive if you can find a secluded spot. I would say 160+ is a deer not to pass. Chances are good you can find a big mature buck that won't score well - nice 3x3s and the like.
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
Lots of 3 points that should be better than they are.
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
Lots of crabby 4 points...
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
Many 3x4's
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
Some garden variety 4 points.
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
Once in a while there's a good one (even if just a little crabby)
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
After many days of hunting I settled for this one in 2008. There had been a better buck with the bachelor group but not this day - Didn't feel like I could afford to pass too many more opportunities as they were getting fewer and farther between.
From: mattfish7
26-Mar-15
Thanks much Bruinpoint, ya I would be happy with 160 on any day, not to picky, just want get some good stalks in and hopefully score in the process. Thanks again
From: BruinPoint
26-Mar-15
It's fun seeing lots of deer, but frustrating pressure that is hard to get away from. Whether you enjoy it or not really comes down to expectations. If it went back to a 0 point draw for residents I'd probably go back.
From: badbull
26-Mar-15
I agree with SDHNTR comments as I hunted there in 08 and 13. There has been a big decline in quantity and quality IMO. The elk hunting pressure has increased also so I'm also in agreement with Bruinpoint with regard to PP's.......badbull
From: t-roy
26-Mar-15
Any other units that you guys would recommend for a fun hunt for a good chance at a decent buck 140s' plus? A few buddies & will have 6 points after this year & are looking at 2016 or later.
We were considering 21-30 but I read elsewhere about the competition as well. Also looking at 61 as a possibility. Any thoughts?
Thanks for sharing.
From: mattfish7
27-Mar-15
Yes any other suggestions, haven't put in for draw yet, I have 7 pp. Yes non res. Thanks
From: BruinPoint
27-Mar-15
21 is a fun hunt for 140's plus bucks if you don't need backcountry and solitude. The opportunity for disappointment (IMO) is mostly related to the unlikelihood of finding a 180+ buck and the potential to have stalks ruined/hunts interrupted by other hunters. The deer numbers are way down for sure, but it's relative - 50% of a bunch of deer is still pretty good. I can't name a better unit for opportunity at a low P&Y buck. I can name a lot of units with potential for bigger bucks and/or more solitude (but I won't do it publicly).
From: wildwilderness
27-Mar-15
Looking at one of the pics reminds me of this one I had.
From: mattfish7
27-Mar-15
Cool thanks,
714-388-7861
From: mattfish7
28-Mar-15
Thanks again, some in tell on 66, 67, 55, 53 how do these units stack up to 21, any and all comments will be welcome,
Thanks Mattfish7