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07-09-2020, 11:41 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
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Wmu 404: advice and recommendations requested
Got drawn for antlered WT in this area. I’ve been in part of it but, the more I study, the larger it seems to get. The WMU map isn’t the best and, as is typical it seems, the region covers several map sheets, PLUZ’s, provincial parks, woodlands, treaty lands, etc. From some older posts (circa 2015-2016) Im aware that it’s challenging, mountainous, and diverse. I’ve been into and around Bob Creek scouting for Elk several times so im somewhat familiar with the terrain.
Past advice includes hunting river, creek beds , up to and including the tree line. Generally, I’ve hunted tree stands (up near Sundre / Caroline) but that strategy is out this year unless we find some good game trails to sit near around dawn and dusk.
We have a small trailer and, weather permitting, are prepared to tent it at least for a couple of nights. Any advice on places to camp (including back country) would be great.
Any word on General access, camping, hot spots, areas to avoid, and past hunting anecdotes from the area are certainly welcome.
Thanks, and good luck this year
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07-09-2020, 01:16 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,573
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I've been successful west of Indian Grave campground. That was 10+ years ago, I don't know how much things changed, but that can be a starting point.
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07-09-2020, 05:06 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,697
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I’ve often thought drawing for a buck in that area, just to have an opportunity of a week in a tent. That’s what you should do make it into a trip, enjoy a few days and you’ll get one.
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07-09-2020, 07:15 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Outside High River
Posts: 268
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There has been a lot of logging activity the last few years throughout much of 404. Information from last fall may not be relevant this fall as area that used to have grass and trees are now ... um ... different. The best thing to do would be to hike and check it out to get the latest info. Good luck. Mountain deer are fun and rewarding deer. I agree that indian graves is a good starting point.
__________________
“You cannot solve current problems with current thinking. Current problems are the result of current thinking.” Albert Einstein
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07-10-2020, 10:16 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 447
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It's tough hunting and not a ton of deer. But if you put in the miles and sit high, you can definitely find the odd whitetail. There shouldn't be any treaty lands in it, but lots of parks and different topography to watch out for.
Also lots of cougars, wolves and grizzlies. Grab a tag for the species you are allowed and have fun chasing. Bring a good backpack and have a friend on speed dial to help pack it out.
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07-12-2020, 07:00 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: High River
Posts: 383
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404 is my favorite zone. Unfortunately game numbers are down from years ago. There is actually more whities to the east in 310. If you do end up down by Indian graves just stay near the creeks in the aspens. I haven't seen any white tails up high so no need to climb the hills.
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07-14-2020, 11:42 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,229
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spirit4u
404 is my favorite zone. Unfortunately game numbers are down from years ago. There is actually more whities to the east in 310. If you do end up down by Indian graves just stay near the creeks in the aspens. I haven't seen any white tails up high so no need to climb the hills.
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Yup.
I'd find a spot to sit on a downwind hill overlooking a creekbed with small meadows.
__________________
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Policy -
"to identify very rare, scarce or special forms of fish and wildlife outdoor recreation opportunities and to ensure that access to these opportunities continues to be available to all Albertans."
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09-09-2020, 12:24 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
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Regrets on replying to all but I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been down in 404 several time’s now and camped at Indian Graves twice. On my recon I physically saw two WT. Unfortunately, one dead in a ditch beside the Cateract Creek rec area and a ‘live’ doe down around Indian Graves. Lots of logging has occurred and tons of free range cattle south of the Highwood. Past the Highwood junction (North) I saw zero sign of WT deer. That area seems more consistent with either elk, moose, or sheep. The south eastern portions of 404 look better with limited deer sign, although, I did see several Small herds of Big Horns just where the foothills morph into mountains (near Plateau mountain/ Windy Pass) They were on the gravel road licking what appeared to be mineral deposits and were pretty tame. They actually walked up to my truck, I suspect looking for a handout.
I appreciate your advice and wish you luck this year.
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09-09-2020, 02:02 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,229
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Go East.
Stay close to the border....
__________________
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Policy -
"to identify very rare, scarce or special forms of fish and wildlife outdoor recreation opportunities and to ensure that access to these opportunities continues to be available to all Albertans."
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09-09-2020, 05:01 PM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Central Alberta
Posts: 21,399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bighead
Regrets on replying to all but I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been down in 404 several time’s now and camped at Indian Graves twice. On my recon I physically saw two WT. Unfortunately, one dead in a ditch beside the Cateract Creek rec area and a ‘live’ doe down around Indian Graves. Lots of logging has occurred and tons of free range cattle south of the Highwood. Past the Highwood junction (North) I saw zero sign of WT deer. That area seems more consistent with either elk, moose, or sheep. The south eastern portions of 404 look better with limited deer sign, although, I did see several Small herds of Big Horns just where the foothills morph into mountains (near Plateau mountain/ Windy Pass) They were on the gravel road licking what appeared to be mineral deposits and were pretty tame. They actually walked up to my truck, I suspect looking for a handout.
I appreciate your advice and wish you luck this year.
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Whitetails like the regrowth in cut blocks, don't write them off.
Grizz
__________________
"Indeed, no human being has yet lived under conditions which, considering the prevailing climates of the past, can be regarded as normal."
John E. Pfeiffer The Emergence of Man
written in 1969
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09-11-2020, 09:47 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 358
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I've spent a bunch of time in 404 this year scouting and hiking to get in shape. It's been insanely busy in that zone with campers, backpackers and hikers. I was out yesterday and counted over 20 people hiking through where I was hunting. Hwy 40 both north and south of Highwood Junction has been a zoo this year and Indian Graves has been no exception. Hopefully the animals have become used to this instead of being spooked by it.
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"Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” - Henry David Thoreau
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11-09-2020, 07:23 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
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Action in 404
So I hunted that area In 404, mainly East and West around Indian Graves in some of the coldest weather I’ve experienced since getting out of the Army. Three weeks ago, during the fist snomaggedan, it was -25, and that was still in Oct.
In any regard, we pushed lots of bush and saw loads of sign for deer, moose, elk, and bear. In the two weekends we hunted, which went from -25 to + 20, I saw around 12 whitetail does/ fawns and a bull moose.
The area (at least south of 404) is VERY busy, especially on weekends when it resembles what it was probably like during Woodstock, just without the hippies. Quads, trucks, and people all over the roads.
Ultimately, we didn’t fill out special tags but it was worth it overall. Thanks for the advice.
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