Tahoe and Northern Sierra Region

[clangrill]

I'm wanting to get out and hunt with my camera, this time of year (today's Feb. 4, 2010). I live in Reno, and am looking at the eastern Sierras, in an area around Truckee. I'm a total novice at stalking deer. Would like some advice on where to expcet to find them. Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are iced over, I think. I assume they get enough water while they forage under the snow pack? Would it be more likely that they may migrate to a lower elevation? Let's say east to the Truckee River, toward the NV border? Much of the snow along the Truckee has melted and there is exposed ground and vegitation. Or would they maybe remain at altitude, and forage in the snow covered meadows, or would they be foraging for roots and such in the forests?

I was thinking of driving up to Boca, east shore. I read it is accessible. I don't have 4wd. Then my plan was to scout the area east of the lake, from 5800 to 6800ft elevation. Then it drops steeply down to the Truckee at 5200ft. Boca, east to the Truckee River is about 4mi. Is there even a viable population of Deer in this area? I've seen a few along the river in Summer and Fall.

Any help from you experienced guys would be appreciated. I want to try to stick close to home.... gas prices.

Thanks

[twopatch]

The deer are down low now. "the onse that are left". They are at 1000-2000 ft. now. After 20 years of a un-checked lion population. has taken its toll.There is only a fraction of what used to be there.

[clangrill]

The deer are down low now. "the onse that are left". They are at 1000-2000 ft. now. After 20 years of a un-checked lion population. has taken its toll.There is only a fraction of what used to be there.

So the deer move west, and down to the lower elevations..... This is what I had suspected. I went hiking around Boca recently, and didn't see any signs of much of anything. Thanks for the report, I appreciate it.