Hey elmer, the deer around candle are plentiful...too bad its a refuge...lol. Wolf pops and bad winters a few years ago took their tole. Last year moose hunting deer actvity was way down from a couple years previous...moose as well..wolves! According to a couple of outfitters in the area this year is better but not close to what they've enjoyed previous. Fringe areas it seems have rebounded though. If not able to hunt zone 50 then baiting would be your best bet in the forest zones of 63/64 provided they can be established in advance to your hunt. My baiting experience suggests baits should be placed at least 2 weeks in advance to hunting over them. It takes time to get game accustomed to the slop and more often then not your feeding does/young deer. Eventually/timing the mature deer q to the presence of the attractant and that's when you want to be sitting them. The pile needs to stay stocked and a routine some what consistent. Many times when i use to bait/guide I would roll out after stocking, then walk back with wind in my favor & watch deer filter out. Alfalfa hay bed with oats mixed in, IMO/E is the best/cheapest bait to use. Split peas are also excellent however pricey unless you have a in. Barley they love but it's way to hot of feed and they'll lay off it for to long to be really productive. wheat forget about it!

Rattling/calling is a good option in pre rut or peak rut. If your trip will have you here around the middle of nov, then go for it! If post rut...hunt food!


Best of luck, hope you tag a gooder!

PS may not be an issue in nov. but fyi extremely wet this year. This is both good and bad. Good for antler growth, bad for accessability.