NM Mule Deer Size

[mcelweed]

I am looking for a rough estimate of the size of NM mule deer from chest to back (brisket to back). I have a mil dot scope, so I need a rough measurement in order to range with my scope. I have never hunted mule deer before (I have hunted whitetail back east) so I am unfamiliar with their size. Thanks.

 

[gb22]

Tough question, because each buck (deer) is slightly different. In general, mule deer are only slightly (not definitive enough to range your scope) larger than white tails.

A six-foot-tall man is (more or less) and average grown up. A comparable buck is 20-22 inches.

From friends who have "come west" to hunt, the bigger issue will be distance. I would advise you to become familiar (not just shooting but looking and recognizing) distances from 250 to 600 yards and farther.....we spot many deer at 2000 yards.

Good luck.


Within the shadows, go quietly.

 

[sageadvice]

Seems to me, for your purpose, you could go by what you are seeing back East. A big ol whitetail buck can be just as big or bigger than a big ol Muley and the same for younger deer. Sure, there are going to be some differences in individual animals but if you have done your homework on relative whitetail sizes, i'd stick to that info until i learn different.

IMO though, a healthy young Muley buck, 2-3 years of age, will appear to be a bit larger and bulkier than a young whitetail.

Joey


"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

 

[two7D]

I've measured a few. A yearling buck measured 16", A 2.5-3.5 year old buck measured 17" and a big buck probably 4.5-6.5 years old measured 18". I would imagine an absolute monster might go 20". These measurements are from deer killed in the southern half of the state. I'm sure deer from northern states or Canada measure a bit bigger, and as stated earlier there will be some variation in size no matter where the deer is found.

 

[nontypical]

+1 to what Joey said.A big ole' corn-fed whitey can be a huge deer.My Iowa buck from last year was one of the biggest bucks I've ever killed...maybe the biggest.I've killed 2 whitetails and too many mulies to count.Those 2 whiteys rank in the top 5 biggest bodied bucks I've ever killed.Really,we're talking about a very minute difference here between the two species.Take the numbers that two7D gave you,and adjust accordingly.

 

[mcelweed]

two7D,
Thanks for the inputs. I will be in NM Unit 17, so your numbers should be about right (they match some other sources I've found). I will probably use 18-19, unless I am lucky to come across a monster.