Wyoming Mule deer Region G

tstrain53

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Hello y'all congratulations for those of you that were successful on your hunts... I am really excited I drew Wyoming Mule deer Region G for the 1st time... I believe that I am going to hunt unit 135 as it will work best around my schedule for an early October hunt.. I'm not sure how the region G works as far as the other units if you could hunt them and if not successful then hunt unit 135??? Anyways just seeking a little bit of help or advice on areas to look at or try as far as glassing or hiking to get away from roads and crowds... I've heard it gets pretty crowded on the weekends; because it is an over the counter tag for residents ... I will be heading up there after work from New Mexico on October 2nd and Stay until October 11th... If anyone would like to share ideas or areas to try I am all ears and would appreciate the help...
Thanks
Tyson
 
You will be disappointed, if you only hit area 135. Unless you kill a big one, then you won't be.

As for where to begin.........just throw on a pack or jump on a horse and head for the top of a high peak this summer and you'll find bucks. Just do that over and over and over until you find one you want, then go hunt him. Yes, many other people will be in the area you hunt, every area. Some days there will be more hunters than others, regardless if it's a weekend or not. The outfitters hunt most places the hardest and have clients every day of the week.

Fun place to explore.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
LIKE MonsterMuleys.com on Facebook!
 
Break in some hiking boots before you go. Figure out the logistics of carrying/finding water. Prepare for a high country hunt.

These are all things my father and I were doing before he didn't draw the same tag. :-(

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
Thank yall for the information yeah I seen where the top three units season runs into October 7th so I will actually hunt some of those units first and them maybe drop down into unit 135 if I don't have any luck up there... Of the top three units which one is better or holds more deer in y'alls opinion 143-145??? Just order some maps so i'll be looking over them pretty soon and getting on google earth to do my scouting... I know in new mexico where I archery deer hunt the numbers have been declining each year we have had a bad drought out here... I wont be able to make it up there to scout unfortunately because of vacation time with drawing a new mexico elk tag.. I appreciate everyone's help...
Tyson
 
The number of people only matter where you camp. That country is HUGE and should easily be able to get away from crowds. You can hunt any open zone in region G so explore. Hunters come and go throughout the season but the bucks are there. I'll be roaming around that country for most of the season.
 
Nope. Our family just didn't have any luck this year. :-(

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
It will be very difficult to find a perfect area without people, and if one exists no one will tell you where it is! I have hunted region G for years, with mules and on foot. 2 years ago I hiked into a nasty little bowl about 12 miles in and VERY out of the way. Guess what.... a tent and hunters were already there. Now I know that those hunters are not there every year....but there is very little unknown country in G. Region G is beautiful country with great potential, but it is far from isolated and never a sure thing. It amazes me that people assume that huge bucks are all over up there. Newsflash....they are not. A buck getting to be 190 is a special thing and there are far fewer bucks of that size taken in G than people think.
 
There is NO WHERE in G that doesn't get scouted & hunted. There are maybe 40 really good bucks in G. And all of them are known about by guys like me & outfitters. I am already watching a few of those really big ones. You have to be very lucky to get one. And the up & coming bucks will mostly be killed by guys who settle for young bucks. G will be ruined totally in just a few years. (And I promised my wife I would try to be positive). But I see all the how great G is hype. And it makes me mad because it is not that great. And going down fast. But to give you some of my 30 yrs. of G experience area 135 is as good as any.
 
Well said. Now I'm not trying to be a guy who's cup is half empty but go watch the caliber of bucks taken in G. Yes they are better than the pumpkin patch of the Utah general season but they are nothing close to the few decent ones that get circulated over and over by text and email. Our technology has created a frenzy and we somehow believe that which is not reality. There are some great bucks in G.....but far more hunters will shoot up and coming bucks or nothing at all. That is fine....shoot what you would like. Ive got no problem with a hunter taking whatever trophy or meat buck they would like. Just trying to represent the unit for what it is.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jul-05-15 AT 00:44AM (MST)[p]Region G is a really cool place to hunt. I have friends that swear by unit 135.

"Go hunt for meat at Walmart."
 
Well I sure do appreciate everyone's advice and comments I received the maps the past weekend and will start looking for a unit I want to dig into first... I know region G is big country and of course I'm not going to hear peoples honey holes I was just looking where to start... As far as some of yall's preference unit's within that region... I know there isn't big bucks around every tree and the one's you do get lucky to glass up you have to work for... I'm just glad to be getting out of New Mexico to hunt some of that high country... Definitely some beautiful scenery up there so I'm looking forward to it... Good luck to everyone this year "kill a big one"
Thanks
 
And I gaurantee that as much as some guys would like to think....not every big buck in that country has been seen by a hunter.
 
I would warrant that there are significantly more mature bucks that have not been seen by hunters than have been. There are plenty of deer in 135 (relatively speaking, as some would posit that if you don't see 50 bucks a day, there are too few deer) and the occasional bruiser does come out of there. More probably are taken out of the other areas.

There is a lot of very rugged, steep country in G. If you want to decrease competition with other hunters get off the beaten track. That isn't always determined by miles, but by difficulty of access. There are plenty of areas that you won't get horses in and out of. There are areas that would be a challenge to hike in and out of. I expect there are some areas (think in term of acres, not miles) that never get hunted. I have seen small basins and clearings in steep country that I've never seen a hunter in. Neither have I hunted them, though a spotting scope substantiates bucks in some. I just don't know--short of a helicopter--how I'd get one out. A younger man, in much better shape, might pull it off.


I live in G, and have seem some impressive deer killed in this area that were not killed umpteen miles back. Many don't post pics on the internet. Think outside the box. Deer adapt. So must we.
 
Great post mmwb and I couldn't agree with you more. It seems this instant gratification world we live in has spread to the perspective of what makes a great hunt. Just putting on my pack and being in that country makes it a great hunt to me and if I'm ever so lucky to take a giant there thats just icing on the cake. I will be there this fall without a tag in my pocket but showing my 2 boys and nephew(who drew tags) some of the most beautiful country on the planet.

It sounds like a great year to come enjoy the country with a mild winter and wet spring. There should be lots of bucks with good bone growth for them to try to uncover this year. It would be awesome if you have been out and about this summer to post some pics of the country and maybe a fuzzy horn or two for my boys to salivate on. They are 15,18&21 and my bro-in-law & I first planned this trip 15 yrs ago while sitting in those very mountains. Hope you can help but in 2 short months they will get to finally experience what we have several times in our lives and we're gonna enjoy every second of it just packing bino's this time. It's not always about the end result that makes a hunt great, it's about the scenery,adventure and people you shared it with for us. 3 good bucks would just be a bonus at the end of a dream hunt already.
 
I have spent 7 of the last 11 days in the high country looking for big bucks. And I have yet to use a day of my 400+ hours of vac. I am guessing from the times of your posts you weren't up there. I am pretty sure I located the best buck up there on Saturday.(I did not film him he was to far) And so did at least one other guy, Big bucks are not like the legendary big foot they are always there. Big bucks are not that smart they are just doing there best to survive. I think a 100% of the deer have an encounter of some kind with man in there first year.(Now days) If you think I have a glass half empty attitude. I do, because the glass is half empty. Yes I am still finding some big bucks. But very few. And most of them are not the caliber there used to be. If you would like to see a couple that I got close enough to film. You tube (Mule Deer Bucks Big Typicals 2015) I hope you guys do have an enjoyable time. But 5000+ guys after the few bucks there are. I'm cheering for the Deer.
 
Thanks for the video link and I would love to see some high country scenery pics as well as those big fuzzy bucks. We could watch hrs of that stuff.

I hear what your sayin on "It ain't what it used to be" but in reality, nothing is. I could argue that the commercialization of hunting has ruined it as much as anything and there are way too many guys looking to make a buck on a few dear that have been deemed "trophies". Hunting to me is about family,friends and the experiences associated. I did not find a buck worthy of hanging my tag on last time there but I will not apologize if my son decides a 150 class buck is a trophy in his eyes. We will enjoy this trip regardless of the lack of 200 inch monsters.
 
I think we are all in agreement that the monster bucks are farther and fewer between, then in days of yore. What I do suggest is that in big country like this, there are a lot of pockets that are not heavily glassed all summer. There is simply too much country for even the outfitters to cover it all. The big bucks I have seen over the past several years have not been in high country basins. They have been in thick timber. There are enough small openings to allow forage, there is water, and I believe that one of the adaptation of some of these bucks is stay in cover through the summer and the fall. You won't find these bucks glassing. What percentage of the 'big' bucks--what ever that is--are basin/avalanche chute/secondary ridge clearing bucks and what percentage are holed up in the timber until migration is anyone's guess.

I suppose in the end, people that need to see a lot of bucks or see 190" or 200" bucks will mourn the past and be unhappy with what G has become. Those who enjoy just hunting in great country will still think its a privilege to do so and enjoy it.
 
>I think we are all in
>agreement that the monster bucks
>are farther and fewer between,
>then in days of yore.
> What I do suggest
>is that in big country
>like this, there are a
>lot of pockets that are
>not heavily glassed all summer.
>There is simply too much
>country for even the outfitters
>to cover it all.
>The big bucks I have
>seen over the past several
>years have not been in
>high country basins. They have
>been in thick timber. There
>are enough small openings to
>allow forage, there is water,
>and I believe that one
>of the adaptation of some
>of these bucks is stay
>in cover through the summer
>and the fall. You
>won't find these bucks glassing.
>What percentage of the 'big'
>bucks--what ever that is--are basin/avalanche
>chute/secondary ridge clearing bucks and
>what percentage are holed up
>in the timber until migration
>is anyone's guess.
>
>I suppose in the end, people
>that need to see a
>lot of bucks or see
>190" or 200" bucks will
>mourn the past and be
>unhappy with what G has
>become. Those who enjoy
>just hunting in great country
>will still think its a
>privilege to do so and
>enjoy it.

^^^
Great post. I agree 100℅.


[font face="verdana" color="green"]
Jake Swensen
 
OK mmwb I guess the only way I'm going to bring you around to my way of thinking is to take you on a scouting trip with me. I am pretty sure I can show you the biggest buck you have ever seen in one morning. How few Deer & how many more hunters than Deer does there need to be, before you change your mind. I don't think you have any idea the time & effort I put in, and have put in watching these animals. That I have loved since I was a small boy. This is Monster Muley's. And you act like there is something wrong with me wanting to keep big bucks around. I like 190 & 200+ inch bucks. You go ahead & get those 18 inchers if that makes you feel good. Let me know when/if you would like to go on a little look about.
 
I am all for the kids doing what they need to, So they can have a good time in the outdoors. Sounds like you have found the very best way to spend time with family. Good luck to your party.
 
So, why don't those deer die every year? It's funny that you make it sound like every inch of G gets scouted and hunted, yet I sure seem to find plenty of ground without hunters in it every time that I am there.
 
I've been paying close attention to this thread ever since it started. I drew the tag this year and I'm really happy about the opportunity to go and hunt it. Since I decided I wanted to hunt the region a few years ago it seems like I've heard two separate stories, all the "hype" and all the "doom and gloom".

I am a non resident, and luckily I only live a few hours away. This gives me a chance to scout it regularly. I've spent 6 out of the last 10 days in the unit. Before those trips I had only spent one day in the area. I have seen better then 140 bucks in those 6 days. Probably half of those bucks are in the 20-24" range. Four bucks that will be 30" or better. 5-6 that should go north of 180. 2 bucks that are 180ish right now. Needless to say I'm looking forward to it. I've always been told even where there is a lot of 190-200" deer there still isn't very many.

I'm a younger guy, so I never knew what it was. Shoot, I have never known what anything used to be. What I do know is its a special place. Some of the most beautiful deer country I've ever laid eyes on. Does it get over hunted? By the sounds of it yes. I'm not going to let it bother me though. In the end everyone else is out there doing the same thing I am.

From what I've seen, There are still some big deer. I mean, if a guy can take someone out in one morning and show them the biggest deer they've ever seen, it can't be that bad... And letmgetbig, you have some awesome videos on the tube. Good luck to all who are hunting there this fall, maybe I'll see you there!
 
letmgetbig,
Sometimes a different perspective can be misinterpreted as outright disagreement. I don't doubt what you are seeing and that you have the skill see what's out there where you are looking. The only disagreement I have is with the idea that all the big bucks have been found. The area is geographically huge. Many areas can't even be glassed, due to timber. Maybe there are only 40 big bucks. Maybe there are only 40 that have been found. I'm not a trophy hunter, but haven't shot an 18" deer in a few years. I have seen some big bucks, one in particular that I expect few on monster muleys would pass on. Wanting bigger bucks is fine and I have a lot of respect for those who put forth the effort and have the skills to regularly find and kill them. I've only one deer on the wall and am okay if that is all I ever have. To each their own. We just see a few things differently.
 
The point I was trying to make isn't what A great Deer finder I am. But the fact that I know where they are as do many guys. The area isn't so huge with 6000 guys in it. And an airplane can scout most of it in an hour. Not to mention in July the bucks are out in the open and easy to spot.(All of them are)The winter range isn't that big either (what's left of it) if you know your way around you can cover most of it. And there were not that many big deer on the winter range. I found the same ones every time. missalot I think most of the Bucks don't make it. Last year I know of only 2 of the bucks I was watching that made it through the hunt.(One I let go because I wanted him in the gene pool) And I would guess if you didn't see any hunters where you were, then nobody saw any Bucks there that they liked. Do your thing and enjoy the last of it because it's almost to be like everywhere else not worth a sh%%.
 
I have hunted G every year that I have drawn a tag since the mid 1980's. Years ago, we would see at least one 35 incher every year, and I saw one pushing 40" back when they kept the high country open later in the year. The really big ones are usually too far away to close the gap and get a shoot before dark.

We did see a 35 incher pretty recently. It was about ago two miles away across a large basin. It took a long time to get near where he had been and just as we got there, a helicopter buzzed past at treetop level. It spooked a herd of nearby does in every direction, but after the helicopter passed, we couldn't find the big boy. Talk about poor timing. It was the only helicopter we saw in a week of hunting.

Nowadays, you are lucky to find even one buck 30" or over in a season. Here is a clue. I have never seen a really good buck less than 2 miles from the nearest road in G. Also, you have to be in the right area during the first 2 hours and last 1 hour of daylight to see them. Once the big bucks get bedded down for a while, they will sit tight and won't move unless you almost step on them, so you seldom find much midday.

Good luck. Bucks or no bucks, it is some really beautiful country all the time (except when the mountain maggots are present). The maggots are the curse of that unit.
 
Fortunately, I don't have to sleep with the prom queen to feel like I went on a good date! However, the last time that I had the tag, we did get to chase a huge non-typical buck that we lost in the timber.....but I'm sure that you know right where he lives!
 
That's it. I'm in. I have been watching this website for quite some time now, and I just decided to register. This has been a great topic. The one thing I realized is that we all share a love for hunting mule deer. I think it is good to listen to different peoples perspectives. I have hunted mule deer in several western states and drew in four this year. region G happens to be one of the areas I will be hunting and I am fired up. I have several friends that have hunted it and I have heard many different opinions on the area. The bottom line is region G is amazing country and there are some big deer that get killed every year. That's enough to fuel my fire. I am heading down tomorrow and I can't wait to start glassing. I'm heading in to an area I think looks good with no info from anyone (that's the way I prefer it). To me, looking at maps and google earth and then putting boots on the ground to locate deer is one of the best parts of chasing these cool critters. There is no better feeling for me than when I glass up a great deer off of my own gut feeling. I'll let you guys know what my experience is like.
 
Ruby
How'd your scouting trip up in the high country go??? Hope all is going well and you spotted the buck with your name on him... Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to make it up scouting this year besides on google earth... I'm just happy to get drawn out of state and go check out some beautiful country... Good luck in Wyoming ill see you around...
Tyson
 
letmgetbig
Well that was a pretty cool youtube video all I can say is I'm going to hunt hard and see what I turn up in God's country... I'm not fortunate enough to live up there and have ton's of vacation time to go and scout like you are able to... I will take my pop's along and enjoy good family time while hunting... So good luck and kill a big one... I will do my best and try to do good as well... Thanks for all the post
Tyson
 

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