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m77_ruger

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Hi,I'm a Wisconsin native who has hunted whitetails.I would like to learn to hunt mulies,probably in Wy,or Mt.
I would appreciate any input that you experienced hunters could offer.
I'm a working stiff that can't really expect to go on a guided hunt.I'm more interested in the possibility of a decent mulie than the true "trophy".(if that happens praise be).
are there public ares that you can reasonably expect to encounter a descent buck?
 
Welcome to the site m77, you came to a good place to pick up tips on hunting muleys. Start doing your homework on the G&F websites that are listed on the MM home page, find out how much a tags going to cost you and drawing and harvest statistics are also available on most of those sites as well. And start asking questions.

Mike
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With all the expenses, I think you may find to fly out and hunt with a guide, you would come out ahead. Look freakin price of gas these days! Maybe a unguided hunt, with an outfit that gives you a place to stay, feeds you, Packs out your game and drops you off in a good area and lets you do the hunting would be what you are looking for. It amazes me the $40,000 rigs that come to Wyoming from MN and WI pulling trailers with 4 $8000 4wheels to hunt on public land without being able to scout it. I think if I wanted a Wisconsin Whitetail it would be cheaper to fly there and get a guide. If you are dead set on doing it your self, the Bighorn Mts in north central Wyoming have a lot of decent mule deer, not many trophies, but a abudence of decent bucks.

WB
 
thanks for the response.
I have been navigating the FG site in Wy.The basics are soooo different than I'm accustomed to.
I can't even decipher the difference between a regular,special or left over tag yet!!!
then it's "type" of hunt,all this is new and I'm trying.
 
rest assured I won't be pulling a high buck rig!!In fact the most expensive piece of equipment I will have is the optics :)
The Bighorn area does look inviting as does the Absoraka area.
Unfortunately the draw odds of the latter are not to good.
 
For you non-res hunters, a regular tag is one that costs $4XX.00 if you draw it, the special is like $8XX.00 which supposedly gets you better draw odds but...... and a left over tag is a tag that is in an undersubscribed area that didnt give out all the tags in the first or second drawing. Left over tags are easy to draw but are usually in areas where public access is difficult to obtain. Now onto the Type of hunt. Type simply means it has circumstances, making that more simple means that a Type 1 tag in area X might mean antlered, but a Type 1 in area Y might mean that particular area has two opening dates, an early tag or a late tag. You have to read the G&F orders for that particular unit to decipher what "Type 1 or 2" means. The Bighorns are good but access can be difficult. Check into some of the central and southern plains or desert areas, lots of public land and decent draw/harvest odds.

Mike
at235.gif
 
cool,I'm a non-res!! I'm learning already!
when I look at the harvest reports I assume that reflects density of an area.Is there ant way to determine the buck to doe ratio?
central and southern plains,sounds ok to me.
I am still looking at "tresspass" hunts,the name is a little intimidating,but the hunts look to have potential.then too the private land public access program is intriguing,the odds are poor though.
 
Are you talking buck/doe ratio of the harvest or live animals? Dont get too nutted up about tresspass, get some good maps and study them. You can find your way around on BLM land to most places you want to hunt.

Mike
at235.gif
 
ratio for live animals,my understanding is the the more mature bucks per mature doe the better your chance of a "good un".
you do bring up an excellent point,how do I obtain quality maps?
sorry about the delay the Packers are playing the Viqueens,so far so good!!
 
sorry about the delay the Packers are playing the Viqueens,so far so good!!

Yanno new guy, we were doing good until you had to mention that the Cheese heads were thinking about winning a game this season, especially against my beloved Vikes.


Mike
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glad thats over!!! (better lucky than good)
now on to important things.
whats your advice on obtaining maps?
is there a way of getting maps with the unit numbers or hunt areas?
how to determine BLM access?
 
Mike,

What are you talking about, there are no deer in the desert areas of Wyoming ;) At least none a Cheese Head should know about.

WB
 
ok,ok I've been a "cheesehead "for a long time.I was born here when dirt was a new concept.I also remember 12 game seasons where the bushwackers would maybe win 3-4 games.We celebrated 1st downs not touchdowns.
I would like to learn to hunt mulies,I have driven the west for many years,and marveled at the sites and game.
Some of my best or worst memories are of the western slopes in a semi.Logan Pass also comes to mind.
I just would like to hunt mulies in WY,MT or Co,becauce they offer the best deer,at a distance I can cover.
 
Honestly, I live in wyoming and have considered going with an outfitter, for timberline Mule Deer and Elk. Horses are almost a must and by the time you buy horses, horse trailer, tack, feed them all year, you might as well go with an outfitter and have them do all the work and you can relax after you pull the trigger. It may be a fun experiment for you start a list of expences and list them here.

WB
 
I have'nt completely ruled out a guided hunt,although I have this idea I would like to "do it myself".I know it's not practical,I can't even scout!!I'm also no kid anymore,although I'm not as good as I once was,I'm as good once as I ever was :)
I have no use for what I call the pampered hunts.I can cook and clean-up after myself.The pack animal(s) is a good idea.I have no reservation of a remote area,and understand the absolute necessity of packing out every pound of meat. access and area are what I'm trying to determine right now.
 
M77, I live and was born in Denver Colo and my vote would be for Colo. Your chances of getting a tag is really good as the DOW (division of wildlife) gives out a lot of tags in most units. Also cost. I would never pay $400.00-$800.00 for just a hunting tag. Tags for non-residents last year were $298.25 throught out Colorado. Success rates are ok in most units but its just depents on how hard you hunt. Units I would recommend would be 14/214 up by Steamboat Springs or 181/27 buy Kremmling or unit 18 north of Hot Sulpher Springs. All of these units have 50% or more of pulbic land( BLM, State trust, or Forest Service). We will be heading into unit 181/27 next year in Nov for Deer. All of these area you will not have a problem getting a tag in, as they had leftover tag for the last few years. We hunt out of a tent and may have room if you need a place to stay. Also for maps you can get them for $4.00 each from the Bureau of Land Management.

Bureau of Land Management
Colorado State Office
2850 Youngfield St
Lakewood Colo, 80215

E-mail me at [email protected] if you have any other questions that I could help you out with. Jovan
 
Cooking and Cleaning are the least of your worries. Pack animals are not not only a good idea, they are a must in many area's you can not humanly pack out an animal in many areas. You could start and would have to finish in the spring when the snow melts. All I'm saying is you could do it yourself. Drive accros the country, hunt an area, maybe lucky to get a good deer, more likely a small deer or nothing, drive back. You would have the feeling of I did it all on my own, maybe that is what you are looking for. But it would cost you the same as if you would of just got an outfitter in the end and you would have a better chance of getting a good deer. Outfitters are not for lazy people, nothing about hunting the high country is lazy, if you are you go home empty handed, your guide will out walk you, out do you in every way. The harder you work the better your odds will be of a big one. But thats a different subject.

My point is you will spend less, especially if you put a value on your time. To get a outfitter of some sort, maybe a drop camp would be the way to go. I can see your mind is pretty well make up and I respect take. Just for fun, you should list your expences here.

WB
 
I understand what you are telling me.
I do not even know what a drop camp is.
as to expenses,fuel,groceries,and packing service are the main ones I can come up with.
The guides are tremendous if you can swing it,I just do'nt know if I can.
 
A drop camp is when a guide packs you and your camp into an area. Drops everything off and leaves. Comes back in a day or two, sees if you are still alive. If not he packs your dead body out. If so, he asks you if you go anything down. He will help you pack out your animal. When you are done hunting, he will come back and pack your camp to where you started. Its the cheapest step next to a do it yourself hunt.

WB
 
Thanx!!!
I recognize by name all of the areas you mention,anything west of Denver gets interesting!!
Steamboat was an area that I saw MANY deer in but had no clue how to obtain access.
Your specific mention of areas is a great help,as is liscense info.
November is about when I plan to hunt,that is when work slows a little.I appreciate greatly the possibility of a face to face meeting.I would'nt advise sharing a tent with me however,I have been accused (unjustly) of snoring!!!
 
wow,I like this idea!!
I also like the idea of being packed out in the same string as the game.
That struck me funny!
 
m77_ruger,

WOW! you better take him up on his offer, might not get another, that would be perfect for you. Just be sure to bring some cheese from home for everyone, you might be invited back. Colorado is the cheapest for non-res, and mile and miles of public land, big bucks too if you're lucky.

WB
 
sounds pretty good,I'll bring Lombardi trophies made of cheddar!!
I'm willing to lend a hand and learn in the process.
The public access kind of suprises me,but I'm glad to hear it!
just a "shooter",and new friends to boot!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Better offer him a whitetail hunt in return, a whitetail to a Dever hunter is about as rare as an African Impala, might have to tie him to a treestand, he won't want to sit there long.

WB
 
FWIW, you may see if anyone on the list would take you with them in exchange for the same thing in Wisc. for a nice whitetail. If you have been hunting there that long, surely you have access to private land and know where to go for a wall hanger. You may even gain a new friend or two................rf
 
Hey I'm from wisconsin too. I live up around the Eau claire area. Are You ready for some whitetail on Sat? I hunt Minn. as well as what western state I draw each year. Gotta love the packer game on sunday Eh?
You will love this site
Driftersifter
 
I would offer to hunt with anyone,I do'nt have a lot of access to public ground,but I do the best I can.
I have been hunting Wi since the mid-70's,to date,no wallhangers.The Bucks seem to get harvested young.
I still love it though.
 
ready!
I'm from Colfax,I hunt a lot in the shot gun areas,they don't seem to get the pressure.
I love any Packer game,win,loose or draw.
I am going to try to learn to hunt mulies.My experience is the best advice is always from people who participate.
 
well I don't think the Pack is any threat to go far.NO defense,watch Philly in the NFC,I think this is their year.
 
I'm having a bit of trpuble navigating this site.My replies are'nt here!They must be floating around in cyberspace.
 
Cornell here I hunt down by Osseo where I own a 160 and my brothers own an additional 120 we have a few wall hangers I personally have done much better in Minnesota. I hunt all 9 days pretty hard except this year as I have a 150 acres of corn left to harvest. I usually just have 20 or so for deer hunting purposes but not this year. People out west would freak at all the orange come opening day in wisconsin.

driftersifter
 
150 acres still standing,I would'nt sleep!!I have'nt started yet,although I only have 45 acres.
I hunt pretty hard,not like I did when I was a "kid",but I still love it.
I know the Cornell and Osseo areas fairly well,in fact lived in Fairchild MANY years ago.
I hear ya,about the orange blitz,it has gotten tough to find a secluded spot.I do'nt mind pushes with a few guys but the battalion scene I steer clear of.That is one of the reasons I want to learn to hunt the mulies.
I also have this wild idea that I would like all 5 subspecies of deer.I'm stuck at one,and not getting any younger.
 
M77

I am also a nonresident who has been hunting the west since 1997. I think some of these guys are giving you good advice about looking into an outfitter if you can afford it. You need to ask yourself two questions. Do you really want to go the do-it-yourself route and how big of a muley do you want to shoot? I have been doing the do-it-yourself hunts in Region J and D since 1997 without much success but I have passed several forkhorns and 3 x 3 bucks. I just haven't seen a decent 4 X 4 yet. My good friend has hunted with me twice and taken two 4 X 4 bucks. nothing big but just decent sized 4 x 4 bucks. I have lost track of all the whitetails I have taken around here but I am still searchin for my first decent sized muley. I have looked into tresspass hunts in Region J but they are pretty pricey. If you are planning on hunting the west year after year, then by all means learn as much as you can and do it yourself. If this is a one-time-thing for you then you may be better off looking into an outfitter. If you want to send me a private email, I can give you some tips on getting started. I had to learn it myself.

Searchin' for a 4 X 4
 
thanx for the reply.
You make excellent points.In response I would say I plan on yearly hunts.Part of the reason is to (hopefully ) bag a Mulie,I also want to gather info and gain experience in an area and scout for elk.
I would'nt take a fork or smaller,a 3x3 would have to be unique,a 4xanything would be in danger(if I could do my job).
I still have no idea how to obtain e-mail addresses.I learned to type with a ribbon!!My kids have forgotten more about computers than I will ever know,but I can out hunt em.
The tips you mention are what I hope to benefit from.One thing I have come to learn from sportsman,they wo'nt put you on their stand or in their fishing hole,but they will steer you in the right direction.One of the reasons I LOVE being an outdoorsmsn.
 
M77

My comments are based on my experiences in Wyoming but a little digging should allow anyone to apply these tips to most of the western states. I have only hunted in WY and CO.
1) First, you need to identify the area you want to hunt. The WY Game and Fish website has a lot of information on it related to success rates and drawing odds for each hunt area. You can also add your name to their mailing list so you will get the non-resident hunting application package.
2) In WY, it is a lot easier to get a non-resident deer license in the eastern part of the state but the bigger bucks are in the western part. You can hunt anywhere on national forest land EXCEPT wilderness areas. WY law says non-residents can't hunt in wilderness areas unless they are guided. You can hunt any state or BLM land that has public access to it. A lot of state and BLM land in WY is landlocked so you have to cross private property to reach it and you can only cross private property with the landowner's permission. You can contact the WY Game and Fish and request lists of landowners who have allowed non-residents to hunt in the past. Then you have to contact each landowner to see if they will allow you to hunt on their property. Most that do allow hunting will charge you a tresspass fee. I have paid up to $250 to hunt antelope. I know ranches in Region J charge in the neighborhood of $1200 - $1500 to hunt deer. That is too steep for me.
3) On the WY Game and Fish website you will also find information about areas of private land that the state contracts to allow hunter access. This is called the Private Lands - Public Access program. I have hunted antelope on a couple of these and didn't see much game and they appeared to be overhunted. I have also heard that some of these areas are pretty good hunting but I tend to try to get away from the crowds so I haven't hunted these areas much.
4) Once you identify where you want to hunt, you need to get national forest or BLM maps for the areas you want to hunt. A good GPS will help you make sure you are where you supposed to be.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you get a place to hunt, you have to find the deer and WY is a big state and the deer population is much lower than most of the whitetail states back east. Generally, whitetail tactics don't work on mule deer. You have to spot them from a distance then get close enough for a shot. My longest shot to kill a whitetail here has been 126 yards. You will be lucky to get a shot under 200 yards at a big mule deer buck and you need to do a lot of practicing at 300 yards before you go. You need to be in decent shape and able to walk long distances to have a quality hunt on public land.

Good luck in getting you hunt lined up.

Searchin' for a 4 X 4
 

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