Mule deer

I am new to Utah and looking into muley hunting. I am going to be here at least 2 years with the Air Force and I need any tips y?all have. Grew up on whitetail and looking for more. Thank you in advance!

You need to put in for the draw. Hopefully you can get a tag in the first year our two. You need your hunter safety number to enter the draw. Get a proclamation at the sporting goods store. Learn the areas. Maybe close to you and drive around learn the roads and deer patterns. Putting in for the area that you like. Figure out what weapon type you are going to hunt with. Good luck.

Is it worth it to get a guide or just dive in and figure it all out myself? I just don't want to spend thousands and thousands just for one hunt. And I have a Remington 700 7mm mag as of now

No need for a guide at all. Get a couple of points on a Unit like Fishlake, Monroe or Boulder and you'll be able to get plenty of help that will put you on some deer.

First, thanks for your service,

If you've established residency and you want to use your rifle, then deciding where you want to get a permit is your next step. Utah has hunt regions and some are harder to draw than others. Since the application period is coming up in the next few months, you need to decide where to go. Most permits sell out in the draw so you need to know that you may not get a permit the first year, but if you don't get a permit this year, you are given a bonus point that significantly ups your chances of drawing the second year you apply. If you draw a permit this year, I'm sure you can jump on MM for more specific advice on how to proceed, once you know where you can hunt.

You may want to go into the Region Division of Wildlife. Probably the Ogden office if you are stationed at Hill. The people in that office should be able to answer any questions you have about getting started.
Welcome to Utah.

LAST EDITED ON Dec-15-18 AT 10:38AM (MST)[p]Like other western states, Utah is divided up into hunting units and allocates hunting permits with a draw system. Some units are more difficult to draw than others, but as mentioned by someone else, you'll need to decide which area of the state you want to hunt and then apply for it. Go look at the drawing odds on the DWR website to help you decide.

Utah is big country, so you'll need good optics to help you find the deer. You?ll want to evaluate your binoculars/spotting scope set up.

You?ll find the most success if you learn the area you've decided to hunt. Pre-season scouting will give you this knowledge and help you get a feel for the quantity and quality of deer on the unit. If you scout during the summer, you'll probably see more bucks at higher elevations and in the open. That will change when they rub their velvet. Your glass will come in handy. So will a good pair of quality boots.

You?ll increase your hunting options, and probably your hunting success, if you're in good physical condition. Getting a mile or two away from the roads (where many hunters remain) will improve your chances of seeing and harvesting game.

There?s no substitute for time in the field. Get out there as much as you can. Learn the trails. Look for the water and food sources and the bedding areas. Practice finding deer and observe their habits and patterns. You?ll usually see more bucks during the first and last hour of light. Don?t miss being where you need to be during those times. Get proficient with your weapon of choice and try not to let buck fever consume you when it's finally time to pull the trigger.

Good luck!

And thanks for your service to our country...

Rimrock