DIY Archery mule deer hunt

[Nolanh1986]

A couple friends and I are looking into planning a mule deer hunt out west this year and are looking for some advice. Willing to travel anywhere but looking into Wyoming as of now. Looking for easy States to draw tags or even over the counter. Please help!!!!

 

[DidIDraw]

Purchase a subscription to GoHunt Insider, HuntinFool, Epic Outdoors or something similar and do some research to narrow down the experience you want to have. There are lots of easy-to-draw and OTC tags available but the tradeoff is usually smaller animals, difficult terrain, low success rates, etc. There are also lots of tags that can be drawn every couple of years and if you can/want to apply in multiple states you can plan on a hunt most every year. Of course there are the once every 10+ year tags that offer larger animals and higher success rates but you have to make a plan and get started purchasing points.

I think you'll get more response from these forums if you've narrowed down your criteria a bit further.

 

[BrianID]

Any of the western states could provide a quality archery hunting experience for you and your friends in 2019. Idaho and Arizona offer over the counter tags for archery. It wouldn't be hard to get a mule deer tag to archery hunt in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Montana. Toprut is a free website that can help you figure out the draw but some of the subscription websites/magazines would provide additional details that would help. You can find some good information here at monstermuleys but don't expect anyone to tell you their best spots to hunt.
Since you asked about Wyoming, you must be interested in that state for some reason. For Wyoming as a nonresident you will generally draw a tag that allows you to rifle hunt and then you can buy an archery permit that generally allows you to hunt part of or the entire month of September.
What type of a hunt are you looking for? High mountain backpack, camp next to your truck or stay in a hotel? Is your group willing to hike/hunt rough country or do you want flat easier to hike country?

 

[Nolanh1986]

We are very interested in high mountain or camp by your truck style trip but are not sure where to start: such as regions to apply, what to pack, and time of year to go. We are looking to hunt public land if drawn and need area that offers that opportunity. We are not looking for record breaking bucks but mainly a great adventure and opportunity. We are from Mississippi and are some good ole boys looking for a western adventure before we get too old to chase. Is Wyoming where we need to be?

 

[Nolanh1986]

Thank you for the feedback and will definitely be looking into these.

Criteria:
Spot and Stalk style archery hunt
Camping in high country/ next to truck
Easy to draw tag for 2019/OTC
Not looking to kill record muley just a good experience in the great outdoors
Public land/walk in/ private land owner access is a must

 

[liecabucks]

Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado are just a handful of the general areas you could score a tag. Some you could get OTC but most you'll need to apply for the draw, that doesn't mean you'll need a boat load of points though. General unit tags are likely what you are looking for. If higher open country is what you are into then any of these states will produce you a tag given you get into the draw In the states that are managed in that fashion. Like stated above, narrow your search down a tad bit before asking the blanket question. Most won't give you narrowed answers to your question without feeling like you've done your part.


Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

 

[Nolanh1986]

Thank you.

 

[BrianID]

If you are coming from Mississippi then I think you shouldn't overlook the states that would be the shortest drive. New Mexico and Colorado could both give you the type of hunt you are looking for but you will have to draw a tag in either state. You have more than 3 months before applications are due in NM and CO. Wyoming application is due in May. Many of the General Season Regions in Wyoming could be drawn this year with zero points and you could have a good hunt there. Spend some time on the state websites and learn about your different options. Researching and planing the hunt are part of the fun in a DIY hunt.