Mule Deer Hunting 101

grizzmoose

Very Active Member
Messages
1,023
What kind of tips can you give a novice muley hunter?

Ive taken one deer in my life and most of that was dumb luck. I consider myself a novice hunter, hunting in novice ways. Id like to learn from some of you more experienced guys some basic tips on hunting muleys. Give me some tips on where to look, when to look, how to look etc. What are the best slopes to find deer on (east facing, south etc.) How often do deer take water? How often do they feed? I guess Im looking for any information on mule deer habits or hunting techniques that will better prepare me for my hunt this year. I have a Utah limited entry tag that I want to make successful.

Give me some pointers!!

-Travis
 
The main things i look for are areas with cover and feed close by if theres water great. I usually go to the highest areas that have these things. I have seen more game right at first and last light than any other time. Deer will move around mid day to stretch and eat so always be alert. You need to find a good vantage point and glass, glass, glass, let your eyes do your walking.
 
Agreed glassing is the main thing for me. When you get on one of those high points don't let yourself stand out like a sore thumb. Try to stay in the cover and out of the skyline. They will spot you very easy if you don't. Try to be to a good vantage point by daylight, sit and watch for awhile. What type of terrain are you in? Where I hunt there are a lot of rim rock that the big bucks like to bed below, so I catch myself watching those areas more. Good luck to ya! Keep us posted on how it goes.
 
Agree with al of the above,

In my country the deer will go to bed very early like before dark. I never get in a hurry because I know the biggest bucks will already be bedded before daylight. With this said I spend all my time glassing and a little walking deeper canyons. I dont think I have ever killed a muley that was out feeding when I saw him. There is nothing like spotting a big boy bedded in a canyon or below a rimrock. My advice for you would be to contact some locals for a little info and if you dont have a good pair of binos or spotting scope I would invest in one or the other(preferably spotting scope). Alot of people cant do it but you need to train yourself to sit and stair through a spotting scope for hours on end if need be. After the first weekend I would imagine most bug bucks in most areas do the same thing. Something else I will get up and move about 20 yards whenever I feel comfortable there is nothing in my direct field of view. It only takes one branch to cover a deer if he is a mile away so moving every ounce in a while gives you a whole new perspective but looking in the same area if you get my drift.
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom