Mulie Newbie

S

SkipHeald

Guest
Hey Guys,
I am from Maine and a very experienced whitetail hunter. I have been lucky enough to have taken several large deer in state. I am going to Montana (Glasgow) for a guided mule deer hunt next week. This will be the first time for me to hunt mule deer. My hunt is 11-5 to 11-9, and the outfitter told me that is during the peak of the rut out there. I really dont know what to expect in regards to weather, terrain or the deer itself. Any tips or information would be much appreciated.
 
LAST EDITED ON Oct-26-05 AT 06:18AM (MST)[p]Welcome to the club! Hope you have a great hunt. Haven't hunted that area, but doubt if you will be hunting the "peak" of the rut. It should be starting by then, but most mulies peak in mid to late November. It may very well be the only time they are rutting during the season, so it sounds like a good time to go. There definately should be some does coming in by then, so hopefully you can find a big-un looking for females!

Be in shape, and try to shoot some at distances longer than you are used to shooting whitetail. Distances out to 400+ yards are a real posibility. Know your max and stick with it.

Be sure you have some good socks and hiking boots. If you have blisters or cold feet, you will be miserable. I use a sock liner, a wool sock and a good quality, well broken in goretex boot.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
Bring plenty of warm cloths. It may or may not be real cold this early but it's better to be prepared. My buddy hunts Montana at Thanksgiving to hit the peak of the rut. I think your a little early. Good luck.
 
LAST EDITED ON Oct-26-05 AT 10:51AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Oct-26-05 AT 10:50?AM (MST)

Its true that you may be a bit early for the "Peak" of the rut, but dont worry about it. Mule deer gather harems, alot like elk do so you should see plenty of nice bucks. The mule deer in eastern Montana usally arent really heavy antlered compared to western Montana and they are coming back from a rough winter a few years ago. Your in for some awesome hunting skipheald! Be sure to listen to your guide in regards to determining a shooter buck. Mule deer tend to look bigger than whitetails. For example, a 20 inch wide whitetail would be a really nice buck in alot of areas, but a 20 inch wide mule deer buck is a young one. Talk to you guide about the quality of the bucks in the area youll be hunting and how big of a buck they would consider average. Then its up to you to determine how big of a buck youre willing to hold out for. Since your spending alot of money on this hunt, Id hold out for at least a 24 inch buck with good front and back forks and decent mass. Dont skip on the warm comfortable clothes either. Good prickly pear proof boots are a must for hunting eastern Montana. And dont forget a good pair of binos either, 10x42 are about optimal for open country hunting. GOOD LUCK and HAPPY HUNTING!
 
Thanks alot guys, i really appreciate the information. I think Im ready. Your correct on the yardage..In Maine, you are fortunate to be presented a shot beyond 125 yards due to the big woods. I purchased a new Browning ABolt 300wsm. I am sighted in at 2" high at 125 yards. Not looking forward to the 400yd shot. I was advised to put a bipod on the rifle which I did and hope that helps. Again, thanks for the information and cant wait to experience that country. Sounds really nice. I am hunting in the "Milk River" area, and tag is good for a white tail as well. I doubt I would shoot a whitetail unless I could get into the 170 class buck, but from what I hear those are not uncommmon in that area either.
 

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