First mule deer hunt

ldeemer · Dec 26, 2013

I'm new to this forum and new mule deer hunting
As we'll.i booked my first mule deer hunt for next oct
In eastern Colorado and was wondering what size deer
I should see and what do I look for in a nice mule deer

muleymaddness · Dec 26, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Dec-26-13 AT 07:29PM (MST)[p]Who did you book with? That could make a difference on the size to expect.

Eastern Colorado, guided, reputable outfitter, end of October, I'd at least hold for a 170+.

muleymaddness · Dec 26, 2013

Also, my first mule deer hunt was in Eastern Colorado. I came hope empty handed...

ldeemer · Dec 26, 2013

I'm going with big sandy outfitters out of limon Colorado

sageadvice · Dec 26, 2013

Being that you are going with a guide-outfitter, you might want to hold off and look at a few bucks until you find one you really want to take. Trophy bucks are like Beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder. Some like them wide, some high, some like them heavy, and others go for extra points. Myself, i like older bucks with large heavy frames no matter the points.

Usually, when you see a shooter buck, you will know it right off. Also, listen to your guide and ask him before hand what class of buck you should expect to find. Don't let him off too easy by shooting the first medium type buck he points to you, unless of coarse, you really like him too.

I have always thought that the best part of Mule deer hunting is the Hunt, being out in the Big Country, and looking at lots of deer in their environment. Unless a big monster shows up, the very last thing i want to do is shoot a buck on the first part of my hunt.

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

sagebrush · Dec 26, 2013

Your outfitter should answer those questions. There are plenty of pictures on this forum to get an idea of what an particular scoring animal looks like.

bmarquez · Dec 26, 2013

You need to shoot what you will be happy with. The old saying is if you shoot the first big one you'll never kill a monster is sometimes true. How exciting for you, congrats!! I would start by looking on their website to see what they typically harvest, and expect something similar. I would say if you are not on a management hunt they should be able to put you one a 160-180 inch deer. I would definitely not go in expecting a 200 inch deer, but it could happen, and if it happens awesome!! I am not familiar with your outfitter, but the best in Eastern Colorado is Atkinson Expeditions. They have a guide named Jeremy Fiscus that puts guys in front of giants on a regular basis, and the rest of their crew is phenomenal as well! They are the best in the business in my opinion, but I'm sure the crew out of Limon is great as well. Good luck and make sure you post some pics!! There are some giants out in that country!!

bullskin · Dec 27, 2013

And remember, you are paying for a hunt. Why deprive yourself of the opportunity of enjoying all of the time afield to which you are entitled by shooting the first good buck you see? Enjoy your experience. If you pass on a good buck early on, then consider it a calculated risk that provided you more time to enjoy the hunt.