Species: Mule Deer

Mule Deer

Mule deer are a classic symbol of the west.  They roam from the highest peaks, to the foothills, to the priaries and deserts.  Many people do not realize how far east the mule deer live, but given their lower numbers, drawing tags for these more eastern populations of Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas can be more difficult.

The opportunity to hunt mule deer is ample, to the On Your Own hunter who is determined to chase them.   Idaho has first-come, first-served tags for their general units, and most of the states requiring limited entry draws have some units go undersubscribed, allowing the travelling hunter the chance to hunt mule deer, if he is flexible and willing to put in the effort.  Obviously, the premier areas of trophy mule deer, have limited tags and competition for these few opportunities is keen.  Yet, each year, some of the biggest mule deer in the west are taken in areas where tags are easy to acquire.

One doesn’t have to look too far into the trophy records to see that Colorado is the promised land of mule deer hunting.  Surrounding states of Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico have many entries also.  Northern Arizona and northern Nevada hold great mule deer quality, though not in the abundance found in the previously mentioned states.  Idaho and Montana have more opportunity than most other states, with Idaho have some great bucks, and Montana have a great number of above average bucks.

The methods of hunting mule deer are as different as the terrain they live in.  Glassing, then following up with a well-planned stalk is the method that accounts for most trophy mule deer.  Given mule deer are extermely vulnerable during the November rut, most states  restrict rut hunting, with the exception of Montana, where the entire rut period is open to tag holders.

Colorado has limited permits for all mule deer, and is on a preference point system.  Hunters with the most points draws the tag.  Colorado has units that go unsubscribed every year.  On Your Own hunters willing to work a little harder than that average hunter, and those willing to consider archery or muzzleloader hunts can find themselves hunting in Colorado every year.

Wyoming has a preference point system for some of their non-resident tags, and some are in a random draw.  Wyoming also lets you put in for the “special” deer tag, which is merely a higher priced tag, with a lower number of applicants, increasing your draw odds.

Idaho gives their tags to non-residents on a first-come, first-served basis.  And, many of their hunts are limited entry, allowing the lucky hunter to draw a tag that provides a season during the November rut.  There is no bonus or preference point system in Idaho, so your chances are as good as the next hunter, every year.

Montana has a deadline for non-residents in mid-March.  You can apply for a deer tag only, or a deer-elk combo tag.  If you draw, you can hunt any of the general deer units in the state, which is most of the state.  And most of the rifle hunts will be in the rut.  Montana uses a bonus point system for non-residents.

New Mexico has moved most of their deer  hunting in quality units to January archery hunts.  A few tags are available for rifle or muzzleloader, but the competition for these few tags makes t very hard to draw a tag.  Every year, some record book mule deer come from areas surrounding the Jicarilla Indian Reservation.  New Mexico does not have a point system.

Utah has ample opportunity, combined with some of the best limited entry units in the west.  Expect crowded conditions in Utah’s general units, but if you luck out and draw one of the limited entry tags in southern or eastern Utah, expect to have a great hunt.  You will have a lot of competition for those tags.  Utah has a bonus point system, with half the tags going to hunters with the highest bonus point totals.

Nevada has amazing mule deer hunting, when one considers who much opportunity is provided for such a limited resource.  The arid landscape of Nevada makes for lower numbers, but the quality of deer is great.  Nevada uses a bonus point system for allocating tags, and squares you bonus points, giving the hunters with high point totals a great advantage in drawing tags.  Archery, muzzleloader, and rifle opportunities all provide chances at trophy bucks.

Arizona is home to the storied Kiabab and Arizona Strip mule deer herds.  There is probably no place on earth where that matches the Arizona Strip for the percentage of trophy bucks harvested each year when compared to the total number harvested.  The Kiabab area is a close second.  Both areas have rifle tags and some muzzleloader tags in the November rut.  Non-residents need to be at the top of the bonus point pile to secure on of these permits.  There are other good mule deer in Arizona that are virtually untapped by non-resident hunters.

Oregon, Washington, California, and the Dakotas all have good mule deer hunting.  Unfortunatley, the ability of non-residents to hunt the best quality areas is very limited.  Yet, if it fits your schedule or opportunity arises, don’t overlook these options.  Most mule deer hunting in Texas is on private land, making it difficult for the On Your Own hunter to take advantage of these limted opportunities.

A Nevada muzzleloader buck from BLM ground.