Mule Deer Hunting Tips

“Mule deer are dumb.” I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that infuriating statement. My sarcastic response is, “if they’re so dumb, then why don’t you have big bucks lining your rafters?” Hunted mule deer all my life and guided in prime mule deer country in the West, I can assure you that mature buck mule deer are far from dumb. In fact, those who consistently hunt and kill mature bucks would argue the opposite. Hunting for mature bucks is like a chess match that requires a specific skill set developed over many years.

It’s become increasingly difficult, but not impossible. Hunters repeatedly hang their tags on mature bucks in heavily pressured areas. So, what’s the secret to success? While nothing can replace valuable boots-on-the-ground experience, here are mule deer hunting tips and tactics that, when implemented, will help you hang your tag on an elusive, mature buck.

Identify Productive Habitat

When pursuing mule deer, the time of year determines the habitat and elevation to focus on. In September and October, deer are spread out from timberline to valley floors. Agriculture areas hold plenty of deer but create public access difficulties, pushing hunters into National Forest and BLM land. However, mapping apps like onX present hunting opportunities on small parcels of public land near private property.

In November and December, deer migrate toward wintering ranges and engage in breeding. This concentrates deer and increases the likelihood of finding a mature buck. Patience is necessary when locating does, as a buck is likely nearby.

When choosing where to hunt, focus on terrain that provides feed, water, and cover. The appearance of feed and cover varies by location. In higher elevations, target basins with north-facing timber groves next to grass-covered, south-facing benches and hillsides. At lower elevations, look for sage-choked canyons with bitterbrush and aspen pockets. Additionally, seek out rugged canyons and basins with these essentials that are difficult to access or view from roads to reduce hunting pressure.

Scout for Success

Major mule deer hunters are skilled scouts. If you ask successful hunters their secret, they’ll attribute their achievements to preseason scouting. Depending on your hunt’s timing, scouting tactics will differ. In August and September, cover ground until you locate a shooter buck, then begin surveillance. Mule deer have relatively small core areas during this time and can be patterned with time and effort. Watching a buck for several days reveals its feeding, bedding, and watering spots, vastly improving your chances of success.

In October and November, your preseason scouting will change. Locating bucks early indicates the unit’s trophy potential, but they likely won’t be in the same area as in August. However, hiking your unit and pinpointing access and glassing points in advance is essential. The two to three days leading up to opening day are the best for scouting. By then, you can develop a game plan for opening morning.

Hunt the Middle of the Day

After countless days pursuing mule deer, I’ve discovered crucial behavioral patterns. While everyone prefers hunting early and late, pressured mule deer often adapt and feed during the middle of the day when hunters are absent. Recently in Colorado, where pressure and deer movement were minimal, I arrived at a glassing point at 2:30 p.m. By 4:00 p.m., every deer we had seen was bedded down until after dark. This commonly occurs with mature bucks.

If you’re struggling to locate mature bucks, don’t hesitate to extend your hunting times and skip your afternoon siesta. There’s something about the 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. hours that often gets deer on their feet, even if only briefly. Take advantage of these windows of time.

Glass Hard

Optics are the most critical equipment for mule deer hunting. Identify vantage points that provide a clear view and spend ample time surveying the country in front of you.

Glassing time is discretionary but at a minimum, spend an hour scanning a specific area before moving on. You’ll be surprised by the game you spot 45 minutes into glassing, even after scrutinizing the basin multiple times. Allowing time lets bedded bucks reveal their location and allows you to meticulously dissect the area for any signs of deer.

Choose the Right Glass

If you want to elevate your glassing game, invest in a 15X binocular and pair it with a tripod. My Leupold BX-5 Santiam 15X56 binocular has been the game-changing equipment in my mule deer gear. Glassing with a 15X binocular feels exceptionally powerful; there’s nothing you can’t see.

Shoot Accurately

Good optics are as essential as a capable rifle topped with a quality scope that you are comfortable and confident with. Mule deer hunting in the West often involves extended shooting distances. While you don’t need to shoot over 500 yards, being able to shoot precisely at 300 yards significantly increases your chances of success. Practice shooting with sticks and a bipod in real-world hunting scenarios before your hunt. This builds confidence when aiming at a mature buck and establish realistic shooting abilities and reasonable shot distances.

Patience Kills Big Bucks

Hanging your tag on a mature buck requires a methodical approach and patience throughout the hunt. I live by the saying “patience kills big bucks,” which applies to every aspect of mule deer hunting. Be patient while glassing, stalking, and waiting for the right shot opportunity. The mule deer of your dreams is far from dumb and demands immense patience, determination, and a touch of luck. But few hunting endeavors are more rewarding than tagging a mature mule deer buck.

Mule Deer Hunting Tips

• Scout terrain, not just deer. Identify access points, vantage points, camping locations, water sources, and familiarize yourself with the topography of your unit before opening day.
• Hunt the fringes. Mature mule deer are elusive and rarely come out in wide-open areas. Focus on the shady edges of timber and aspen groves during your glassing time.
• Wait for a buck bed. Stalking a stationary target is easier than one still on the move.
• Hunt all day in October and November. Many opportunities at mature bucks are missed during the middle of the day when fewer hunters are in the field.
• Slow down. Rushing to the next ridge often results in missed opportunities at big bucks due to impatience.
• Look close. Don’t overlook country near trailheads or roads. Productive areas can be found within the first mile or two.

Final Thoughts on Mule Deer Hunting

Mule deer are an iconic Western species, and mule deer hunting is a worthwhile pursuit. While mature bucks may be rarer these days, they still exist. Follow these mule deer hunting tips and develop your own tactics through dedicated hunting and you’ll find success.

Mule deer are an iconic Western species, and mule deer hunting is a worthwhile pursuit. While mature bucks may be rarer these days, they still exist. Follow these mule deer hunting tips and develop your own tactics through dedicated hunting and you’ll find success.