Mule Deer - Photo Jim Foster

BY JIM FOSTER

Events connected with hunting happen in two ways, as slow as maple sap drips on a cold day or at the speed of light in a vacuum. For me, both happen on just about every hunt. Hours of looking, searching, and anticipation, and maybe dozing, can be followed by minutes of adrenalin producing excitement.
This outdoor truth was driven home on a recent hunt in Montana the idea was to intercept mule deer bucks migrating from the High-Country to a better wintering area. In spite that I didn’t have a Montana deer tag I had spent days in the saddle, snow and cold weather, and hours of watching the passes with a friend. Then in a split second the buck was there.
Hunting the west for Rocky Mountain mule deer is just what the word says, it’s hunting. All Rocky Mountain states offer the chance of mule deer. However, some states have higher populations while others offer the possibility of true trophy hunting for the selective hunter.
Hunting the elusive trophy mule deer has become a quest of many hunters from both the west and the east. Outfitters in most western states fill their camps with people searching for the buck of a lifetime. It can become habit forming and many will repeat the process year after year.
Another attraction for mule deer hunters is the availability of millions of acres of public lands located in all of the western states. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Forrest Service (NFS), or the state game departments, these public lands offer hunting lands to the mule deer hunter. Those with the equipment and knowledge of mountain navigating can enjoy the experience and challenge of these high country hunts.
Before this continues, let me insert a couple of words of simple advice. First, when your outfitter or hunting buddy tells you to spend some time in the saddle before your hunt – DO IT. Over the years I have seen several mule deer and elk hunts ruined for the saddle sore hunter who must stay in camp. Secondly, spend time on the shooting range with a caliber worthy of the species, its size, and the distance required to accomplish a killing shot. Do not hunt with an untried rifle or ammunition.
“Montana mule deer can only be described as robust,” said Quentin Kujala of the Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks. The 2007 mule deer season was good in spite of the weather not cooperating and a few fires in the state.
According to Quentin the 2008 seasons will be good, again depending on the weather. Winter, as we all know, can be hard on the deer populations and fawn survival. However, 2008 should be a good year for hunters in most parts of the state. Even the areas that experienced wildfires were producing green plants before winter.
According to Montana’s Fish, Wildlife, and Parks reports the top areas for trophy bucks would be in the central and western parts of the state.
Here is some general information that can help you find and kill the trophy mulie of your dreams.
To find large mule deer, the place to look will be the highest elevations.If heights bother you then maybe this hunt is not your cup of tea. The big mule deer bucks are found up to, and above the timberline and at elevations of over 12,000 feet in places.
To describe this hunt as simple would be untrue. It is a tough hunt. Getting into shape, then taking your time on the rocky hills is important. Hunters are never close to help if it’s needed and always hunt with a companion.
Hunting areas where deer feel secure as they walk to feeding and bedding areas that provide cover and concealment. A mule deer buck always places itself where he has a clear view of the area in order to detect approaching danger.
To find this type of area, get out and do your scouting early and late. Spend time glassing the good areas until you find game and then glass until you have established the buck’s pattern. After getting the goods on old Mr. Mule Deer arrive early, settle in, and wait for your trophy.
Wary old bucks will bed in shady areas at the base of rocky walls or against rock ledges, with their backs protected and the wind at their face. Don’t just take a quick look and move on. Take your time. Several times I have been ready to leave a spot when something caught my eye. It was a buck changing resting spots. Stay alert, a second earlier and I would have not seen the deer.
The best tip I have had in a long time was during an early season hunt. The weather was warm and it seemed the deer weren’t moving. The tip was to find and stake out a water hole. Deer need water and in warm weather they must have it more often. Find some water hole or secluded spring and wait it out. The idea that mule deer hunters MUST keep moving is false and can result in not seeing a buck much less a trophy. This would be a good place for a tree stand or small ground blind.
As for the best areas of the state to find trophy mule deer there is not one best answer. Some outstanding bucks were killed in the Northwest portion of the state as well as the central part of the state. My good friend Eric Haddic from West Yellowstone killed a 29 inch spread 5 point on the first day of his hunt in the Bitterroot Mountains.
Non-residents must all draw for their deer tags while residents of Montana may purchase them over the counter.
The last year where hunting records are available is 2006 and it showed that 153,000 residents and 26,000 nonresidents hunted mule deer in Montana. Out of these figures both residents and nonresidents had a 60 percent success rate.
Montana offers a diversity of landscapes and habitats for both the deer and the hunter. For additional information 406-444-2535 or go to Montana’s web site at http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html.