Mr. Hayes - Photo Contest 2008 - Mule Deer Buck
“This is a picture of my 6 x 6 Mule Deer Buck. I got him on October 30th, 2008 in the Sweetgrass Hills in Montana. Here’s me relaxing while I boil out the head so I can hang the skull mount on the wall until my taxidermist can mount it for me.”
Joe Blaseg - Photo Contest 2008 - Mule Deer
Joe Blaseg with Mule Deer taken the last day of the season on public land in eastern Montana.
Lonnie Wallace - Photo Contest 2008 - Mule Deer
Lonnie Wallace - Photo Contest 2008 - Mule Deer (2)
Collin Griffiths - Photo Contest 2008 - Buck (1)
Mule Deer
By Chuck Robbins
In Montana mule deer are widespread, occupying every hunting district, from the plains to the foothills to the high country; nearly every conceivable nook and cranny, river
bottom, fertile ranchland, desolate badland, sagebrush/grassland, you name it the odds are good mule deer live there.
Montana boasts about 157,000 deer hunters but given healthy populations of both mule and whitetail deer not all of us pursue mule deer; toss in our millions of acres of public lands and as you can see there’s plenty of elbow room. If you consider much of the 9 million acres of private lands enrolled in Block Management is prime mule deer habitat it becomes clear that finding a spot to hunt is not a problem. Given that mule numbers are generally good to excellent throughout the state this season hunters shouldn’t have trouble punching a tag but…
However, should you have your heart set on hanging that trophy buck on the wall the hunt might not be so easy. In any given area real trophy bucks are never numerous. Even a coveted tag in a special draw area is no guarantee. For instance a lucky hunting pal drew a 652 tag four years ago and a 300 tag last season. I went along on the 652 hunt and though we glassed “nice” bucks nearly every day for 10 days none measured up to his trophy standard, thus he ate the tag. Last season after scouting and hunting hard for weeks he settled on a big 3 point. In his words: “After all that time it was the nicest buck I saw, deep forks, 28-inch spread but really not all that much mass, I probably shouldn’t have shot, another couple of years would have made a big difference.”
So you’ve been shut out in the draw but still covet that wall-hanger, now what? Preseason scouting in country known to harbor big bucks should be a top priority—like the more you know the better your odds. If you were lucky to have shot a big buck in the past that is probably as good a place to start as any. While bucks certainly move seasonally until winter triggers migration they aren’t likely to move far; so that buck you spot in September is likely to still be in the neighborhood come opening day. Once the November rut swings into full gear, however, all bets are off—some, not all, bucks really wander in search of new
girlfriends. It’s no secret the biggest bucks are most vulnerable from about November 10 to the end of season. Hunt high and/or seek out the most remote spots in your chosen hunting territory. In other words skip the roadside/trailside easy stuff and instead get as far off the beaten path as possible. Remember where big antlers are concerned age, genetics, good soil and room to roam are huge A friend owns a veritable truck-load of big muley racks—all but two were shot in the same remote BLM parcel in eastern Montana. I’m sure you know someone with a similar
collection gathered in the western
Montana high country. Good hunting.
Chuck is a freelance writer/photographer and fly-fishing guide. Author of four books, you can check out his latest Great Places Montana at
chuckngalerobbins.com
Doug Dick - Photo Contest 2008
BY CLINT TRAVER
This backcountry season has been awesome thus far. Although the warm weather gave us a lackluster early season, the elk rut continued through the end of October in most places. Thinking the rut was nearing its end and running out of free weekdays, I harvested my bull a bit prematurely. I took a 5-point raghorn then had opportunities at several bigger bulls at 20-30 yards. Thanks Murphy. With my elk in the freezer I am looking forward to putting all of my efforts into harvesting a nice mule deer.
The last month of the general rifle season is some of the toughest backcountry hunting you’ll ever face. Beside all of the usual rigors of the backwoods, the element of winter adds to your suffering. Though it can be a down right miserable time to hunt, the rewards can be huge as the animals become very predictable and fresh snow will tip the scale in your favor with better animal visibility, silent walking and better tracking.
I have mentioned before that just before and just after a storm system are great times to hunt. Critters feel the oncoming low pressure and tend to feed in advance of the storm. They will stay out in the open later into the morning and they come out to feed earlier in the evening. This is an awesome time to capitalize on their exposure. When a strong storm sets in most animals will find a good hiding spot and wait it out. When this storm breaks is when I want to be in the woods. If my time off allows I will usually try to head into the hills prior to the storm, dig in and wait it out and then hunt the post storm. This allows me to be in the woods for the
pre-storm feeding activity and to be properly located when the storm finally breaks.
Another option when playing the weather game in the backcountry is to hunt during the storm. This is not for everyone and extreme caution is paramount. Look for places out of the wind that have good thermal cover and move slowly. You will all but have to step on the animals to get them to break cover. Hunting this way can give you a few advantages. The wind and snow will help conceal your sound, scent and visibility. Also, any tracks that you come across will be very fresh and this is a great time to track an animal to its bed. Remember that this is not an endeavor for the beginning backcountry hunter. Snow, wind and cold temperatures conspire with limited visibility, poor GPS reception and slippery terrain to create a potentially dangerous situation.
Gearing up for cold weather backcountry hunting is kind of frustrating. You know that the more stuff that you carry the happier you will be when you get to camp, but you also know that carrying it is going to suck. The bare necessities should include a sleeping bag rated to at least 0*, a down jacket, adequate shelter and dry/warm clothes to change into. One item that I always carry in the backcountry is a small tarp or groundsheet. These are usually about 5’x7’ with grommets in the corners. They have too many uses to mention including being great to sit on when you are in the snow.
Everyone has different thresholds to cold so it is important to know how you will handle it. I have a seemingly volcanic core and I rarely get cold so I am able to carry a bit less then some of my hunting partners. Remember that proper layering and a good hat goes a long way to help prevent heat loss. I usually drag my base layer into my sleeping bag about thirty minutes before I plan to get up so it is warm when I strip down to get dressed.
Having the ability to have warm food and drinks is crucial for a good winter backcountry experience. Some hot tea in the morning or at night before bed can warm the soul. Remember, whatever you choose to drink, it should be caffeine free to promote proper circulation. Warm meals help warm your core while providing the caloric fuel your body needs to produce energy and warmth. If it is cold out keep granola and candy bars close to your body to keep them from getting too hard. Keeping your water well insulated at night will keep it from freezing.
When traveling in the winter backcountry there are a few tricks that can make the going easier. Obviously fresh snow, depending on the temperature, is usually quiet. Snow that has had time to see some sun then re-freeze is going to be crunchy and loud. Try traveling in places that have seen less sun as they tend to be quieter. Remember that snow covered Beargrass is very slippery. If you need to sidehill across steep terrain consider climbing or descending to a less steep area to avoid a fall. I always try to use the contours of the land around me to my advantage as I try to avoid falls and save my strength.
Sometime during November animal migration will be in full swing. Whether it is buck mule deer descending from their summer aloft in the high country or elk moving to winter range, you will encounter migrating animals. For the elk it is not just snow that will dangerous situation.
Gearing up for cold weather backcountry hunting is kind of frustrating. You know that the more stuff that you carry the happier you will be when you get to camp, but you also know that carrying it is going to suck. The bare necessities should include a sleeping bag rated to at least 0*, a down jacket, adequate shelter and dry/warm clothes to change into. One item that I always carry in the backcountry is a small tarp or groundsheet. These are usually about 5’x7’ with grommets in the corners. They have too many uses to mention including being great to sit on when you are in the snow.
Everyone has different thresholds to cold so it is important to know how you will handle it. I have a seemingly volcanic core and I rarely get cold so I am able to carry a bit less then some of my hunting partners. Remember that proper layering and a good hat goes a long way to help prevent heat loss. I usually drag my base layer into my sleeping bag about thirty minutes before I plan to get up so it is warm when I strip down to get dressed.
Having the ability to have warm food and drinks is crucial for a good winter backcountry experience. Some hot tea in the morning or at night before bed can warm the soul. Remember, whatever you choose to drink, it should be caffeine free to promote proper circulation. Warm meals help warm your core while providing the caloric fuel your body needs to produce energy and warmth. If it is cold out keep granola and candy bars close to your body to keep them from getting too hard. Keeping your water well insulated at night will keep it from freezing.
When traveling in the winter backcountry there are a few tricks that can make the going easier. Obviously fresh snow, depending on the temperature, is usually quiet. Snow that has had time to see some sun then re-freeze is going to be crunchy and loud. Try traveling in places that have seen less sun as they tend to be quieter. Remember that snow covered Beargrass is very slippery. If you need to sidehill across steep terrain consider climbing or descending to a less steep area to avoid a fall. I always try to use the contours of the land around me to my advantage as I try to avoid falls and save my strength.
Sometime during November animal migration will be in full swing. Whether it is buck mule deer descending from their summer aloft in the high country or elk moving to winter range, you will encounter migrating animals. For the elk it is not just snow that will move them and this is particularly true with big bulls. When the snow has hard crusted layers it is difficult for animals to feed. This coupled with a cold snap in the weather will usually get the wapiti traveling. The mule deer will certainly be pushed down by the snow but they also descend in preparation for the rut. If you have done your homework you should have an idea where these winter ranges are and using this knowledge you should be able to deduct where the migration corridors will be. Posting up along these routes just before or after a storm or a really cold snap can be very productive. Bring extra warm clothes for this type of hunting as you will certainly get cold from sitting still.
When most sane people are staying at home in their warm houses, November backcountry hunting can be very productive. Using the weather to your advantage and having the proper gear can help your odds of success, just remember to hunt safe and not to hunt alone.
On a wee side note I thought I’d mention that my fifty-something year old mommy has purchased her first bow and is hell bent on backcountry hunting with me this next season. She is already a good shot at thirty yards and I know she will push herself hard to be ready for next September. She should be a good inspiration for any would-be backcountry hunters who have not yet made the commitment. Go get em’ mom.
BY JOE ESPARZA, SPORTSMENS ACCESS
If you’re on the track for a monster mule deer or whitetail where would you hunt? Like most of you I’m looking forward to the heart of Montana’s hunting season and I was asking myself this very question. I called each of the Montana’s 7 regions and asked various biologists if they had to hunt somewhere in the region in which they worked which one would it be and why? There answers were informative and insightful.
REGION 1
“For hunters to be successful year after year in this region hunters have to have grit”. That was the comment from Jerry Brown biologist out of Libby. If you’ve ever hunted in region 1 you know what Jerry is talking about. Thick forests with heavy underbrush, steep mountains,
waterfalls, and rocky cliffs are what
making hunting this area not for the weak of heart. Mental toughness is also needed to hunt this area hard day after day. “Hunters could go a long time without seeing any deer because of the cover”, said John Vore, biologist out of Kalispell. John went on to say that this cover gives the deer the very security they need to grow older and escape predators both man and four legged ones. Deer ages in region 1 have in general have been increasing every year at the check stations throughout the region. “When you have older, more mature animals you have deer that can score in the 140-150’s”, John added.
Top Picks
Units 109 110, 130, 170
REGION 2
In my conversation with a few of the biologists we discussed rattling and the effectiveness it has on mature deer. Mule deer didn’t seem to respond to rattling was the opinion of more than a one biologist. In general, whitetails seem to be more aggressive and curious than mule deer and this maybe why in my experience whitetails respond more to rattling than mule deer.
Mike Thompson in region 2 felt that they did not have the problems in fawn recruitment that region 1 had with the ratio of fawns to adults at 40:100 where region 1 was 29:100. He also felt although there was prolonged snow this didn’t seem to impact the mature deer in region 2.
Top Picks
Units 201, 216, 293,
REGION 3
This area is more typically associated with high elk numbers and mature bulls. This is certainly true when you look at overall elk numbers in the state. However, biologists mentioned that the deer numbers are up in the region and numbers of mature bucks are holding steady as well. “Pre-rut hunting in higher elevations would probably pay bigger dividends if hunters are looking for bigger mule deer”, said Tom Linkey, Livingston biologist. Deer in these elevations seem not to receive as much pressure and have a greater opportunity to mature and gain some size, Tom went on to say.
Top Picks
Higher mountain ranges in the unit during the pre-rut for mule deer
Major river systems for Whitetails during the rut.
REGION 4
This area is one of the most diverse in the state with a mix of units in the high mountains ranges, more open rolling prairie, and the breaks of the Missouri River. “I think it would be difficult to pick out one or two units in region 4”, said Graham Taylor, biologist for region 4. He went on to say, “when recommending units in our area I like to find out more about what type of experience the hunter want to have”. “Hunters need to decide if they want to have an alpine, backcountry type of experience or more a breaks or prairie type of hunt”. This area with the Chinook winds did not experience deer mortality like other parts of the state.
Top Picks
Focus on transitions zones on the front range and the Missouri River Breaks for Mule Deer.
Concentrate on River Drainages such as the Sun, Missouri and mountain ranges like the Snowies, Moccasins, and Highwood for Whitetails.
REGION 5
“This region has roughly 75% private land making access tougher for the hunters”, said Ray Mule’, biologist for Region 5. He went on to suggest that hunters look at obtaining access through block management opportunities in the area. The region has over 161 ranches enrolled in the program.
Top Picks
Concentrate on Block Management areas that offer creek bottoms or access to Yellowstone or other river drainages for both mule deer and whitetails.
REGION 6
“When looking at sending people to a good deer area during the rut I focus people in range with good habitat”, said Mark Sullivan, deer specialist for Region 6. “Our area has some great numbers for mule deer and whitetails so it’s hard to pick just one spot in our area for rut hunting”. Other biologists around the state recommended spending at 20 hunter days to take a trophy class mule deer or whitetail in the state.
Top Picks
Blaine, Philips, and Valley counties for Mule Deer.
Whitetails are spread throughout the region with high concentrations around the Milk River, and some in the Missouri River breaks.
REGION 7
“Our region has good deer numbers and age structure”, said John Ensign, biologist for Region 7. He estimated that approximately ¾ of the land in this area is private and roughly inaccessible. Growing up in region 7, John suggested the old way of gaining access, “Get out there and build relationships outside of the hunting seasons”. He suggested that taking the time to do this and pre-scouting the areas in August and September would give dedicated hunters a big advantage. Hunting during the week and outside of the first and last week of the season would also give hunters an important advantage.
Top Picks
Look in areas with public access along the Missouri River, Custer Forest, and areas south of Broadus for Mule Deer.
Irrigated farming areas and along the Yellowstone, Tongue, and Powder River for whitetails.
Joe Esparza is the owner of SportsmensAccess.com, a membership website that provides members with the most comprehensive database in the state of Montana for hunting and fishing on public and private land.
Rutting Whitetail Deer
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.
