I checked the results this morning and found I did not draw a Wyoming elk tag this year. My bear hunt I was looking at fell through also, so I am thinking of trying a new area for muleys instead. I'm not looking for anyone's perfect spot, but what state or area would you recommend for a DIY hunt for a chance at a 160+ muley? I would prefer not to book with an outfitter as I'd like to try it on my own. I would be willing to pay trespass fees to gain access to good hunting ground. I am willing to hunt physically difficult terrain and pack in if necessary. Any ideas?
best place for trophy mule deer
- Thread starter mcseal2
- Start date
I have to admit that I have not hunted there in years, but since you were looking for a Wyoming elk tag, why not consider it for mule deer?
Most mule deer herds have suffered over the last decade, but Wyoming certainly has the genetics to provide some decent heads.
We used to hunt a lot near Afton and near Alpine and we collected some great mule deer in that region. The area around Afton seemed to produce some really heavy horned bucks, maybe not up to Boone and Crockett standards, but LOTS of mass. My dad got a great 30 incher near Afton.
On the other hand the deer up near Alpine seemed to conform more to B&C standards with long even tines. My dad got a non-typical up there that measures 37 inches in spread.
On the other hand New Mexico has been producing some great heads for these day. The biggest problem with either state is getting drawn for a tag. The area around Raton has some great bucks, but an awfull lot of it is private property. A couple of my buddies went there last fall on a guided hunt and got 190 plus bucks, really nice deer.
Most mule deer herds have suffered over the last decade, but Wyoming certainly has the genetics to provide some decent heads.
We used to hunt a lot near Afton and near Alpine and we collected some great mule deer in that region. The area around Afton seemed to produce some really heavy horned bucks, maybe not up to Boone and Crockett standards, but LOTS of mass. My dad got a great 30 incher near Afton.
On the other hand the deer up near Alpine seemed to conform more to B&C standards with long even tines. My dad got a non-typical up there that measures 37 inches in spread.
On the other hand New Mexico has been producing some great heads for these day. The biggest problem with either state is getting drawn for a tag. The area around Raton has some great bucks, but an awfull lot of it is private property. A couple of my buddies went there last fall on a guided hunt and got 190 plus bucks, really nice deer.
- Thread starter
- #3
I haven't ruled out Wyoming for muleys, but I've hunted there for several years and thought it might be interesting to try something different. Wyoming has some really beautiful country though so I will likely apply there if I don't get something else planned. Thanks alot for the info, I will look at those areas for sure. I was also considering the sandhills of nebraska since their rifle season is during the rut but don't know that much about it yet. Heavy horned bucks sound really tempting to me though.
I think for size and trophy you are looking a Wyoming, Colorado, NM and Nevada, of course the best hunts are draw hunts. If I was going general I would pick Wyoming, second would be Colorado I think they still have general hunts. . Can't hunt general in Nevada am not sure about NM. My best buck is an Idaho buck he is 31 outside to outside and 6 on one side 5 on the other. Very wide but not tall. Not a big score, just wide.
Greg Nolan
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2004
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From what I read Carbon county Wyoming has put out a lot of top trophies lately. I've seen some nice ones on private land by where we hunted out of Douglas. I had a honey hole in Idaho but the last 5 years all I've seen is wolves. That's out of Stanley which is national forest. I've Picked some nice deer out of Morgan and Panther creek just north of Challis, Idaho. Real good country and almost all national forest. If you're willing to hike there are big deer there. I got a card last year I've been meaning to check out. It's called NO OUTFITTER B.S. It says "Deal directly with the landowner and customize your hunt today" 307-351-6933 Walker Creek Livestock Douglas Wyoming Antelope and deer hunts! If you check it out let me know it sounds.
Greg
Greg
greg
My buck came out of that country between Patterson and Gilmore Summit not really very far from where you were hunting. Really high and remote mountain tops. The area north of Gilmore Summit was noted for some geat bucks. Got wolves there also but I don't think they are as bad as where you were. The Idaho fish and game has petitioned the Feds for direct control in the Lolo GMU and they have some pretty good maps posted on pack locations.
My buck came out of that country between Patterson and Gilmore Summit not really very far from where you were hunting. Really high and remote mountain tops. The area north of Gilmore Summit was noted for some geat bucks. Got wolves there also but I don't think they are as bad as where you were. The Idaho fish and game has petitioned the Feds for direct control in the Lolo GMU and they have some pretty good maps posted on pack locations.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks alot for all the replys. I have been doing alot of looking online at different trespass hunts and haven't yet found one I am really interested in. Nearly everything I have found is $2000 plus for land to hunt. The ones listed online are mostly through outfitters and not direct from the landowner. When you consider that guided hunts can be found for around $500-1500 more including lodging and meals it seems like that may be a better option. I certainly can't blame the ranchers for getting the most possible out of their land, I'm just looking for the most out of my dollar also. In order to build our ranch we don't draw large salaries so my cash income is limited. I have a neighbor who worked for quite a few ranches in western states who is doing some checking with his old employers and friends. The hunts I want are out there, they just can't be found on a website I think. I am going to start calling the chamber of commerce for a few of the towns I have on my list also to see if they have a list of ranchers to contact. Then it's off the keyboard and on the phone to keep "scouting". If I don't get anything found before the end of March, I will apply for the unit I hunted in the past and hunt public land. The money I save will pay for the rest of the gear I need to make it my first backpack hunt, which I have been wanting to try anyway.
Greg thanks for the phone # for Walker Creek Livestock, I called them and they are supposed to call back in the next couple days.
Greg thanks for the phone # for Walker Creek Livestock, I called them and they are supposed to call back in the next couple days.
- Thread starter
- #9
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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Up north, Alberta and Saskatchewan, have huge mulies!
Very expensive for us south-of-the-border guys to hunt - but wow - I've seen photos of incredible bucks coming out of there... 200"+ bucks.
Very expensive for us south-of-the-border guys to hunt - but wow - I've seen photos of incredible bucks coming out of there... 200"+ bucks.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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There are some big mulies and some big whitetails in Saskatchewan, for certain. I've taken some very nice mulies in the Cariboo region of this province, as well.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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You must have been watching the Comedy Channel this evening. True statement, but humorous nevertheless. Good show, Songdog.
- Thread starter
- #15
I got booked with the Walker livestock mentioned earlier due to another hunter's cancellation, thanks for the tip. Sounds like there is a chance at a 160 class buck and a cool hunt. I had decided to scrap the trespass fee, guided hunt idea until he called back. We were looking at hunting public in Colorado unit 421 where we elk hunted once. My gunsmith took a nice one there a while back and we found a couple decent sheds while elk hunting. We will get a point for Colorado and try this hunt out. Being a rookie to muley's I don't mind learning from a guide a few times. I know whitetail pretty well, but muleys don't follow the same rules. That is part of what has me so facinated with them.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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Yeah, I'm pretty stuck on mule deer hunting myself. :grin:
DrMike":fd2rtx9g said:
I wasn't really joking... a trophy hunt, and a trophy critter are vastly different.
I can bump into a 180" buck on accident on opening morning, shoot it a 43 yards, and be home by lunch.... hopefully, someday I might get that lucky. Trophy deer to be sure... trophy 'hunt'... not so much.
BUT, a trophy hunt... now that's something special. Take a couple buddies (or family), horses, and several mules... mix them with true wilderness and timberline sunrises... throw in a 'represent' buck or two... hell, I'll even settle for a coyote. Sleep in a wall tent, snap a bunch of photos in country that 99.99% of people in this country will never see outside of a TV. Sit around a campfire late into the evening... and love the ones you're with. That... my friends... is a "Trophy Mule Deer Hunt"...
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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Songdog - you nailed it!
Guy Miner":1o3csh91 said:
No Guy... YOU nailed it.
Nothing I love more than seeing pics of guys hunting with their kids... I can't wait until my children are old enough to accompany me afield... one of my sons is 3, and my twins are almost 2... so it won't be long now.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
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Songdog,
I agree with you. I just believe you have a delightful way with words as demonstrated in several posts from last evening. Your phrases find the target. Good job.
