When it comes to bowhunting, mule deer can be a tough challenge. They’re fast, they’re wily, and they have exceptional hearing. But with a little preparation and the right tactics, you can put yourself in a good position to take down a mule deer with your bow. Here are six tips and tactics to help you do just that.
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scope out the terrain
Before you startbowhunting mule deer, you need to get to know the terrain. This means scouting out the area ahead of time to find the deer’s feeding and watering holes as well as their bedding areas. You’ll also want to pay attention to the wind direction so that you can set up your stand or blind in a way that won’t alert the deer to your presence.
be patient
Bowhunting mule deer requires a lot of patience. You may need to sit in your stand or blind for hours before you finally get a shot. But it will be worth it when you finally take down your prey.
use the right gear
If you want to be successful at bowhunting mule deer, you need to make sure you have the right gear. This includes a good quality bow, arrows, and a broadhead. You’ll also need to wear camouflage so that the deer won’t be able to see you.
be quiet
Another important tip for bowhunting mule deer is to be quiet. Any noise you make can alert the deer to your presence and cause them to flee. So, avoid moving around too much and keep your voice down.
practice
If you want to be a successful bowhunter, you need to practice. This means going to the range and regularly shooting your bow. The more you practice, the better your aim will be.
have a backup plan
Even if you follow all of the tips for bowhunting mule deer, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be successful. So, it’s important to have a backup plan. This could mean bringing along a rifle or Shotgun in case you miss your shot. Or, you could set up a trail camera in the area you’re hunting to see if the deer are coming and going.
How do you have a successful mule deer hunt?
5 Tips for a Successful Mule Deer Hunt
1. Slow Down
Slow down and glass. Work with the landscape. The landscape will play tricks on your mind and you can easily lose sight of deer.
2. Know Their Senses
Put the stop on them. Find your buck.
3. Work With The Landscape
The landscape will play tricks on your mind and you can easily lose sight of deer.
4. Find Your Buck
Look for the biggest buck in the area.
5. Be patient
Waiting for the right moment is key. Don’t shoot until you’re sure you can make a clean kill.
Mule deer commonly bed down on the leeward side of any roll in the topography. This is because the wind will be blowing towards them and will help keep them warm. When you are out looking for mule deer, always keep this in mind and try to find areas where the wind is not blowing. This will give you a better chance of finding deer that are bedded down.
Can you hunt mule deer with a bow
The quality of Wyoming’s mule deer population has declined in recent years, but there are still plenty of deer to hunt. You can find some big bucks in certain areas of Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Mule deer bucks are very secretive creatures and love to hide in small areas between hills, timber, and creek drainages. If you are hiking from one point to another, it is best to keep your head up and scan your surroundings so that you do not miss any potential hiding spots for deer.
What time of day are mule deer most active?
Mule deer are the most active during the coolest parts of the day, including early morning and evening hours. They are extremely sensitive to changes in weather, so barometric pressure can have a big impact on their behavior.
There are many different ways that people choose to shoot a deer, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The goal is to hit the lung and liver, and the quartering-to shot is not a horrible angle for rifle hunters, but not ideal either. If the deer is not going to give you a better angle, then aim right behind the elbow of the lead leg. Other choices are between the lead leg and breastplate or high shoulder. No matter which method you choose, be sure to practice beforehand so that you are as accurate as possible.
How far away can a mule deer smell you?
A deer’s sense of smell is very impressive. They can smell a human that is not making any attempt to hide its odor at least 1/4 mile away. If the scenting conditions are perfect (humid with a light breeze), they can even smell a human farther away.
Mule deer are a type of deer that are found in western Nebraska and the western Dakotas. They feed primarily on forbs (flowering, herbaceous plants), the leaves and twigs of woody plants, and on mast (berries, fruit). In the grasslands of western Nebraska and the western Dakotas, mule deer browse heavily on skunkbush sumac and Rocky Mountain juniper. They may even browse on the pads of pricklypear cactus.
What state has the highest success rate for mule deer hunting
Colorado is a great state for mule deer hunting, thanks to the large deer population. With an estimated 400,000 to 450,000 mule deer, there are plenty of opportunities to bag a nice buck. The state operates on a preference point system, so it’s a good idea to start applying and building points if you’re serious about mule deer hunting in Colorado.
Many hunters believe that the 270 Winchester is the best caliber for deer hunting in North America. The 270 Winchester Short Magnum (270 WSM) is a shorter and fatter version of the 270 Winchester that can hold more powder. The 270 WSM is a very popular choice among hunters.
What is the best rifle caliber for mule deer?
The 257 Weatherby, 260 Remington, 65 Creedmoor, 65 PRC, and 308 Winchester are all great choices for mule deer hunting. They all shoot flat in a lightweight rifle, making them ideal for the hunter who wants to be able to take down their prey quickly and efficiently.
Mule deer are incredibly difficult to pattern, and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to being hunted. They live in some of the most rugged and remote country, making them a tough target to track down. Even the most experienced hunters can go home empty-handed after a mule deer hunt. But for those willing to put in the time and effort, a mature mule deer buck is a true trophy.
How does the moon affect mule deer
The moon phases have little to no effect on deer activity. The deer are more active at night than day, and their activity is greatest around sunset and sunrise.
The deer rutting season is a great time for hunters to harvest a buck. Deer are more active during this time, making them easier to spot and kill. However, during some phases of this season, deer might wander off into open areas in broad daylight, so hunters need to be careful.
Where do mule deer bucks hide?
Thickets and brush along stream corridors and dry washes are popular deer bedding areas because they offer safety from predators approaching from below. Deer tend to be watchful for danger approaching from below, so stalking from above can give hunters an advantage. I took my first big muley buck by bow at close range as he bolted from his bed.
Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the muscles after death. This happens because the body’s supply of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is depleted, and the muscles can no longer contract. The deer stiffens during rigor mortis, and if it is processed during this time, the muscles will shorten and contract, making the meat tough. It is best to let the deer hang for 2 to 4 days before processing to avoid this.
Where are the biggest mule deer bucks
Mule deer are one of North America’s most popular big game animals, and for good reason. With their massive antlers and impressive size, they’re truly a sight to behold. But what’s even more impressive are the stories behind some of the biggest mule deer ever recorded.
The number one spot on the list goes to the Broder Buck, which was taken down in Alberta back in 2002. This massive deer scored a whopping 355-2/8, making it the biggest mule deer ever recorded.
But it’s not just the size of these deer that’s impressive, it’s also the age. The second biggest deer on the list, known as the Unknown Oldie, was estimated to be around 20 years old when it was taken down in British Columbia. That’s pretty incredible considering the average lifespan of a mule deer is only around 10 years.
So the next time you’re out hunting mule deer, keep in mind that you could be in for the hunt of a lifetime. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to take down one of these record-breaking bucks.
Deer need to have shade all day long to stay cool. Most of the time, they will be on north-facing slopes or in a cool draw.
Conclusion
1. Find a good spot to set up your blind or tree stand. You want to be able to see the deer coming from a distance and have a clear shot.
2. Use a decoy to attract the deer. You can purchase a deer decoy or make your own out of a rubber hose and some old clothes.
3. Be patient and wait for the right shot. Don’t rush your shot and take the time to line up a perfect shot.
4. Use a high-quality bow and arrows. This will help to ensure that your arrows are accurate and have enough power to take down a deer.
5. Practice your shooting skills. The more you practice, the better your chances of making a successful shot.
6. Be prepared for anything. You never know what can happen when you’re out in the field, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.
1. Combine your scouting with your hunting.
2. Pay attention to the wind.
3. Use cover and concealment.
4. Be patient.
5. Make a good shot.
6. Follow up after the shot.
With these six tips and tactics, you will be well on your way to a successful bowhunt for mule deer. Be sure to do your homework and scout the area you will be hunting, pay attention to wind direction, and use cover and concealment to your advantage. Be patient and wait for the right shot, and follow up immediately after the shot to make sure you harvest your deer.