Mule deer are a species of deer that are found in North America. They get their name from their large ears, which are shaped like those of a mule. Mule deer are generally smaller than other types of deer, such as whitetail deer.
Mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the best times to call them. During the day, they will often bed down in thick cover to avoid predators. When calling mule deer, it is important to use calls that sound like they are coming from a doe, as bucks are more likely to respond to calls from does.
Mule deer calls can be purchased at most hunting and outdoors stores. There are also many online retailers that sell them.
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How to Call Mule Deer
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When to Call Mule Deer
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What Sounds to Make When Calling Mule Deer
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What to Do If a Mule Deer Approaches When You’re Calling
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What to Do If a Mule Deer Doesn’t Respond to Your Calls
Do mule deer respond to calls?
Mule deer are creatures of habit and will often stick to the same routine day in and day out. If you can locate where they feed, water and bed down, you can usually pattern their movements and be in the right place at the right time. One thing to keep in mind: Mule deer evolved in open country, so they trust their eyes as much as they do their other senses. Calling from cover to force a buck to look for you will often increase success.
The pre-rut is a great time to start using grunt calls to attract deer, specifically bucks. Grunts will work to call and attract deer from a distance, and if you need to bring them in those last few yards to bow range, a grunt call can do that.
What time are mule deer most active
Mule deer are the most active during the coolest parts of the day, including the early morning and evening hours. They are extremely sensitive to changes in weather, so changes in barometric pressure can have a big impact on their behavior.
A grunt is a short, guttural sound that bucks make to let does know they are nearby. A bleat is a high-pitched, nasal sound that does make to let bucks know they are ready to mate. Both sounds are effective in attracting the opposite sex, and can be used to bring in a buck from a distance. When using these calls, it is important to be as realistic as possible in order to not scare off the animal you are trying to attract.
How often should you hit a deer call?
A grunt call is a great way to attract the attention of mature bucks. You should look to only grunt periodically, every 15 minutes to 20 minutes. Blind calling can work but it is best to make the calls subtle and sparingly because you don’t know how close a deer might be to you.
I like to use a bleach just every once in a while to let deer know that I’m around. I think it’s important to be curious and to let them know that I’m here.
Should you bleat and grunt together?
The Doe Bleat and grunt call combo is an effective way to bring in bucks during hunting season. The two sounds together will trigger a buck’s instinct to defend his territory and pursue the doe. This can be a great way to draw a buck into shooting range.
A tip-over call or mouth-blown doe bleater should be used sparingly. Produce a couple of bleats every 20 or 30 minutes at most, and watch downwind for bucks to sneak in and attempt to smell the doe. Use some doe estrous urine set to both sides of your stand, and hunt as scent-free as possible.
How far can a buck hear rattling
According to the Katie Clancy Rattling-Volume Test, rattling devices can be heard an average of 512 yards downwind and 223 yards upwind. This means that they can be heard 23 times farther downwind than upwind, making them an effective way to attract deer.
There are a few different ways that you can take a shot at a deer and still hit your target. The goal is to hit the lung and liver, so the quartering-to shot is not a horrible angle for rifle hunters. However, it’s not the ideal angle 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. Whichever way you choose, just make sure you are confident in your shot and have a clear view of the deer.
How far away can a mule deer smell you?
Under normal conditions, a deer 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), it can even be farther. So they are pretty impressive!
Mule deer bucks typically want to bed down in a spot where they can watch for predators and keep the wind in their faces. However, they may also bed down in the flats, ditches, or dry creek beds.
What triggers the rut in mule deer
The rut refers to the mating season of deer, which generally takes place in fall. A decrease in daylight signals to the deer that winter is approaching, and thus it’s time to mate. This increase in testosterone production helps the bucks to compete for mates.
Deer will generally react more quickly and violently to a hit. Any sort of erratic movement, such as a stumble or leg kick, might also indicate a hit. Behavior can also hint at location of impact.
Is it better to grunt or doe bleat during the rut?
During the rut, bucks will alternate between grunts and bleats to create a competitive environment. Grunts are most effective during the rut, and are not used often outside of the rut. However, it doesn’t hurt to break up a slow day of hunting by using a grunt call. A buck may hear the call and decide to run you out of his area.
One of the most important rules of deer calling is to use calls sparingly. Deer do not vocalize all the time, so if a hunter is constantly calling, it will alert the deer to a potential danger in the area and cause them to flee. Because deer are not constantly making noise, hunters should not be either.
How long does it take for a deer to respond to a call
If you’re hunting deer, it’s important to remember that they may not respond right away to your calls. They may take 5-10 minutes to come in, so don’t let your guard down. Carry calls that allow you to make multiple sounds so you can keep calling until the deer arrives.
It only takes a small drop of blood to get you back on track. Follow them for no less than 50 yards and you’ll be fine.
Last Thoughts
Mule deer can be called using a variety of methods, including calling them with your voice, using a deer call, or using a digital call. The best time to call mule deer is during the fall mating season, from mid-September to mid-October.
It is generally recommended to call mule deer from mid-September to mid-November, during the peak of the rut. Around this time, bucks are more likely to respond to calls, as they are actively seeking out does. To increase your chances of success, it is best to call in the early morning or evening hours. When calling mule deer, it is important to use a grunt call, doe bleat, or rattling antlers to imitate the sounds that these animals would typically make. With patience and a bit of luck, you should be able to bring a mule deer in close enough for a successful shot.