Backcountry Mule Deer Hunting 101

Have you been dreaming of hunting for mule deer far from the nearest road or highway? It has been told that the sheep hunt is not the best part of the trip, its all about where the bighorn sheep live. The same thing can be said about wilderness mule deer hunts. Mule deer live and thrive in some of the most isolated, beautiful parts of the world. Just seeing these magnificent beasts and the place they live is worth any effort to get to them. Here are some tips to make your first mule deer hunt a successful experience.

First, and most importantly, get in shape! I'm not just talking about walking to get the paper each day or playing basketball every weekend. In order to truly enjoy your mule deer hunt, you've got to be in the best shape possible. I realize, that dependent on how old you are, that may not be possible, and if that is your circumstance, shoot for the best condition you've been in the last five years. The biggest thing here is to do all you can. My workout program is going for a run three to four times a week. I start out walking and then jogging three months before the hunt, and just before the trip, my target is to be able to jog for one hour straight. I found this is easier than trying to give distances. If you can pace yourself jogging for an hour, you should be ready to climb the mountains that are required for backcountry mule deer hunting. Together with jogging, I go hiking, jump rope, bike ride, and walk with my loaded pack . Any of these activities are excellent to build strength to prepare for the hunt.

Second, shoot your rifle. The best thing to do is to go shooting at least once a week at ranges out to 300 yards. You have got to know where the gun is going to shoot at different ranges. Start out at 100 yards with a solid mechanical rest. Experiment with different ammunition until you find out what your gun likes and stick with it. I like Winchester 130 grain Ballistic Silvertips in 270, but each hunting rifle shoots different and you've got to find out what works best for you. After you figure out where your gun shoots on the range, experiment with a shooting stick, prone position, over your pack as well as other positions you might encounter as you hunt. Just remember you won't be able to use a bench during your hunt and even if you are a good bench shooter, that does not make you a great shooter in a hunting situation. You will also want to review distances versus angles. Many shots at mule deer are down or uphill and hunters have a tendency to shoot over the deer. Practice some shots uphill and downhill. You'll be shocked at how much difference angles can make. I also recommend that you find a laser rangefinder to use while you practice. It can also be helpful as you learn to judge mule deer around the field. The hunting movies by Mossback titled Mulies Gone Wild are a helpful tool for learning how to judge big bucks. They report the score after you view footage of the bucks on the hoof.

Third, buy the very best hunting supplies you can afford. There are some great products available. Get the lightest, yet strongest material for your backpacking and clothing items. I don't want to go into detail with each item, but a few recommendations include: light packable rain gear I use Frogg Toggs, durable hiking books - I use Lowa Sheephunter boots, wool socks I use Smartwool, and an internal pack I use a North Face pack, but there are many different kinds on the market. If you're hunting with a guide, request a list and make sure to follow it. Get quality binoculars! I use Brunton Epochs in 10.5x43 on account of their magnification and weight, but there are lots of quality optics on the market. I'll tell you again, invest in the best gear you can manage to afford.

Lastly, watch some great mule deer <a href="http://www.huntingvideosonline.com>hunting videos</a>. This will get your blood moving and get you excited about shooting your first buck. They will make you want to get into shape and find that deer you've always wanted once the season opens.