Hunting Mountain Mule Deer

    Near the end of November in Kootenai Country Montana, a lone mountain mule deer hunter sat with his back to a flint colored downed log. He blended well in his gray wool pants, snow camouflaged fleece, and his well-earned gray beard masked his old but alert eyes. The buck he was watching approached another downed log and the hunter made a low sound through the grunt tube. The deer hesitated, and his muscles tightened as if getting ready to leap...

Read more

    Mountain mule deer hunting in our neck of the woods requires a different approach and some different tactics to be successful. Muleys, as they are called here locally are generally more gregarious, or socially interactive deer than whitetails. Small bands will utilize interlacing mountain trails at relatively high elevations. Though they may not be quite as quick to escape as white tailed deer, they certainly are a bit more efficient than whitetails at moving quietly in mountainous rugged terrain. The serious muley hunter must be determined to negotiate this tough high country, and be mentally prepared to deal with a foe that is estimated by biologists to have 1000 times our scenting power and can detect human odor at a half mile away or more.
    This is where the multitude of modern day scents and scent covers can come in handy. But make no mistake about it, there is absolutely no substitute for paying close attention to the wind. Checking the computer weather reports on NOAA or other reputable sites the night before your hunt can help. Carrying and knowing how to use a professional grade compass like the Silva Ranger in an easy to reach spot and checking frequently as to your position will keep you more aware also. If nothing else, watch the brown moss commonly called old man’s beard that hangs in trees and pay attention to which direction it is blowing.      The eyes on the sides of a mule deer’s head can spot movement at very long distances. Match your camouflage to the terrain you will be hunting the best you can, and limit and disguise movements whenever possible. Also, be aware of scat, scrapes, rubs, and the stotting pattern of mule deer tracks. Calls and grunt tube utterances can be more effective during the mule deer rut in latter November. Our local guides are awesome, and can really help non-resident hunters with these points. In addition, our local sporting goods stores are usually staffed with knowledgeable locals who can be a great help. Experienced hunters that have been in our backcountry for many years are always willing to advise and brag on hunting!
    Just as the muley buck began its leap, the old hunter led a fraction and squeezed off a shot from his .300 Winchester magnum rifle. After a few exciting minutes, he walked up to the other side of the log and to his amazement found the buck crumpled in a heap, shot directly through the heart. He smiled to himself, and gave thanks for the buck and for being able to live in Kootenai Country Montana once again.
(Author’s Note: Reference - Baxter’s Basics, Silver Cloud Publications 1997)