How to Find Big Mule Deer
Mule deer are not as plentiful as whitetail deer, but "muleys" offer larger and more impressive racks than their whitetail counterparts. Mule deer earned their name for their disproportionately large ears. These large ears give them extraordinary hearing and make them harder to hunt. The size of the mule deer in any given area is largely dependent on genetics, and the best way to find big mule deer is to search in areas with a history of large muleys. You can increase your chances of finding a wall-hanger with a 30-inch antler spread by observing a few basic guidelines.
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Instructions
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Scout the areas early, before hunting season pressure drives a mule deer deeper into its range. Avoid spooking the mule deer by using binoculars to look for them from a distance.
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Use game cameras to give yourself a chance to observe mule deer without disturbing them. Big mule deer got big by being exceptionally careful, and the easiest way to find the big ones is to watch for them remotely. Set up game cameras on deer trails, near streams and in areas where you have seen scrapes or hoof prints.
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Look for large, deep hoof prints. Check areas with soft soil, especially at the edges of streams. The prints of a big mule deer will show a wider spread at the tips, and the heavier the deer is, the deeper its print will be.
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Examine trees around bedding areas and trails. Keep your eyes open at shoulder level for long, deep scrapes. A large mule deer has a lot of weight to put behind his scrapes, and he will frequently gouge the wood and leave telltale wood shavings on the ground below a tree he has used.
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Check the Boone and Crockett record book for areas that have produced large racks. An area that has produced large racks in the past is more likely to have big mule deer.
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Concentrate your search on areas with good feeding ranges. Mule deer won't get big without proper nutrition. Prior to hunting season, look in areas with lots of greenery. During the winter hunt, ignore the green areas and look for big mule deer in areas with browse and twig vegetation.
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Hike up to higher elevations to find big mule deer. Mule deer are naturally wary, and big mule deer are even more so. Big mule deer tend to gravitate to the highest elevation in their area. If you are hunting in an area without high elevations, look for big mule deer in thick, craggy growth.
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Avoid looking for big mule deer in snow-covered areas. Mule deer will leave the area when snow arrives, even the high-elevation areas, and look for forage along low-lying areas.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit mule deer doe image by Maximilian Effgen from Fotolia.com
