2015 Mule

[lilhooter82]

Ok, so I'm kinda new to the forum and totally new to western hunting. That being said, I'm trying to acquire all of the information and advice that I can. I want to do a hunt for mule deer(archery) and I'm having a hard time deciding what state would be the best for me to cut my teeth on. I know I don't want to do a guided hunt (I don't have that kind of $$). What states offer the public land (with access). I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[mtnrunner260]

What style of hunt are you after?
Backpack, truck camp, high alpine, treestand etc?

 

[LJ Buck]

DO you want to hunt the same area every year every couple?

 

[lilhooter82]

What style of hunt are you after?
Backpack, truck camp, high alpine, treestand etc?

I'm kind of leaning more towards backpack. Definitely nothing that involves sitting in a treestand. I get enough of that in Illinois.

 

[lilhooter82]

DO you want to hunt the same area every year every couple?

I'm not sure. I want to see some new country and would like some time hunting in different places, but I wouldn't be opposed to return to a place if I enjoyed it.

 

[mtnrunner260]

Well without an insane amount of luck or even more money you wont be hunting the premium units but I think about every western state offers quality hunts if you put put the work in. I'd start with a OTC or unit that can be drawn with zero points in Colo and if possible build points as well and maybe in a couple other states as well. That way you can hunt now and get to experience some better units in future years as well.
In most of these western units you can also hunt "different" areas within the same unit over several years due to the size of the unit.

 

[lilhooter82]

Thanks mtnrunner260

 

[brettpsu]

I'd start in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. A subscription to Eastmans or Hunting Fool would help you also. Lots to learn.

 

[Pilgrim]

Also, call each Division of Wildlife, Dept. Fish & Game, etc. in the states brettpsu mentioned. Even call some of their various ranger districts... never know who you might get ahold of that is really willing to help.

 

[lilhooter82]

So far, I'm leaning towards CO. Are there any good units that have a good amount of public land that I will be able to access? I want to be able to pack in. I don't want to get too crazy with getting "off the grid" being that this will be my first time.

 

[lilhooter82]

I've been looking into unit 25. Does anybody have any experience with this unit?

 

[HuntHarder]

Archery mule deer in Az sucks. I would not even think about this state

 

[Camofreak]

Archery mule deer in Az sucks. I would not even think about this state

Same with coues deer, theres no deer out here.

 

[MakitaBoy]

Lol I've seen great deer in AZ just depends on where you go and how much time you invest in my opinion? New mexico has a lot of public land aswell but I think for a pack in hunt colorado would definitely be your best option.

 

[NMbackcountry]

NM has some great opportunities as well. The only problem is that everything is through a draw, although, it's not hard to find a left over tag to a decent unit. That being said, it's hard to beat some of those northern states when it comes to deer.

 

[fulldraw1972]

I hunted Utah for the first time in a General unit and had a blast. I hunted in a bowl that topped out above timberline. It was only a mile hike in from the trailhead as well.

 

[GotMyTag]

take a kid hunting.

All the western states have areas with good public access. The key thing is going. Listen to those on this board. I follow the rule of apply in many states. Even the best areas take work. But you can get great tags in most of the states. Maybe the work is in making sure you apply for the tags. Take a kid hunting to learn the area. Often the kids tags are much easier to draw. And this makes for a better world in my view.

 

[lilhooter82]

thanks for taking the time to reply guys. i appreciate all of the input.

Archery mule deer in Az sucks. I would not even think about this state

thanks HuntHarder, I'll be sure to not was any time or money building up points in AZ

 

[HuntHarder]

Lots of great units over the counter, big bucks come out of hiding! Just had a desert muley almost hit the 300" mark this year. Not a typo... 300" Archery OTC in the desert is a blast!!

 

[lilhooter82]

It looks like a pretty awesome place. I definitely want to hunt there at some point.