2024 Best Mule Deer Hunt Photo Contest, sponsored by Kryptek

[idahomuleys]

Idaho OTC opener. First year my brother and I have spent serious time scouting, and it paid off Despite all the pressure that showed up opening day, these bucks stuck to their routine. We got mine killed in the morning (right) and my brother's in the evening (left).
Big thanks to the rokcast and huntian podcast for the extra motivation to leave on summer scouting trips while the family is home doing other fun stuff. Leaving that stuff behind to scout is a lot harder than expected!
View attachment 776113

 

[Moose83]

 

[huntnful]

I’m in, with my best buck to date.

 

[Drowe6]

2024 OTC buck. I had scouted a much bigger buck in this canyon. So when I caught this buck on an escape route through the thick cedars I had to make a quick judgement call and I thought this was the buck I scouted. I’m still grateful to be able to take a great buck with great genetics.

 

[2five7]

October velvet.

 

[braydencase7]

Packout on the opener

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[middleforkguide]

2024 ID OTC muley

 

[Jaden Bales]

I’ll throw down with something unique this year. My sunrise WY rifle buck as they lay.

 

[StupidLightweight]

Photo composition and caliber of bucks? Nothing special.
Using a helicopter to access landlocked public land? Priceless adventure.

Leaving the area, I sat in the back of helicopter and my buddy hopped up front. The pilot handed him my buck and me his, although "handed" isn't the best word. I'd describe the act of cramming two passengers, a bunch of camping gear, and two mulies into the fuselage of a Robinson R44 as "backcountry Tetris."

 

[Cavila99]

2024 buck! Was able to get it done opening day before the sun came up. Scouting paid off!

 

[jonnyviceroy]

My otc ‘24 buck. I had drawn an elk tag and packed in a couple days early but had a valid deer tag. Hesitant to wear myself out prior to my elk hunt I still couldn’t resist when my best buck to date stepped out. Still so thrilled!

 

[LostMontanan]

2024 Montana Public Land Best Buck... yet...

My birthday falls right around the last few days of Montana general rifle season every year. Last year was my 40th... and it was then that I decided if I'm finally gonna mature alittle bit I better start elevating my expectations for my animals as well... I had laid eyes on this buck the last 2 years but never in season or in a location where he was huntable ... thus began a year long obsession of scouting, patterning, and divising plans with more patience and focus than I've ever applied before...

The first 2 days of the season he's a ghost. And I never see him. Mind you I'm working 12 hour night shifts this whole week but after a hour nap in my truck I'm still out where I need to be at first light...

Day 3 I have a rangefinder malfunction and clean miss him. I'm devastated. And sure he's bugged out for good.

Day 4 I stick with my knowledge of him and the area and get back on him and got it done at 380 yds...

Packed him out floating on clouds on a perfect Montana Fall day, and the reflections of what ya can do when you put yer mind to it...

To say I'm proud of this year is a monumental understatement.

 

[dguthrie85]

I found this buck during the summer and was able to watch him several days a week leading up to the hunt. On the evening of the 2nd day of archery season, I was able to get in front of him on his way to feed and take my best archery buck.

 

[devincarter1]

2024 Buck

 

[idahooutdoors]

Idaho 2024 general tag

 

[missjordan]

Drew a special unit tag in Montana after 13 year wait. This was the worst year to get a draw a special unit tag for us. My husband had a major double knee surgery in March, to remove a cyst and meniscus repair on the left knee and the right knee was his 3rd ACL/total knee repair including a bone graft since there was no cartilage left. The bone graft had him non weight bearing on that leg for 6-7 weeks. He’s still recovering and can’t go far on uneven ground. So he sent me after this buck solo and he stayed with our 4 year old in the car. I found him and got him harvested. Couple of nice guys with one deer tag in the unit pulled up to my husband and after chatting offered to help me get him out of the draw below. I was so thankful for their help. Almost turned the tag back in before the season started but everything worked out great. Grateful for friendly people offering a helping hand.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk