December Mule Deer Hunts (Arizona vs Nebraska)

[TX1836]

Hello all! First time post here, even though I have been quietly reading threads for many years. I have a decision to make, and would like some input from the plethora of advisers that Rokslide has to offer. I want to take my son hunting the week between Xmas and New Years while he is out of school for the holidays. We make a trip to Colorado or Wyoming yearly for Muleys, but he is a high school junior this year, and school and football prevented him from going. The choice we have is OTC Late Archery Season in Arizona, or Muzzle-loader Season in Nebraska. My expectations are not high, and he knows that either of these are not necessarily high potential hunting opportunities. We live in South Texas, so either trip is about the same distance for us. This is more about me making sure that I get the quality time with my son, and he loves chasing free range deer. Any thoughts on which is better? Sort of a random questions, and I apologize. However I am looking for some insight from those who have done one or the other hunts in Arizona or Nebraska.

 

[Jordan Budd]

We offer guided hunts in Nebraska, and we do have those dates available right now. We have both mule deer and whitetail, more whitetail bucks for sure but there are a number of mule deer bucks as well. Typically looking at bucks 130-150. We have the potential for larger bucks, but not consistent enough to sell. Your tag is good for either species. Our hunts are 5 days, 6 nights, lodging, meals, in field transportation, blinds/stands all inclusive. We can offer a $200 price break if you want to do your own meals. The lodge is basically a house that you'll have to yourself, beds/bedding, full kitchen, hot water, sat TV, propane/wood heat. You can see more info at RunningWaterHunting.com

 

[Skyhigh]

If you are planning on hunting public land I would say AZ just because of the quantity of lands available. After rifle season deer are difficult to come by in NE. With that said, if you are willing to walk a lot you should be able to find a deer in NE on public, although you may come across more whitetail than mule deer.

 

[TX1836]

We offer guided hunts in Nebraska, and we do have those dates available right now. We have both mule deer and whitetail, more whitetail bucks for sure but there are a number of mule deer bucks as well. Typically looking at bucks 130-150. We have the potential for larger bucks, but not consistent enough to sell. Your tag is good for either species. Our hunts are 5 days, 6 nights, lodging, meals, in field transportation, blinds/stands all inclusive. We can offer a $200 price break if you want to do your own meals. The lodge is basically a house that you'll have to yourself, beds/bedding, full kitchen, hot water, sat TV, propane/wood heat. You can see more info at RunningWaterHunting.com

Thanks Jordan, as it looks awesome. We are looking at the public land option for Mule Deer this time. We are literally covered up with whitetail where we live and hunt, and we both prefer spot and stalk. Not saying we do not sit in stands, because we do. Here in Texas that is about all we can do for whitetail. We covered our whitetail for the year over the weekend, as it was opening rifle season here. Thanks again.

 

[TX1836]

If you are planning on hunting public land I would say AZ just because of the quantity of lands available. After rifle season deer are difficult to come by in NE. With that said, if you are willing to walk a lot you should be able to find a deer in NE on public, although you may come across more whitetail than mule deer.

Thanks Skyhigh. I appreciate the input.

 

[SpotNStalker]

I would vote AZ. Lots of options and lots of public land. For public land spot and stalk I think you'll have better opportunity. In addition to that, the mule deer in AZ will be just coming into the rut vs being later in the rut or past it in NE. There's some cool country in AZ and options to add javelina tags or hunt coues deer in many places. Being from Texas you may not be interested, but it's an option.

 

[TX1836]

I would vote AZ. Lots of options and lots of public land. For public land spot and stalk I think you'll have better opportunity. In addition to that, the mule deer in AZ will be just coming into the rut vs being later in the rut or past it in NE. There's some cool country in AZ and options to add javelina tags or hunt coues deer in many places. Being from Texas you may not be interested, but it's an option.

I agree, and I am thinking Arizona is the way to go. My son is not an experienced bow hunter yet, but he should at least get a big kick out of hopefully putting a stalk on something. I believe the OTC for Javelina is only in a couple of units though. Is that correct?

 

[SpotNStalker]

I agree, and I am thinking Arizona is the way to go. My son is not an experienced bow hunter yet, but he should at least get a big kick out of hopefully putting a stalk on something. I believe the OTC for Javelina is only in a couple of units though. Is that correct?

Yep, check the regs for open units.

 

[SOIHUNT]

Az. Doesn’t have any otc on javelina you put put in in October for the draws.. good luck on your journey.

 

[Cornhusker]

I have hunted the Nebraska Muzzie season since it began however long ago that is, it's been a long time. I hunt private land but do have some knowledge of public land hunting in Nebraska in December. If you decide to try Nebraska I do have some suggestions that I think could work out for mule deer on public land. Personally I would probably go for Arizona we can have some really nasty cold weather if you happen to come during a cold spell or a plains blizzard. Good Luck and I hope you and your son have a great adventure whichever you choose.

 

[TX1836]

Az. Doesn’t have any otc on javelina you put put in in October for the draws.. good luck on your journey.

It looks like Arizona does have Javelina Non-permit tags for only a few Units. It is basically OTC.

 

[TX1836]

I have hunted the Nebraska Muzzie season since it began however long ago that is, it's been a long time. I hunt private land but do have some knowledge of public land hunting in Nebraska in December. If you decide to try Nebraska I do have some suggestions that I think could work out for mule deer on public land. Personally I would probably go for Arizona we can have some really nasty cold weather if you happen to come during a cold spell or a plains blizzard. Good Luck and I hope you and your son have a great adventure whichever you choose.

I would actually like to get some ideas from you, because my son still wants to hunt with muzzle loader. Can I message you?

 

[kennyt]

If you get an AZ tag in January it will be good for thee seasons. 2020 January, August, December. Check the AZGFD web site. There will be a good number of leftover Javelina tags.

 

[xOttox]

Hunting Mulies in the panhandle of NE can be a tough go but rewarding. That time of year you will want to plan for some not so nice days; like others have said. I've hunted late season antelope out there on private and public and the temps can be brutal and the snow can come out of no where. AZ might be a better option for that time of year.

 

[Jordan Budd]

for sur

Thanks Jordan, as it looks awesome. We are looking at the public land option for Mule Deer this time. We are literally covered up with whitetail where we live and hunt, and we both prefer spot and stalk. Not saying we do not sit in stands, because we do. Here in Texas that is about all we can do for whitetail. We covered our whitetail for the year over the weekend, as it was opening rifle season here. Thanks again.

No worries totally understand. Public mule deer is going to be really tough up here for any type of size. In my opinion there would be more places to get away from people in AZ.
Just to clarify too, we do spot and stalk as well. Little Jordan shot this buck yesterday. Crawled into 35 yards in the wide open.

 

[TX1836]

for sur


No worries totally understand. Public mule deer is going to be really tough up here for any type of size. In my opinion there would be more places to get away from people in AZ.
Just to clarify too, we do spot and stalk as well. Little Jordan shot this buck yesterday. Crawled into 35 yards in the wide open. View attachment 131295

That is a nice muley.

 

[bohntr]

You won’t find any Javelina in those OTC areas, generally......unless you live in the area.

If I had the choice for what you’re describing, I’d go with NE. I prefer January in AZ much more than December for hunting purposes.

 

[TX1836]

You won’t find any Javelina in those OTC areas, generally......unless you live in the area.

If I had the choice for what you’re describing, I’d go with NE. I prefer January in AZ much more than December for hunting purposes.

Thanks bohntr. Someone else brought up the Javelina option, and I know they are fun to hunt with a bow. They are easy to find here, so my trip is not centered around that at all. It would have been a perk for my son since he is not as experienced with stalking with a bow yet. To your other point though, you think January is better hunting than December? Is that because of the rut?

 

[Cornhusker]

TX1836 Sure message me, I don't know how to find a text yet on this site but I'll look tonight and help in any way I can. We are having some high ground water issues which is affecting access to some of the best areas of public mulie hunting from the bomb cyclone we had this spring but some of the access issues could be a real help to you on a couple of areas.

 

[Anozira]

It looks like Arizona does have Javelina Non-permit tags for only a few Units. It is basically OTC.

Per the AZGFD website they have quite a few left over tags:

"AZGFD will begin accepting paper applications for leftover hunt permit-tags Monday, Nov. 18 — by mail only — at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, Attn.: Draw/First Come. Leftover hunt permit-tags will be available for purchase on a “first come, first served” basis beginning Monday, Nov. 25, at all department offices."

Left Over List