Desert vs Rocky Mt Mule Deer

[505Wapiti]

Let's talk differences in desert vs mountain mule deer.... Feeding, bedding, elevation, tactics, whatever you wish to share for those that have hunted both, and maybe some lessons learned.

 

[Weldor]

Having hunted both, I can say way easier to find in the desert. But here in AZ the mountain hunters might disagree. We don't have the large populations like the northern rocky's.

 

[Jaden Bales]

Man, I've come to love hunting bucks in the desert country. I just find them easier to turn up when you don't have a sea of timber to contend with after they lose their velvet. They also will be much more concentrated around shaded up pockets instead of anywhere. But, the drawback is usually lower densities and hot, crummy conditions for the hunter.

 

[RockAndSage]

Less migration with desert muleys, it seems - I think they tend to be much closer in October to where you found them in May or June with scouting, than you would be with alpine bucks.

 

[Pistolpete28]

I like hunting both, but I love the fact that low country deer don’t usually have large migrations. I feel like scouting the desert is very effective. One negative thing I’ve personally experienced a few times, is in the desert country I’ve been winded from a lot farther distances than I ever have in the middle/ high country.

 

[RockAndSage]

I like hunting both, but I love the fact that low country deer don’t usually have large migrations. I feel like scouting the desert is very effective. One negative thing I’ve personally experienced a few times, is in the desert country I’ve been winded from a lot farther distances than I ever have in the middle/ high country.

That's a great point. The flip side to that too, is that in low country the thermals aren't as severe, it seems. The steeper the country, the more thermals seem to come into play.

 

[505Wapiti]

There isn’t a lot that I’ve been able to turn up specifically regarding desert mule deer. There is a ton of content on coues, but seems limited on differences in mule deer. Appreciate the feedback, fellas.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I prefer desert. I just prefer the habitat,

Find the filaree find the deer.

 

[Jaden Bales]

I prefer desert. I just prefer the habitat,

Find the filaree find the deer.

Oooh hadn't heard this before. You're talking the little geranium flower thing?

 

[Jaden Bales]

That's a great point. The flip side to that too, is that in low country the thermals aren't as severe, it seems. The steeper the country, the more thermals seem to come into play.

This and what @Pistolpete28 said are so good. I definitely try to hunt desert deer ONLY where and when the thermals and prevailing winds agree, whereas midway up a steep slope in the mountains on a blue bird day seems to be consistent on thermals even when the directionals at the top might be different.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Oooh hadn't heard this before. You're talking the little geranium flower thing?

Yelp. Like Ice cream. I’ve watched deer move miles chasing rainfall/filaree.

Give me sage, greasewood, and filaree and lots of tire plugs and I’m a happy man

 

[505Wapiti]

Bumping this up to see if anyone has more to add…

 

[dtrkyman]

Hunting desert mule deer in low density areas is brutal!

 

[505Wapiti]

Hunting desert mule deer in low density areas is brutal!

How have you adapted your glassing game as a result?

 

[Muley Tag]

I hunt them both the same way

 

[dtrkyman]

How have you adapted your glassing game as a result?

Not sure I’ve adapted it specifically to the desert but I tend to look at the same places from multiple angles, always amazed to find deer where you’re sure there aren’t any!


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[BBob]

Not sure I’ve adapted it specifically to the desert but I tend to look at the same places from multiple angles, always amazed to find deer where you’re sure there aren’t any!

They are really good at disappearing into the mesquite thickets in the bottoms of the drainages. And speaking of that, that is where you'll find a ton of fillaree as well if it's growing at the time. The pigs love it too.

 

[dtrkyman]

Oh and desert mule deer are 3/4 camel!


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