Elk vs. Mule Deer Archery Hunting

[307]

I'm an adult onset hunter, this is only my 3rd season hunting anything, ever. I finally connected with an elk after much study and many, many miles hiked.

I've never been in the position of having any of September left and no elk to chase so I'm trying to quickly get somewhat up to speed on Mule Deer. I'll buy Robby's book in the off season to get the expertise from the source but in the next couple of weeks, I'm patching together bits and pieces to try to get a deer (not worried about size very much).

So, these are my very novice ideas, please let me know where I'm wrong. I'm comparing the hunting to elk hunting because it's all that I know.

Mule deer seem to be less nocturnal than elk, can be seen more during daylight hours. Their primary defense is more balanced between sight, hearing, and smell vs an elk relying on its nose mostly (due to terrain I'm guessing).

Mule deer are out in the open more, don't focus as much in the dark timber during daylight, and may live slightly higher/drier areas than elk. They are non vocal and won't be lured towards a hunter with any noises.

Basic mule deer strategy, see them (glass or bump them when walking), allow them to bed/settle down, then try to sneak into bow range without being seen/heard/smelled. It's more like sight fishing to a particular fish rather than fishing to good water that likely holds fish...

My first day ever deer hunting was this morning. Climbed about 2k and hiked several miles. Found sign so fresh it was still sticky only to finally look up and see 4 bucks about 100 yards ahead of me. I learned that I have no idea how to stalk a mule deer, and that I was not nearly patient enough, they caught me several times, I stood still, and they continued feeding. After the 4th time of this process (told you I am bad at it), they finally got a little nervous and buggered off. I think I found 3 different groups of deer (singles to a small herd of 6-8) mostly younger bucks and a couple of does.

What other tips can you offer the complete beginner of mule deer archery hunting?

 

[Muley Buck]

Honestly, just read Robbys book. That has more pragmatic information than a handful of tips.

 

[307]

As I stated, I plan to. I probably won't have that done before this year's season is over.

 

[Slim Jim]

Continue stalking young deer with the wind in your face and you'll learn a lot. Younger deer will stick around longer giving you more opportunities, but mature bucks will be LONG GONE.

 

[JP7]

Having the wind in your favor is pretty basic and works for any animal. With Mule Deer, some people like to stalk them while they feed and some like it while they bed. I prefer to stalk while they've bedded. Use your camera or phone to take pictures of where they bed so when you get there you can have better idea of your landmarks. The land WILL look different once you are over where the deer are. Always stalk from above the deer, I broke that rule last weekend on a bonsai trip and busted the buck. If you're on a group of bucks, beware that the most mature buck will bed with more immature bucks on the periphery. Don't get tunnel vision on the first buck in the area when you're in bow range. For example, opening weekend, I snuck into a bedding area and saw a buck about to bed down at 70 yards. I tunneled visioned on him. I crawled to 50 and clicked a rock. He pegged me and blew out. When he blew out I noticed to my left three other bucks get up that I hadn't seen, one of them being a real nice buck.

Also, deer will do a thing where they think something's wrong but they aren't sure, so they'll put their head down like their feeding and instantly pop it back up to try to catch you moving.

 

[cumminsbassguy]

Having the wind in your favor is pretty basic and works for any animal. With Mule Deer, some people like to stalk them while they feed and some like it while they bed. I prefer to stalk while they've bedded. Use your camera or phone to take pictures of where they bed so when you get there you can have better idea of your landmarks. The land WILL look different once you are over where the deer are. Always stalk from above the deer, I broke that rule last weekend on a bonsai trip and busted the buck. If you're on a group of bucks, beware that the most mature buck will bed with more immature bucks on the periphery. Don't get tunnel vision on the first buck in the area when you're in bow range. For example, opening weekend, I snuck into a bedding area and saw a buck about to bed down at 70 yards. I tunneled visioned on him. I crawled to 50 and clicked a rock. He pegged me and blew out. When he blew out I noticed to my left three other bucks get up that I hadn't seen, one of them being a real nice buck.

Also, deer will do a thing where they think something's wrong but they aren't sure, so they'll put their head down like their feeding and instantly pop it back up to try to catch you moving.

That they sure do, seen it so many times.. try the "squirrel" approach if they hear you... take a stick, ruffle it around on the ground, then into a tree ( if there are any) pause,, then do it again... move as you are russling the ground ( not my idea, read about a guy doing it for whitetail and getting within 50 or so yards)

 

[Muleys32]

Don't be afraid to take your boots off and put a thick pair of wool socks on as you stalk in. Makes you go way slower and be a lot more quiet because of it. Along with the fact that the socks will make much less noise than your boots. That was the difference maker for me this season.

 

[AndyJ]

My two cents- The deer you are referring to are immature deer. Mature bucks tend to be pretty no nonsense about things. Bump them and they are gone. They usually don't go too far though, typically just down to the next thickest area (ex-primary ridge to secondary ridge. Secondary ridge to north facing slope). In you position spot and stalk or spot and ambush is probably going to be your best bet at success.