First Mule Deer Hunt - Gear Recommendations

[Qwertyarcher]

Got an archery mule deer tag in southern Colorado this September. This will be our first backcountry hunt. I don't have a spotting scope, but I imagine I'll need one. Looking for recommendations on those. Need to purchase some packs and sleeping systems for this hunt as well, if y'all got any suggestions. Planning to hunt 9000ft+ elevation here. Everyone going is already pretty fit, but it won't hurt to get fitter, so any suggestions for training are also welcome. TIA!

 

[cuerro viejo]

STC on tricer BC

 

[TL406]

Just go copy some hunting influencers “archery mule deer hunt gear list” from a YouTube video. Actual suggestion, not being snarky. I kinda wish I had done that to begin with, would have saved me money overall.

Get a storm worthy tent if you’re going up into the alpine, ultralight sounds nice until you’re in a hail storm.

 

[HanktheTankSB]

My vortex spotting scope is great and customer service is even better.

 

[dtrkyman]

I would almost always bring a pair of 15x bino's before a spotter, packing in maybe a 553/4 series Kowa.

 

[sodaksooner]

You will be on glass a lot. beg buy or borrow the best spotter/bino's you can.

 

[Legend]

Got an archery mule deer tag in southern Colorado this September. This will be our first backcountry hunt. I don't have a spotting scope, but I imagine I'll need one. Looking for recommendations on those. Need to purchase some packs and sleeping systems for this hunt as well, if y'all got any suggestions. Planning to hunt 9000ft+ elevation here. Everyone going is already pretty fit, but it won't hurt to get fitter, so any suggestions for training are also welcome. TIA!

Don't over think it. I have killed way more deer in blue jeans then camo. My $90 north face backpack has hauled dozens if elk out of the backcountry. And spotting scopes are nice but unless you are trying to score a deer they can be optional.

Spend your money and time on practicing shooting.

 

[Rich M]

I shot my muley in jeans. $400 pants dont interest me.

 

[displacedtexan]

My vortex spotting scope is great and customer service is even better.

If it's that great, why are you taking to customer service?

 

[displacedtexan]

If only there was already a bunch of threads on gear.

Maybe even special subforums for different types...

 

[Dan Carey]

I've only sent 1 scope back, they couldn't duplicate the problem so they called me and told be what they thought. The offer was to return the scope or send me a new one, I took the old one back. It was my fault I had a problem with it.

 

[desertdog15]

If only there was already a bunch of threads on gear.

Maybe even special subforums for different types...

Relax

 

[Marcjr47]

Idk your experience level…
I haven’t been up in alpine for archery but a good pair of boots are a must. Break them in before your hunt. I am not to the point where I’m super picky of antler size so I don’t run a spotter. I use 10x50 Leupold binos and a lightweight tripod. Best glass you can afford. I may have opted for 12x or 15x knowing what I know now.
I run a thermarest sleeping pad and a western mountaineering bag. And I’d recommend both of those.
Merino base layers and a good meal plan go a long way too.

 

[Marble]

For glass, I would have a tripod before I got a spotter. If you will settle with most any buck than that should be sufficent enough to get you buy. Before I bought I really good spotter, I would have the best binos I could get.

So in order of importance:
1. 10x42 binos
2. tri pod
3. spotter
4. 15xXX binos

Regular backpacking gear will be just fine. I would make sure you really like doing that type of hunting, then start piecing better gear together.

It's better to use what you have and wait until you can afford the best then to buy incrementally better stuff and eventually buy the best stuff.