Montana Mule Deer - First timer

[Tmac]

….come shoot a whitetail. There's too many in the mountains and they're outcompeting mule deer in winter range in a lot of areas.

Excellent idea. About 1/2 the MT bucks we take are whitetails where we hunt SE. We have really come to enjoy chasing those semi open country whitetails, and they are better table fare too. Probably easier for us to select a WT because we can hunt mule deer at home.

Our last hunt was 2021, population had dramatically dropped due to drought & a blue tongue outbreak. We are waiting for the population of either or both to recover where we hunt. Once they recover some, we’ll be back looking for either species.

 

[TAGPUNCHER]

I've been to Montana 3 times trying to kill a buck. I've yet to pull the trigger. Damn sure not because I haven't had chances. This past season I saw a TON of small bucks. I didn't drive 28 hrs to shoot a dink. I can kill 300 whitetails a year where I live legally. If SE MT would close for 2 or 3yrs it would be a blessing to the herd. I have met a bunch of locals that haven't shot a deer in years because of the low numbers. If you wanna get some GO TO H-LL stares at the gas station,shoot a dink. Every Washington and Minnesota truck I saw had them piled up. If you wanna go,I would definitely go and just enjoy some truly awesome people and country. Just driving around and soaking up the history and local landmarks have made it fun for me. If you hunt hard who knows you might stumble upon that unicorn giant! I will be back next year to do the same.

 

[freezerfull]

The years of liberal mule deer doe hunting has definitely depressed numbers in MT. My experience with Montana is only in recent years. If you’re willing to eat the tag and are selective there are decent bucks to be found. I don’t think many approach a Montana general hunt that way though. It takes work and staying out all day. Hunt cover and tucked away pockets. Mule deer aren’t the smartest but the mature ones seem to have learned to avoid chasing the large doe harems in the open unless on private.

Some things should change for the sake of the herd but the sentiment that only dinks can be found on public is amusing. From what I’ve heard, just a few years back decent bucks could be found from glassing out of the truck during the rut, definitely not the case anymore. Hunt hard and strategically just like in states like WA or ID.

And to add to prior comments, I’m not sure what makes people go ham on a bunch of dinks at almost $900 a pop.