Sources for learning mule deer behavior

[TauPhi111]

I'm planning a Utah mule deer hunt for 2020 that will also be my brother's first hunt. We each have 1 point and will be trying to draw general season tags next year. I've hunted whitetails and bear most of my life and have gotten into elk the last few years, but I have never hunted mule deer and really haven't read much on them. What are some of the best sources to read up on mule deer behavior and hunting strategies so I can try to make this hunt as successful as possible?

 

[bluesulphur]

I've enjoyed Dwight's book quite a bit. He's a little archery heavy but his tips apply to rifle hunting as well. I find it interesting that so many people are now using the techniques that he first described in the 80s and thinking they are on to some new concept.

 

[CarWrestler]

Robby "the Legend" Denning has a great book. Eastman's High Country Mule Deer is a classic book as well. Avery Adventures has some really good podcasts with Robby Denning. I'd also suggest listening to Aron Snyder for gear information. Randy Newberg has some great e-scouting information. Do your homework, then come up with very specific questions for the biologists in your hunt area. Brady Miller is also very knowledgeable, so I'd read articles or listen to podcasts he's in.

However, there is no substitute for getting out and knowing your area. So if possible, wear last years model coat, carry an older bow and spend more time out scouting if you have to make a decision between gear and gas.

 

[TauPhi111]

Robby "the Legend" Denning has a great book. Eastman's High Country Mule Deer is a classic book as well. Avery Adventures has some really good podcasts with Robby Denning. I'd also suggest listening to Aron Snyder for gear information. Randy Newberg has some great e-scouting information. Do your homework, then come up with very specific questions for the biologists in your hunt area. Brady Miller is also very knowledgeable, so I'd read articles or listen to podcasts he's in.

However, there is no substitute for getting out and knowing your area. So if possible, wear last years model coat, carry an older bow and spend more time out scouting if you have to make a decision between gear and gas.

I'm definitely familiar with Randy Newberg's stuff from my elk preparation, but I'll check out those other names. My brother lives in Salt Lake so he'll be scouting some and I'm hoping we can get some scouting trips in together next year.

 

[Charon]

i know a lot of huntersm ranchers, Rokslide and i do a lot of researches Online, i get my info and put them to the test

 

[tymdodge98]

I would for sure read Robby Denning’s book, “Hunting Big Mule Deer”. I have read through more than once, and it’s full of good information , and advice. But ultimately spend time in the field....experience leads to success.


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[HiMtnHntr]

Look up stuff by Valerius Geist and Walt Prothero.

 

[Dtharvester]

I’ve just learned of some great reads by checking this thread, thanks!
The only advice I’d offer when it comes to resources on a new quarry is pick one source at first and get out in the field as soon as you can to to let the animals fill in the gaps. A lot of the reading I’ve done made more sense AFTER I’d spent some time doing my own observations. Getting out there a few days early might give you the time you need.

 

[mcseal2]

Robby Denning, Mike Eastman, David Long, and Jim Collyer all had helpful books i read. Lots of articles and podcasts are great too.

 

[Sleeperls]

Listening to the meateater podcast today makes me want to find data on the radio collared deer moving about their ranges.

Seems it could possibly narrow down some areas if you have enough data

 

[TauPhi111]

Listening to the meateater podcast today makes me want to find data on the radio collared deer moving about their ranges.

Seems it could possibly narrow down some areas if you have enough data

It was that podcast that spurred this thread. I was listening to it and thought ,"I don't know shit about mule deer" lol

 

[Sleeperls]

I'm trying to learn as well. Never hunted them in the western states. We used to have them here, but all gone for the most part. White tail dominate the farm ground and creek bottoms

 

[sagebuster]

Good reading provided by everybody that replied. Adding boots on the ground observation will verify what you have read. No substitute for that.

Most mule deer sit up nights reading this same stuff. You'll find out they are all definitely smarter than any human. Remember that you read that here on Rokslide.

 

[Tayler Wayne]

I’ve enjoyed many of the books already mentioned. I’d add that I listen to any podcast about mule deer hunting when Ryan Lampers is the guest.


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[vanish]

I've read these three books, each having their strong points:

David Long: Public Land Mulies
Dwight Schuh: Hunting Open-Country Mule Deer
Robby Denning: Hunting Big Mule Deer

By far, the most applicable for me has been Robby's book, and I'm not just pumping his tires because its his site. The reason is because it is a more holistic discussion, instead of just spot and stalk. Spot and Stalk is a lot of fun, and I do it when possible, but the areas where its "easy" to do are becoming harder and harder to draw. Hunting cover, however, opens up a LOT more terrain, and I prefer to hunt every year.

 

[NMMuledeer777]

All very good sources and reads. Getting some background on Mule deer behavior and taking advantage of today's technology (escouting, forums, podcasts, etc) theres so much good information out there. But boots on the ground and eyes behind glass is where it all comes together.

 

[Rich M]

I agree w 777 - you can read and listen and then you get out there and put some time in, see how it fits together.

 

[robAK]

Here’s my advice. Start doing stairs and leg lunges now. Start with a few reps and increase as the weeks go. And never use the handrail going up anywhere you go, I still do this
Did that last year prepping for my brothers dall sheep hunt and I’m in my late 40s. I’ve already started again.

 

[robby denning]

I've read these three books, each having their strong points:

David Long: Public Land Mulies
Dwight Schuh: Hunting Open-Country Mule Deer
Robby Denning: Hunting Big Mule Deer

By far, the most applicable for me has been Robby's book, and I'm not just pumping his tires because its his site. The reason is because it is a more holistic discussion, instead of just spot and stalk. Spot and Stalk is a lot of fun, and I do it when possible, but the areas where its "easy" to do are becoming harder and harder to draw. Hunting cover, however, opens up a LOT more terrain, and I prefer to hunt every year.

Thank you!


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[Scogin]

This is perfect. I was looking for the same info.