Which to shoot first?

Dtharvester

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 6, 2019
Messages
139
Location
Central Oregon
Muley, because I’m by myself and I need to butcher and carry that thing out myself, and I’m already exhausted from having to make the choice between the two! :unsure:
 

87TT

WKR
Joined
Mar 13, 2019
Messages
3,576
Location
Idaho
Elk. Killed a lot of Mulies. Like elk meat better. probably wouldn't even shoot the mulie if it just stood there. If I'm by myself, the pack out would be tough enough plus it would probably spoil while I broke down the elk by myself. And if I ended up tracking one, forget it.
 

3pointer

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 7, 2019
Messages
250
Definitely the elk , love mule deer but an elk can take care of the freezer for the year
 

chindits

WKR
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
772
Location
Westslope, CO
Mule deer first.

Around here as a resident you’re not getting a mule deer tag without at least a few years or a lot of years of points depending on season. Where as, if you are not getting an elk tag every year it’s because you aren’t applying for an elk tag.
 

chindits

WKR
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
772
Location
Westslope, CO
I’d look right over them and shoot that pumpkinheaded black bear out yonder.

What JohnnyB says. Save your bullets for bears, cats and yotes.
 
Joined
Mar 3, 2019
Messages
14
I’d shoot the muley. A lot of bigger mule deer will sell out at hearing a shot. The elk I’ve been around, not so much.
 
Joined
Mar 7, 2019
Messages
28
The best stalking route gets the nod for me. In your scenario we have to have 1 or the other that is more stalkable. You’re sitting there looking. Plan the stalk and weigh the odds.
 

HOT ROD

WKR
Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Messages
1,002
Location
Casper Wy
I would take the mule deer.. Don't seem to have any trouble killing elk... But mule deer just elude me...
 
Joined
Mar 25, 2019
Messages
792
Location
Pendleton, Or
Well it seems like elk opportunity has improved and mule deer declined in the 50 years I’ve been chasing them. Since Oregon went to limited entry hunts I’ve not drawn at least a spike tag once. Mule deer, I draw the unit I grew up hunting once every three years it seems. I see a good solid mule deer with a tag in my pocket, he gets the first shot.
 

Jhaury7

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 30, 2019
Messages
221
Location
SW Idaho
Elk. The muley will stop and look back. The elk will run over every tree until he’s gone forever
 

Rosey

FNG
Joined
Jun 29, 2012
Messages
30
Location
Southcentral PA
I think it's tougher to find a big muley today and than a small elk. Although game chaser makes a good point that they deer might stop and give a shot for both.
 

30338

WKR
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
1,994
Shooting my suppressed 6.5x47 with a UL7 screwed on, I'll bust the buck, rack the kung fu shifter and drop the elk. Then start texting the posse for help.

Actually after being a dedicated raghorn killer my whole life, I'd shoot the buck only. We really like pre-rut mule deer bucks and we'd be good with just the one critter.
 
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