Standard mule deer rifle hunt.

[beginnerhunter]

Where are the areas that have a general rifle hunt for mule deer or are they all draw? I have started buying points in Wyoming.

For me a trophy would be an average 4x, not looking for a record or anything. Do I need to adjust my expectations? Shoot a Forky?

Archery might be an option but I've never shot a mule deer so I'm not at the point where I'm ready to restrict myself. However, if an archery hunt would increase my opportunities I may reconsider. Thanks!

 

[wytex]

Many regions have general tags. Some regions have mostly private land but some access through HMA's and walkins. With effort you can find a decent 4x4, just have to pass on the little guys.

 

[utahminer]

I would highly recommend buying a subscription to any of the hunting publications that provide draw information. They condense the regs and help provide an idea of what you can expect. I have been pretty happy with Gohunt (its pricey), but it provides a lot of information that you might not want if you are just trying to get general info. You can get decent data from Eastman's Hunting Journal, but I don't think its as accurate as Gohunt.

 

[PAGOAT]

Guys camping next to me got some nice buck and I saw 4 buck that I think were nice buck in a general unit in Wyoming while I hunted antelope

 

[beginnerhunter]

Thanks for the info so far. For some reason I thought Wyoming was draw only...

Doesn't have to be Wyoming though, I'm interested in any state where I could reasonably have a chance to see an average 4x next season. Thanks again!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Thanks for the info so far. For some reason I thought Wyoming was draw only...

Doesn't have to be Wyoming though, I'm interested in any state where I could reasonably have a chance to see an average 4x next season. Thanks again!

Wyoming Is draw only on antelope, deer, and elk.

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Montana is largely general, but is a bit odd because as NR, you apply. However, the deer or deer elk combo are not limited entry. Idaho has a lot of general areas, as does Colorado.

I don't think a 4x is too tough to come by, but you'll have much higher odds of a 2pt or perhaps a 3pt.

 

[280rem]

I would look at Montana. It's easier to draw the elk/deer combo tag than the deer only tag but you have a good chance of drawing without points. If you want to go outfitted than I would also look at a ranching for wildlife tag/outfitter in Colorado.

 

[Chad Gus]

There's plenty of units in Colorado that can be drawn with 0 or 1 point where a solid 4x4 is definitely possible. Me and my brothers bucks from this year.

 

[beginnerhunter]

There's plenty of units in Colorado that can be drawn with 0 or 1 point where a solid 4x4 is definitely possible. Me and my brothers bucks from this year.View attachment 65837

Yeah that's pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. Was this DIY?

 

[8andcounting]

I would look at Montana. It's easier to draw the elk/deer combo tag than the deer only tag but you have a good chance of drawing without points. If you want to go outfitted than I would also look at a ranching for wildlife tag/outfitter in Colorado.

Deer combo has been 100% draw last 5-6 years but it's trending again and I think soon it won't be . It's popular cuz it's easy to get , plus a 5 week season plus millions of acres of public and block mAnagement

 

[Chad Gus]

]Yeah that's pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. Was this DIY?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, 2nd season west central part of the state. Seen deer every day but one. We were hunting around 9000 ft glassing the edges of dark timber

 

[dan.kirkpatrick]

you could also consider the Utah general seasons,ive done well with that tag,,pretty easy to draw,,,a few points on the better units,,,268 isn't a bad price,+10 app and $65 hunt lic.

 

[Trigger50]

Are you a Wyoming resident? If you are can buy a general tag over the counter.

 

[beginnerhunter]

Are you a Wyoming resident? If you are can buy a general tag over the counter.

No, NR . I started buying points in Wyoming because I kept hearing it is still the best state for mule deer. But I'm willing to try any state where I might have a chance without 10 years worth of points.

 

[280rem]

Deer combo has been 100% draw last 5-6 years but it's trending again and I think soon it won't be . It's popular cuz it's easy to get , plus a 5 week season plus millions of acres of public and block mAnagement

I imagine so. I imagine EHD plays a big part in the number of deer tags that they will allow.

 

[Reeltime]

Idaho and Montana fit your needs.

 

[HUNTNNW]

look at NV too... its all draw, but fantastic hunting in almost any unit

 

[Josh Kuntz]

There are good 4x4 (or larger) mule deer bucks sprinkled all over Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. Yes, there are some units that have a better record for big bucks, but a damn respectable buck can be found in almost any unit. If you have a fair amount of time to hunt, and you are in good physical condition, your odds are damn good. There is certainly no reason to wait around for your Wyoming points, you can start hunting in many states next year. I have shot bucks in MT and in ID that were both over 26" wide and 5x5's and in both cases I certainly wasn't in a unit that was known for good mule deer, nor am I an especially good hunter. I just spend lots of time in the field and am willing to spend the night outdoors and go a bit further than day hunters. I hope you have a great hunt next year, there is truly no reason not to.