It's opening day which species do u target the first days?

[hunted]

So I am new to bow hunting. Just started last year. Did a few sits, and a few stalks drew on a couple bucks but passed on them. This year I have a mule deer tag and also have good whitetail stands set up.

My question is which species do you guys focus on early? Mule deer or whitetail?

I honestly believe I can find a good one of both species so not worried about missing out. If you blow something early are whitetail or MD more likely to leave the area never to be seen again? MD is spot and stalk in nasty coulees, whitetail is from tree stands watching the trails to and from feeding grounds. i am a trophy hunter and am looking for 180+MD and 170+ WT. I am confident the properties I hunt have both but haven't physically saw one or taken a pic of either yet.
Oh and still call myself a rifle hunter so when I can I will switch to rifle.

[whitetail Junkie]

I personally would hunt the whitetail stands in the morning and evening's and hunt the mule deer coulees in the afternoon.....however doing that a lot of the mules will already be bedded so it might be harder to locate where they bedded for your stalk....but at least your getting out of the stand for abit and changeing it up/stretching your legs.

[albertadeer]

Opening week is the best time for licks and waterholes. So mostly elk and moose using them.

Once the elk start screaming then I get more mobile. Otherwise I sit and eat candy at licks hahaha

[3blade]

Whitetails. First week or two they are still in their summer pattern, after that they get a little random.

Mulies are more likely to leave, whitetails are more likely to go nocturnal.

[Kurt505]

Not sure what the regs are where you're hunting, but I would start with the mule deer where I am. Whitetail is general for rifle but mule deer shuts down once general season opens. Nothing scientific about it, just a matter of having more time to look for the whitetail.

[Evil69]

Originally Posted by whitetail Junkie

I personally would hunt the whitetail stands in the morning and evening's and hunt the mule deer coulees in the afternoon.....however doing that a lot of the mules will already be bedded so it might be harder to locate where they bedded for your stalk....but at least your getting out of the stand for abit and changeing it up/stretching your legs.

x2 Whites from a stand. I usually spend the first 2 days in the stand all day then switch to Morning/evenings and spot/stalk Mulies mid day.

[Richard B.]

white tails as that is what my draws were. sitting in a ground blind and daring them to do something about it.

[hunted]

That's what I'm thinking go for whitey's the first couple days. Also most of the crops will be swathed so mule deer patterns are disrupted already. Will be humping coulees when I can. Thanks guys.

[harv3589]

Moose for me! Then migratory birds....

[albertabighorn]

Quebec Caribou first then yukon moose right after.

[Hair trigger]

I am sorry but best of luck in the bush whatever you chase. I will hopefully be in a fresh cut field cutting honkers......all the best with your decision!!

HT