Foothills / Mountain Mule Deer ?

[GillieSuit]

Howdy Folks,

I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to hunting mule deer in the foothills and mountain management units. I hunted coulee bottoms and open country Mule Deer when I was in college. However, with two small children and a busy career I don't have time to make a trip out to the prairie areas to chase open country Muley's so I've been trying to connect on a buck in the more bushy mountainous areas that still have open seasons and are close to home. Can anyone provide some insight as to the type of terrain or habitat features that Mule deer prefer in this landscape.

I am just trying to get to know this animal better with regards to foothills and mountain habitats.

As always any help or tips are greatly appreciated.

[Don K]

Early fall they tend to be close to treeline (mulies) and that's your best chance at a decent buck. Once the snow hits they'll head to the bottoms with the whitetails. Then it's just luck. Try to find fresh tracks in snow, rattling, glass cuts, etc. Bush deer are tougher to find than farm deer, especially if you're looking for a good one! They browse more, opposed to having fields as a food source. This means they are likely to range more and be really tough to pattern.

Good luck!

[GillieSuit]

Thanks, DonK,

That's a good start. I appreciate the help.

Cheers.

[Pudelpointer]

In many areas the mulies will stay high on the ridges right through the worst storms. My favorite spots were always what we call "hog's back ridges"; long wide fairly flat ridges. These usually have some areas of thick, heavy vegetation that the deer will use for thermal protection.

[GillieSuit]

Thanks Pudle,

that really helps as well. I'll do some investigating next week. Regards,

[Pudelpointer]

Originally Posted by GillieSuit

Thanks Pudle,

that really helps as well. I'll do some investigating next week. Regards,

Topo maps of the area you hunt can be a big help. Aerial photos are awesome, if you can find/afford them.