Trophy mule deer are one of the most sought-after species of the North American big game. Unlike whitetail deer, mule deer are more commonly found in areas west of the Mississippi River and, more specifically, along the Rocky Mountain regions.
What to Consider When Hunting Mule Deer
From scouting and tracking to calling, hunters must combine skills and knowledge for success when hunting mule deer. When planning a day in the field, learning where to find them is crucial, including the terrain, deer movements, and ideal weather conditions.
The Ideal Location
From the great plains to the Mexican border, the habitats of mule deer are as vast as they are wide.
Mule deer tend to live in arid, rocky environments and thrive in areas of plentiful shrub growth with a wide variety of plant species. Western Colorado, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah tend to have the highest populations of mule deer.
The Solunar Calendar
According to a theory laid out by John Alden Knight in 1926, animal movement can be affected by the position and fullness of the moon. Applying this theory to wild game can help you predict their movements and locations for a successful hunt.
So, does the moon impact mule deer movement? Most hunters will say "yes," but during any phase of the moon, deer are still out there. The trick is to use the right tools and resources to plan your hunt around their behavior.
For example, deer may be more likely to feed at night when a full moon delivers plenty of light. If they feed at night, they will likely not leave their beds to feed again until midday.
With the HuntWise app, you can use our HuntCast feature to choose the best days to hunt in mule deer areas based on real-time movement predictions.
The Time of Year
The best time of year to hunt mule deer depends on your hunting technique.
If you're an archer, the best time will fall in the late summer season between August 15-31st. However, for rifle hunters, hunting is better later in the season, between November 1 and 30.
Be sure to check with the local regulations for specific open season dates for bowhunting vs. rifle hunting.
Many hunters also prefer hunting mule deer during the rut when bucks are active throughout the day. To optimize your time in the field during the rut, use our RutCast feature in the HuntWise app.
The Time of Day
The best time of day to hunt mule deer is in the first hours of the morning when the deer feeding throughout the night can be seen heading back to their bedding areas.
To prepare, set up your blind the night before or even earlier in the morning so you're ready when deer come through
The Temperature
Similar to other deer species, mule deer are the most active during the coolest parts of the day, including the early morning and evening hours. So, depending on how early your season opens for hunting mule deer, you can take advantage of cooler late summer and early fall mornings to spot bucks on the move.
However, waiting until later in the season can be challenging to find deer moving around. As the temperatures drop during late fall into winter, mule deer bed down for longer periods of time to stay warm.
Barometric Pressure
Deer are extremely sensitive to changes in weather.
When the barometric pressure begins to fall, signaling an oncoming storm front, deer movement rapidly increases as they seek shelter. Likewise, after a storm passes, deer are ready to get out and find food.
So, before or after a storm can be a prime time to get out there and tag out.
General Weather Conditions
Deer understand the dangers of severe weather conditions and will take shelter at the threat of a storm. You probably don't like hunting in bad weather, either.
So, hunting for mule deer during days of calm weather is typically better. However, humidity can also affect their movement, as deer prefer humidity between 40 and 50 percent.
Choose the best weather days for your hunt with the forecasting features in HuntWise.
The Wind
Like other deer species, mule deer have an acute sense of smell, making wind the most important factor to consider when planning a stalk. Be prepared to change locations frequently to ensure you are always downwind from deer activity.
HuntWise and our WindCast feature help you plan your approach to your stand and hunt based on changing wind directions. Use the wind to your advantage so deer can't smell you coming.
Use HuntWise to Identify the Best Times for Mule Deer Hunting
As the season approaches, being prepared can help you get a head start on other hunters. Using the tips we've provided today and the HuntWise app can also help you get ahead of the mule deer you plan to hunt!
From understanding the wind to the weather and the rut, HuntWise can help you plan the best days to get out in the field for a successful hunt. Download the app and try it for free for a week!