In fact, six of the top 20 typical mule deer bucks of all time, and seven of the top . Elk Venison and Root Vegetable Stew Recipe, Predator Hunting with .17 Caliber Rifle: Pros and Cons, Best Coyote Cartridge: .223 Remington vs .22-250 Remington, Six Great Lever-Gun Hunts for North America, Desert Ghosts: Hunting the Elusive Coues Deer, Tested Tough - Modern Zeiss Sports Optics. In Moffat, Routt, and Eagle counties, it is estimated that 20 to 25% of hunters target deer. Basically, what we are telling you is buyer beware. Petersen's HUNTING Publisher, Kevin Steele is in the CZ booth with Dylan Rice at SHOT Show to talk about CZ 600 Series Trail rifle. If you're seeking a DIY adventure, Healy offered a promising factoid: 86 percent of Nevada is composed of public land. As mentioned previously, New Mexico is home to world-class pronghorn hunting. Every one of these units have the potential to produce the mule deer of your dreams, and every year multiple 200-inch bucks are taken here. #13. Unit 62 offers good mule deer hunting, and is worth the two preference points that it takes to draw. At Silver Spur Outfitters, we have many years of experience and have been in business since 1993. Limited-entry permits use a modified bonus point system in which 50 percent of permits go to applicants with maximum points, while the remaining 50 percent of tags are allocated in a random draw. 1 Go to page. The odds of drawing with zero points were 25 percent for 2014, and with just three points you were guaranteed to draw. Special Details: Mule deer occupy the western side of the state mainly in units 1, 2, 3, 17, 18 (north to south). In the event a big game animal is wounded, your hunt is over until the animal is found. If you would like access to all of our research, join today! As a former New Mexico taxidermist, Christensen learned a lot about where and when bruiser bucks are killed in the state. "But they expect to get a chance to shoot a high-quality [trophy] deer.". The state does have a Walk-In Hunting Access program and some state wildlife areas in mule-deer country, but it's fragmented and probably highly pressured. Bull Tag / 0 pts. The Grand Canyon States animal population ranges between 85,000 and 100,000. . Our camp host will make sure you are fed and ready to go! West Elk Outfitters holds permits on the most sought after elk hunting and mule deer hunting areas in the state. "The state of the Mule Deer Foundation is really good right now," noted Moretti, "Financially, we had our best year last year in terms of fundraising, but we need to keep pushing for growth.". State wildlife managers are proactively managing predator populations and experimenting with deer trap-and-transplant efforts, with the goal of successfully relocating urban deer back to the sticks. "In 2014, 550 archery tags were distributed for this area, with a season that runs from late August to mid-September. As for general-season units, Jones suggested hunters take a look at Pine Valley in the southwest corner of the state, the four Oquirrh/Stansbury units west of Salt Lake City, and Zion on the southern border. ", Application Fee/Terms: float state; $321 tag float; $43 application fee (includes preference point) + $10 habitat stamp. Most of it consists of flat farmland with adjacent sandhill desert country. Wyoming offers large expanses of public land, mostly in the western part of the state, and produces lots of record-book bucks. 5. Applications must be submitted by 8 p.m. (MDT) on April 5, 2022. There are many areas of the state that offer great mule deer hunting, but some of the best spots include the San Juan Mountains, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, and the White River National Forest. The adventure is big. Elk hunting is a tradition shared by thousands of hunters each fall. 4. For some hunters, pursuing elk, mule deer, and pronghorn in the western United States is a future dream; for others its a yearly routine. Reputable trophy hunts can be very difficult for adults to come by in New Mexico, but according to Jordan Christensen, a consultant for Cabela's T.A.G.S., the state is definitely worth considering for youth hunters. It has become more difficult to access land on the Plains simply due to supply and demand. Given the landscape of Western Colorado and the vast amount of summer range in comparison to winter range, it only makes sense that when heavy snowfall and cold temps descend onto the mountains that deer become congregated into whatever winter range valleys they can find. Cost. November 13 - November 19 We have several options for mule deer hunting with our main focus being in Colorado units 61& 62, as well as the Utah Bookcliffs unit. Like Utah, Arizona is famous for producing record-book mule deer. Units 62/65 in southwest Colorado are ideal for spotting mule deer and have numerous breeding grounds. Special Details: "Quality" and "high-demand" permits are classified by the state as more premium hunts than you'll get with a standard permit. You may add on a bear tag with any elk or mule deer hunt. We offer Fully Guided hunts on prime private land and . This is just another reminder that the amount of points required to draw a late season buck tag in Colorado will always take a backseat to Mother Nature. The Colorado San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests are home to excellent mule deer hunting. These are the good old days of hunting mule deer in Utah, said Jones, who added that all of the 29 general-season units in the state are capable of producing 200-inch bucks. Thread . Great memories are built on great elk hunts. Colorado rifle deer season dates: View Harvest Reports, Draw Odds, Preference Points, Regulations, Elevation, Maps, Vegetation Analysis, Really Anything . Buy On Amazon. In 2010, Utah had the second highest number of typical mule deer taken in the United States. Publisher of Petersen's HUNTING magazine, Kevin Steele is at the Steiner Optics booth with Alberto Corbetta to discuss the Predator 4 and Predator 8. Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Todd's Loco 7x7. "Since 2012, nobody has drawn a mule deer tag in the Arizona Strip [units 13A and 13B] with less than 15 points," explained Eric Pawlak, manager of Cabela's T.A.G.S. | Deer hunting in Colorado starts with archery in September and ends with muzzleloading in October. We only take four clients per year for mule deer and four clients per year for white-tail deer, which makes this hunt very intimate. A 12 point deer is commonly referred to as one of the Souths or Midwests deer. If you successfully draw your Colorado mule deer hunting tag, you will have to pay for your license. Our lodge is within walking distance to downtown Pagosa Springs where you can rest in the local hot springs. It is as steep and rugged as the Tetons in Wyoming. "You do have a chance of drawing a tag to hunt the Kaibab [units 12A and 12B] especially if you're a bowhunter. Deer Hunts - Colorado is know for its trophy mule deer, and we've got some of the best bucks in our units. Whether the tag in your pocket leads you to a comfortable lodge for a guided hunt on private land, a DIY spike camp deep in backcountry wilderness, or somewhere in between, hunting the West will grab you by the soul and easily can become a year-round obsession. Unit 61 currently takes seven or eight nonresident preference points to draw the 2nd rifle season. Before you prepare to squeeze a trigger, consider dropping a shilling in the hat for muleys, or at least show up when it's time to cast a ballot or raise your hand when decisions are being made that impact the species. I don't like fake velvet but each to there own. All Petersen's Hunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. We work with the best outfitters on the Eastern Plains, so get in touch with us to help you figure out which outfitters have what you are looking for. . Deer Hunting in Colorado GMU 7 . Go. Home; Deer Hunting . In addition to this, parts of Colorado received over two feet of new snow in June. bucks in 2019. Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today! Points do not equal inches of antler or quality of hunt. Pronghorn Area 38, between Cheyenne and Laramie, is a mix of public and private land where landowners typically charge minimal trespass fees and hunters needed only two preference points to draw a tag in 2018, Decaria said. Early Rifle Deer - By application - typically draws with 10 points. In some areas, there was more snow in 2019 than in 2018. What should someone with 8 Mulie preference points do then? Deer can be hunted in the morning and evening during these hours. Look up your draw odds on Monster Muleys and you will see where you stand. 2. As you're planning a Colorado mule deer hunt, there are a few other things you ought to consider. It's a preference point system now, whereas tags were formerly available over the counter [general]. Lydia Decaria, license sales representative with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, said Pronghorn Area 73, north of Casper, is very popular with hunters because it has huge tracts of Bureau of Land Management property. Cedar City, UT 84721 Montana has a lot of country and . "The Plateau Thousand Lakes unit [25B] is the most difficult general-unit tag to draw," he said. Northwest Colorado is famous for its large herds of mule deer. You may be able to expect warm weather, but keep in mind that all of that can change if a rare late spring storm strikes. The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) was founded in 1988 as the first official nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Odocoileus hemionus black-tailed deer and mule deer. A mule deer can form herds of up to fifty animals, which is unusual. Introducing the Veracity PH from Burris, the perfect combination of reliability, quality, and technology delivering a simple aiming solutiona tool for the hunter that just works. Moretti shared his thoughts: "If you can draw a mule deer tag and get private land access, there are some really nice, big bucks in western Kansas. Make Your Best Hunting Memory InSouthern Colorado or New Mexico, 5 Day Archery, Muzzleloader, or Rifle Hunt, Field Dressing of Animal and Delivery to Processor, Lodge Based Hunt including meals and accommodations, Lodge based hunt including meals and accommodations. "We manage for quality, so most hunters we hear from are willing to wait a year or two to hunt," explained Chris Healy, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. A lot of time will be spent glassing several places that hold deer and looking for bucks that might be starting to think about the rut. An antler on a deer or elk would have symmetrical points, and these points would occur in typical locations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports some herds have up to 24,000 mule deer! Montanas Block Management Program opens more than 500,000 additional acres of private land to walk-in public hunting in the region, which is home to the highest concentrations of elk in the state, produces huge bulls, and is responsible for approximately 50 percent of the states elk harvest each year. Lee Sells Outfitters & Guide. Even those late rifle hunts that took 15-20+ points to draw were almost as difficult to find mature bucks as those hunts that took 0-5 points to draw. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Should you choose to stay with us, you will have a hearty breakfast each day prior to heading out to camp as well as a packed lunch to take with you. Mule deer are one of the most popular big game animals in Colorado. If you just want to hunt consider "burning" points and draw a unit that has a good population of deer that will give you multiple stalking opportunities. DIY Drop Camps - For the DIY hunter, our drops camps reside in proven hunting areas for elk and mule deer. The number of hunters is increasing, which has a negative impact on harvest success. Pawlak also warned that while it's easier to get a muley tag in units south of the Grand Canyon, you shouldn't expect to encounter the class of Arizona bucks that have caught your attention on magazine covers. If there is stress during these vulnerable months, mule deer can become ill and die. Cooler weather did not play a role in the later rifle seasons being so tough. Although Nebraska doesn't have the abundant public land that Wyoming, Colorado, or Idaho do, there's still plenty to comb through. To say bear hunting in Colorado is a good deal is an understatement. Sergio Alcazar, owner of ALC Global Adventures, has lived in and hunted Colorado for 24 years. We can provide you with all the lodging and amenities of home while you are away from home, or we offer a guided hunt where you provide your own lodging and food. There's a long road ahead for the conservation of mule deer, and dollars are necessary to pave the way. . Despite the fact that the hunting pressure was higher, fewer people left the state during the 2017-2018 season. Four of the top 20 B&C mule deer of all time were killed in Wyoming. In this article, well give you a rundown of the best places to hunt mule deer in Colorado. Hunters have a legitimate chance at shooting a B&C pronghorn in all GMUs that have a huntable population. Wyoming likely is the first state that comes to mind when hunters think of pronghorn hunting. Nonresidents can only draw muzzleloader or archery permits for mule deer, and there's a major catch: You must apply for a whitetail permit in order to apply for a muley permit (aka the $100 mule deer stamp), and your chance of drawing a whitetail permit in those five units is typically 70 percent or greater. You will have amazing accommodations while you stay with us that will compete with any hotel! Trouble is, drawing a tag in these coveted areas ranges from extremely difficult to almost impossible. You can easily spot them around in any season. Our Mule Deer Hunts are free range in the Mountains of Eastern Colorado. The deer harvest for muzzleloading bucks has been on the decline since 2015, but it is still the lowest recorded kill count since 2015. Holland also noted the majority of public land is found west of I-25. Montana Region 7 (made up of districts 700 to 705) in the southeast corner of the state, especially the southern parts of the region, wasnt as affected by the brutal winter of 201112 as other parts of the state and has good numbers of pronghorn in each district, Vore said. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Well also provide some tips on what to look for when choosing a hunting spot. If Colorado doesn't have snow, you'll be trying to take a deer that'll score from 140 to 170. Since 2013, the deer population has increased from 390,660 to 430,130. And after the firearm season ends, door knocking is an effective way to gain permission to hunt private land. We have enjoyed close to 100% opportunity in the last 20 years. If you plan a hunt in one of those units you will have a better than average chance at a really good buck.Bob. Mountain Hunts - GMU's (Game Management Units) 6,16,17,171. Dream destinations include the Arizona Strip (units 13A and 13B) or Kaibab Plateau (units 12A East, 12A West, and 12B), but the drawing odds are long, sometimes in the low single digits, Ornoski said. Please call us at 970-746-5158 for more information on our plains deer hunts in eastern Colorado, or for a detailed itinerary. Moretti also noted the prowess of eastern Nevada, pointing to solid spring rainfalls in 2015 as an indicator that bucks should be packing on healthy headgear. If you want to hunt for a fee, you must harvest a 180-pound or 200-pound buck. Im portant D ates . Did prior hard winters finally catch up with fewer bucks making it to maturity? [CDATA[/* > Great organizations such as the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and the National Deer Alliance continue to address the issues that impact the dwindling future of mule deer, but they can't do it without widespread public support. Whether you are a bowhunter or a muzzleloader/rifle hunter we promise you an amazing experience and the hunt of a lifetime. Right now, mule deer bucks are in a dangerous game of Russian Roulette, and sooner or later, winter is going to come early and they will have no choice but to come out in the open while hunting seasons are still underway. It makes for an interesting and exciting hunt.". Predator Hunting with .17 Caliber Rifle: Pros and Cons, The Only Three Guns You Need to Go Hunting, Federal Terminal Ascent Hunting Bullet: Field Review, What To Do When Your Rifle Breaks While On a Hunt, Tested Tough - Modern Zeiss Sports Optics, struggling North American big-game species. A 2:1 client to guide ratio ensures that we are prepared to handle any clients who come in by themselves or with a group. The units near Meeker are generally referred to as the "deer factory". The areas with the best deer hunting on public lands are: the HD Mountains, the Piedra River, Florida River and Los Pinos drainages, and lands southeast of Pagosa Springs. . Region G Wyoming best units Wyoming deer hunts Wyoming hunting. We can help you register for the draw. Mule Deer Second Rifle . Make Your Best Hunting Memory In Southern Colorado or New Mexico. If you simply want to go deer hunting without concern of killing a trophy, New Mexico might not be your best option because of generally low deer densities, but Christensen mentioned the following units for high draw odds and decent hunting: 17, 30, 31, 34 and 36. Put in for the early season high country buck hunt. Even if you don't live in muley country or plan to hunt these amazing deer in your lifetime, you can still positively affect the future of the vulnerable species (and enjoy numerous member benefits) by joining MDF. This allows these hunters to capitalize on having first crack at the deer before they realize hunting season is upon them. All trophy deer hunts are fully guided and include meals and lodging. Kevin Steele of Petersen's HUNTING is at the Streamlight booth at SHOT Show 2023 to go over the Bear Trap light from Streamlight. Archery is one of the most common hunting methods used to kill deer. CPW issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife . If it is not found, your hunt is finished. This region is teeming with quality deer, which can be found in a region with rich history and a breathtaking view of the Cimarron Range and the mighty San Juans. Currently my partner and I have 4 points but someday when we have "max" points we are planning on going on a two week backcountry hunt to try and kill a pair of velvet giants. Eastern Plains hunting is possible. Colorado unit 57, which includes areas 57, 58, and 581 northwest of Canon City, produces quality pronghorn bucks, Alcazar said. Mike's 35" Loco Buck, scored 198. Each of these units is worth the wait and gives the hunter an amazing opportunity at Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett bulls, he said. This prime country allows us to offer trophy deer (mule deer & whitetail), pronghorn and spring turkey hunts on the eastern plains for archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunters. Lots of good ones other than the real popular ones if you get back and away you'll find good mulies almost everywhere. Even if you get a max point unit, you won't do that well unless you know the area really well. A guy once told me all ya have to do is throw a dart at a map of Co. and hit a unit with giant bucks. The Gunnison basin deer herd is managed to produce older age . The landscape is big. The statewide average for buck-to-doe ratios is 35 bucks per 100 does that . This is a wilderness hunt, you are going to earn a big buck. Back at the farmhouse, mounted racks from white-tailed bucks adorned the dining room walls. Application Fee/Terms: non-float state; $15/species application fee + $160 hunt/fish combo license (nonrefundable); $315 for deer permit if drawn. Guided mule deer hunts in Western Colorado have seen a 90% to 100% success rate over the last two years. If you are looking for an exceptional Mule Deer this is the place to go. The demand for hunting older age class bucks has outfitters tying up any piece of private land that has the potential to hold big, mature bucks. With our fully guided, private land archery, muzzleloading, and rifle deer hunts, we can provide you with a price range from $6,500 to $9,000 per person, depending on where you choose to camp and the location where you choose to hunt. Might want to think about the Sange De Cristo Range.above 11,600'and get in shape. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife has seemingly achieved the perfect balance with its deer management strategy accessible tags and potential to kill noteworthy bucks. Our hunting units produce the highest number of big mature bucks and a healthy elk population compared to other units in the state. Theres good news and bad news for hunters who want to pursue mule deer in the west, however. Being small in size, they are easy to hunt. Here at Kiowa Creek Outfitters, our deer quality continues to improve. If you're ready to travel out of state to hunt muleys, read on. I was in the sangre de christo's unit 86 this weekend and two Weeks ago scouting for someone else's mule deer hunt. The number of deer hunters has been increasing steadily since 2015. Western Kansas consists mainly of private ground, so hiring an outfitter or knowing the right farmer is your ticket. . Additional days are available as season permits for $700 per day per hunter. In 2020, Colorado allowed muzzleloader deer hunts in 85 Game Management Units across the state, and many of those units permitted hunting in adjoining units, giving hunters even more room to roam. Preparing for an elk hunting trip this fall? I am currently applying for those myself. Add $500 for a combo hunt. The cost of Plains deer hunts continues to go up every year, and the availability of booking a hunt is a bigger deterrent than the price. Zurn Wilkins 3/4" NR3XL Pressure Reducing Valve with double union FNPT connection and a male barbed connection tailpiece. 4770 Scenic Mesa Road. The eastern side of the state is mainly private land, meaning you'll probably have to hire an outfitter. Since we pride our hunters and offer great quality hunting guides, we are 100% fair chase. The fee for residents is $42.01, the fee for youth under the age of 18 is $16.32, and the fee for nonresident adults and fishing combo licenses is $420.23. The terrain where you'll find mule deer ranges from dry, high-desert foothills to the rugged, mountainous, alpine zone. Plan Your Hunt. ", Application Fee/Terms: non-float state; $142 hunting license (nonrefundable if you want earn a point; refundable if you don't want a point) + $22 application fee; $240 for deer permit if drawn. Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location -application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. Arizona and New Mexico are home to huge pronghorn bucks, including the current world record, which scored 96-4/8 B&C points and was killed in Socorro County, New Mexico, in 2013. ", Point System: modified bonus point and preference point, Application Fee/Terms: non-float state; $65 hunting license (nonrefundable); $10/species application fee; deer permit prices if drawn: $268 general, $568 premium limited entry (Henry Mountains and Paunsaugunt units) or $468 regular limited entry, Application Deadline: first week of March. later Cow elk start at $2000, bull Elk $3000, Mule Deer $2195, Antelope $1495, Whitetail $1495 on private land. Every year, thousands of hunters flock to the state in hopes of bagging a trophy mule deer. Buy On Amazon. Resident adult: $39.75; Resident youth: $15.50; Nonresident adult/fishing combo*: $396.75; Nonresident youth/fishing combo*: $101.50; One final fee is your annual habitat stamp. Connect. By Bethany Grace September 17, 2022 Updated on February 14, 2023. Our editors have hand-picked these essential pieces of gear to make you a more successful hunter when you hit the game trails this season. Kali Parmley of Gun Dog Magazine talks to George Thompson from Benelli USA about the new features from the Benelli line in 2023. Give a Gift Despite its flaws, Colorado is still regarded as one of the best states in the country to hunt mule deer. "The deer herd has been struggling in New Mexico," explained Moretti, blaming drought as the main culprit. Ten years ago it took 5. The fat on a mule deer cannot be removed after it has come off the ground following a long winter. The exciting part about mule deer hunting in Kansas is that it's relatively new and untapped for nonresidents. The deposit is non-refundable. "We carefully regulate harvest, hence the quality of deer hunting right now" explained Colorado Big-Game Manager Andy Holland. "It's tough, rugged hunting, but there's great land access and draw odds are good. "But people are raising their hands to help, so I'm confident we're going to really see a renewed revival of New Mexico mule deer in the next 4-5 years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The largest typical mule deer ever killed, which scored 226 4/8 inches, was taken in Dolores County in 1972. "Many units in the state have special hunts for youth under the age of 18 [must have hunter's safety card]," said Jordan. Muzzleloader Deer - By application - typically draws with 5 points. 2022 Colorado Deer Non-Resident Hunting Fees. Hunting season in Colorado will be open from October 3 to January 31. For spot and stalk archery hunters, there is usually enough wind, and it is typically a steady wind that allows hunters to sneak in very close, especially if the ranch has some topography. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Mone deer are thought to number approximately 37,500 in the state, while the goal is to have a population of 450,000. Nonresidents can apply for preference points for $92, plus a $9 fee per species, and residents can do the same for $92. It is necessary for the clients to obtain a deer license. Nonetheless, many hunters consider shotguns and rifles to be equally effective. You must log in or register to reply here. The second season takes place during the last three days of October and ends on November 6th. The good news is many Western states have huge mule deer herds and produce phenomenal bucks. - Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in Okmulgee. Units in the northwest corner of the state, 10, 201, and 2, are known for producing amazing trophies and offer plenty of public land to hunt, said Alcazar, who added it could take as many as 17 to 25 preference points to draw a rifle elk tag in these units. There are a lot of public land in Wyoming that can be accessed as walk-in hunting areas. Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn are three iconic species among the big-game animals hunters pursue throughout the western United States. A tough winter in 2016, followed by a drought that lasted more than a year and a half, cut that total by about 20,000 deer, but Utah still remains a top destination for mule deer hunters, according to Covy Jones, big-game coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.