There is something captivating about big mule deer; whether standing in a sea of sage, sneaking through the aspens, or topping over a ridge against the setting sun, the image of a big mule deer buck is a unique picture of the American West. 
The popularity of mule deer hunting never seems to wane. In fact, there’s more demand each year for tags and mule deer hunts. And thanks to careful management and hunter-funded conservation efforts, states like Wyoming and Montana offer some outstanding mule deer hunting opportunities. 
It’s easy to see why mule deer hunting is so addicting. A mature buck can weigh close to 300 pounds. In many areas, they can reach antler measurements of over 200 inches. With relatively low barriers for entry, mule deer offer one of the most accessible high-adventure hunts in the west.

Mule deer have adapted to life in a wide range of environments. They thrive from the farmlands and high plains east of the Rockies, to the tops of peaks above timberline. And you can find them from the deserts of the southwest to coastal forests along the Pacific. 
No matter where you pursue them, hunting a big mule deer buck requires patience and determination. We’ve asked some of our guides for their tips on hunting mule deer. Here are the common threads from those conversations. 
1. Glass, Glass and Glass Some More 
When speaking with mule deer hunting guides, there is one common theme you will always hear: glass, glass and keep glassing. One common strategy is to reach a high point early in the morning under the cover of darkness. There, it’s easy to set up behind a spotting scope and binoculars as daylight approaches.

In many areas, mule deer like to feed and water throughout the night. The best time to spot them is at first light, as they are traveling back toward bedding areas. Setting up on a good vantage point before daylight will allow you to spot deer while they are still up and moving. Once they lie down, mule deer are very difficult to spot. Even in sagebrush country that appears to be very “open”. 
After mule deer take their beds for the day, your opportunities to spot them may be limited. For that reason, hunting in warm weather can be tough. Being able to spot them when they’re on the move provides a significant advantage. 
Anytime you’re glassing from high points, just be sure not to skyline yourself. Set up below the ridgeline or with brush or trees as your backdrop. Otherwise, deer will have you immediately pegged.  


2. Remain Patient 
Mule deer often spend the middle of the day enjoying the shade. If the weather is warm during your hunt, you can expect them to spend even more time in bed. 
During the middle of the day, patience and a quality spotting scope are your best tools. When you feel that you’ve covered the same country dozens of times, buckle down and do it again. Picking apart the landscape with your optics can be painstaking work. But when hunting mule deer, it can really pay off. 
On a mule deer hunt, one of the greatest keys to success is being ready at all times. When the hunting is slow, it’s easy to let your guard down. But mule deer have an amazing ability to materialize out of nowhere. Keeping your senses on full alert is critical. A sudden opportunity might be your best opportunity. 
Each step of the way, take time to think about your shooting lanes, or how you’ll execute a successful stalk without getting pinned down. Act like every situation will be the one that counts.

When you finally spot that shooter buck, remain patient. If the buck is not within shooting range, you will need to take your time and plan a stalk. If the deer is still moving toward his bedding area, you may be best served to wait and watch where he beds before making a move. Anytime you can see where a buck beds down, it gives you a higher chance of success in planning an effective stalk.



3. Prepare For a Physical Hunt 
Hunting mule deer can challenge your physical abilities and that’s a great part of the adventure. Locating the buck may only be half the battle. Getting into position for a shot can be a daunting task. Mule deer hunters should be ready to cover several miles a day through rugged country. Like many types of western hunting, being in the best possible shape will help open the door to more opportunities in the field.



At SNS Outfitter and Guides, we offer mule deer hunts in Wyoming and Montana. From open country to high alpine adventures, we have a range of mule deer hunting opportunities to suit hunters with different goals or abilities. You can explore the Mule Deer Hunts on our website. For more details, contact us or give us a call at 307-266-4229.

There's no doubt that interest in western mule deer hunting has continued to increase over the past 10 years. From the rolling country of the high plains, to oxygen-deprived timberline basins, the majestic figure of the mule deer has captured the imaginations of hunters worldwide. Entire magazines, websites and books have been dedicated to the pursuit of mule deer. Whether stalking them with a bow under the hot September sun, or taking to the field with a rifle during the cold November rut, there is something special about this western icon.

Here at SNS Outfitter & Guides, we have certainly seen an increased interest in hunting big mulies. Wyoming is one of the best and most accessible places in the country to hunt mule deer. From the rugged alpine country of the Greys River to the windswept plains, we love guiding mule deer hunters, and we've learned a few lessons along the way.

Over the next several weeks, we will feature a series of articles on mule deer hunting. To kick off the series, we would like to discuss one of the most important elements: glassing. Like many other western species, including antelope, hunting mule deer requires a great deal of time behind the glass.

Here are our top three rules to follow when glassing for mule deer:

1. Glass until your eyes bleed… then glass some more.
   [caption id="attachment_868" align="alignright" width="242"] 2014 Wyoming Mule Deer
   

If you aren’t looking through your binoculars, you’re not seeing enough mule deer. Of course this will feel natural when looking outside 200 yards. But even those hillsides inside 100 yards deserve a thorough combing with the glass. Don’t rely on your naked eye. Mule deer are incredibly hard to see when they aren’t moving. Even at close distances, it's amazing what you can spot behind a clump of sage. Sometimes, an ear or the tip of an antler is enough to give them away.

2. Mule deer can hide anywhere. Don’t give up.

If you glass an area and don’t see any deer, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Mule deer hunting takes patience, even if it means looking at the same hillside 100 times. Because on that 101^st time, suddenly there will be a deer standing there. They can hide in seemingly impossible places. Keep your binoculars up and keep looking.

3. Glass early and late.

Mule deer are habitual travelers. They may move long distances overnight between water, feeding and bedding areas. And unless bumped, they will often follow the same patterns. They generally water at night, so your best chance to catch them moving is in the first few hours and last few hours of daylight. Spend these hours behind the glass and you’ll see deer. That means getting out of camp in the dark, and returning in the dark. Those precious hours are not the time to spend hiking...or sleeping. Be set up behind your glass at that first break of daylight, and you'll significantly increase your chances for success.

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For more information on Wyoming mule deer hunts with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page. You may also request a free brochure or call us anytime at 307-266-4229.

Whether it’s open country antelope hunting, a high country mule deer hunt or archery elk, we spend a great deal of time each season looking through the glass. When hunting in Wyoming’s vast landscapes, having quality binoculars provides a clear advantage. Here are three of our tips on selecting binoculars for a western hunt.

1. Consider Quality
Binoculars can be a confusing item to shop for. Everyone has a different opinion and you’ll find options that range from a couple hundred dollars to thousands. However, don’t let it make your head spin. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Higher quality glass allows more light, which is particularly noticeable at dawn and dusk and can extend your glassing time at both ends of the day. High quality glass will also improve upon sharpness, distortion and color, reducing eye fatigue on hunts that require a great deal of glassing.

You don’t have to purchase an ultra high-end bino to find good quality. But there is a difference in quality at different price ranges. Like anything, you get what you pay for. When looking at binoculars, decide on the best budget you can afford and use that as your starting point.

2. Consider Size and Power
When selecting optics for western hunting, you want binos that are going to be versatile enough for any type of adventure. You also need a balance between lightweight portability and sufficient power. We typically recommend something in the 8x30 to 10x40 range.

If you were to ask 10 different guides, you’d get a variety of different answers on the pros and cons between 8x and 10x binos. But most will probably agree that either will work just fine. Both will give you enough power and field of view in a lightweight and compact package that’s easy to carry around on a mountain hunt.

3. Consider Durability and Warranty
Finally, your binos are going to get jostled, rained on, shoved in backpacks and generally abused. So durability is also critical. Be sure and select quality binoculars that are waterproof and tough. Alongside durability, make sure you ask about the warranty. When all other things seem equal, sometimes it’s the warranty that will tip your decision one way or another.

For more information on hunting in Wyoming with SNS Outfitter & Guides, please call us anytime at 307-266-4229 or send us a message.