Enjoyed reading the elk posts here for the past few days. But what about DIY mule deer hunting for nonresidents? Any suggestions, etc? I've elk hunted a few times back in the rifle days and killed a few elk and a mule deer but now have the hankering to chase them with the bow.
Well, you probably haven't picked the best period to start muleys. Many areas such as MT, ND, SD and parts of WY are down in numbers and older aged animals. NM suffered very severe declines due to the drought.
I can't comment on other areas. I'm sure some are fine, but with the decline in some areas, pressure will mount in others.
If you decide CO I believe every area is draw for Mule Deer now and while some only take one point to get in the number of deer seen can be hit or miss.
Actually, some of the units in CO can be drawn with 0 points. If you are willing to put a pack on your back and get back up into the alpine, you can do very well. Be sure to check with biologists about winter kill over the past few years in any unit you are considering. Nevada is also good, but requires building up your points.