??? For Mule Deer Experts

[dan ferguson]

First of all, I,ve never seen a mature muley ever pick a mediocure spot to bed, they usually have all bases covered well, I always try to go on them and if I can,t close the distance I don,t try to jump them but back out and hope, or try to figure where they might head, I,ve seen them clear the country if pushed, miles isn,t nothing for them especially in wide open country

[Daz]

Get going! As stated several times above, where he is today is not where he'll be tomorrow. If there is human activity, especially other hunters, he'll be moving at night. Even without human pressure, bucks sometimes just like to see what's two drainages over...

Mulies are social animals, and there is a high likelihood that there is another deer with him. Glass, glass, and glass some more.

Clouds blowing in may mean a shift in wind, and if the temps drop suddenly, the thermals may shift. The drift on the hill you are on is not necessarily the drift across the valley.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

In the situation stated I would go after him. If the wind allows try to get above him. In the early season you are not very likely to find a big buck by himself though, so be very wary of other deer.

[Conner Parry]

Definitely no expert on this but I have been through the almost exact situation on a 160 class buck. My hunting partner and I decided to wait until morning and get a better angle for the stalk. The buck disappeared never to be seen again the rest of the season. That being said, my hunting time is very limited so I have an "attempt a stalk on any visible buck on the mountain" attitude now because I usually don't have time for the waiting game.

[awbowman]

Strike when the irons hot!  Git ur dun!

[wapiti792]

I'm no expert either. So far in 4 years of hunting I have had 12 stalks and one dead buck. I agree with goin' now. Had a similar situation last year in WY. Didn't go and the next morning the group of bucks went to bed in an area I couldn't get to. I'll never do that again...go now.

[sagebrush]

Great advice above. I'd go now. Gary

[bob@helleknife.com]

Thanks guys!! I think most of us are on the same page.  

I most always "go".

That said if the wind is wrong and he smells you, for sure you are done with him...probably for the rest of the season.

If it comes down to a high percentage of being winded or taking a chance on him being there tomorrow, I vote for tomorrow chances.

If you don't find him in the morning he may still be in the neighborhood.

Bob

[PaddyMac]

Definitely go now. By sunrise, he might just still be there sleeping in having breakfast in bed, but I'd say the better odds would put him somewhere in the next county. Why? Just because. He's a mule deer.

Watch the wind. Go slow. Slug slow.

If you blow it, just lay down and take a nap. Tomorrow start glassing. If you don't freak him out he may not go far. Or ... He might be in in the next state. Why? He's a mule deer.