Hey guys curious for any insight on a DIY mule hunt. I'm not set on a state or an area. Well I guess I would be looking for an OTC state or state with good first year draw odds? Thanks for the info.
DIY Mulies
- Thread starter NHK9
- Start date
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,903
- 3,216
Having reaserched this topic for about 5 years straight before doing a DIY trip. I can tell you with the utmost certainty that you will need to give more details.
-State?
-Bow, Muzzleloader, or Gun?
-Backpack, hotel, or camper?
-What is your physical condition?
-What are your expectations?
My suggestion is to be applying for points, in multiple states, every single year. Then in 3 years start making decisions as to where you want to go.
-State?
-Bow, Muzzleloader, or Gun?
-Backpack, hotel, or camper?
-What is your physical condition?
-What are your expectations?
My suggestion is to be applying for points, in multiple states, every single year. Then in 3 years start making decisions as to where you want to go.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
This. Additionally, you may pickup some left over tags or archery to learn some areas and get your feet wet.
Sorry my bad.
Rifle
Camping
Physical condition is I would say above average.
I run the PT test out here in the top 96% for the 18-20 yo bracket I'm 42
I was just out for an archery elk hunt and shot a 4x4 bull that I am over the moon in love with. So as far as expectations something outside the ears would be very nice. 140s? I only have whitetails from NH to compare and I know mules are bigger. Maybe looking to motor around then day hike into an area over night if things look good. I've never been so feel free to give all the info you can. I'm totally open to suggestions.
Dennis
Rifle
Camping
Physical condition is I would say above average.
I run the PT test out here in the top 96% for the 18-20 yo bracket I'm 42
I was just out for an archery elk hunt and shot a 4x4 bull that I am over the moon in love with. So as far as expectations something outside the ears would be very nice. 140s? I only have whitetails from NH to compare and I know mules are bigger. Maybe looking to motor around then day hike into an area over night if things look good. I've never been so feel free to give all the info you can. I'm totally open to suggestions.
Dennis
Hilltop
Veteran member
Ditto MT, not OTC, but has been a 100% draw lately. I'd suggest looking hard at some of the Block Management Areas in the eastern part of the state. It is a later season, so if you are in a tent, make sure you have heat, may not need it, but have seen snow and below zero stuff in early Nov more than once. I usually use a motel. 140's+ doable, but not a sure deal. I'd suggest looking for height and forks, before width, plenty of great bucks at or inside the ears. Spiking out overnight is probably not necessary on a BMA or in some cases possible (depending on ranch rules). There are tracts of public in MT you can find if you want to wander and camp overnight, but for a first time, I'd look to a BMA where I can get reservations to limit hunter numbers.
There are other options, but with what you have shared, it suggests a BMA in MT to me would be among the top choices. That said, if where you hunted elk has a decent deer population near by with available tags, that may make sense too as you have some familiarity with the area. There are places from OR to SD to NM and many points in-between where you can go with your trophy expectations and get a tag. Whatever you decide, I'd suggest picking a spot where you can hunt at least every other year for several hunts, in the event you like and want to repeat the experience. A key to getting better bucks is familiarity with an area. If you have a fairly flexible budget, buying landowner tags in other states, like CO, may be the ticket. Good luck!
There are other options, but with what you have shared, it suggests a BMA in MT to me would be among the top choices. That said, if where you hunted elk has a decent deer population near by with available tags, that may make sense too as you have some familiarity with the area. There are places from OR to SD to NM and many points in-between where you can go with your trophy expectations and get a tag. Whatever you decide, I'd suggest picking a spot where you can hunt at least every other year for several hunts, in the event you like and want to repeat the experience. A key to getting better bucks is familiarity with an area. If you have a fairly flexible budget, buying landowner tags in other states, like CO, may be the ticket. Good luck!