First Western Mule Deer Hunt

[ingsoc]

I am planning to go on a Mule Deer hunt with a friend of mine next year. We will most likely be driving from Southwest Ohio. Nebraska is the closest option that we've seen (specifically we are considering the Muzzleloader season). We would like to have a decent chance to see some Deer, but we are both unfamiliar with most western states.

We did have a successful Antelope hunt in Wyoming this year, so it won't be our first western hunt, but I am looking for a little bit of direction. Specifically I'd like some recommendations for state's that have a higher chance of seeing animals. I can not stress strongly enough that I do not care about "trophy potential". I am interested in a buck, but it doesn't have to be anything huge. Can anyone recommend a State (or even a general area of a State) that has high Mule deer numbers (opportunity) and public land along with a good chance to get a tag as a non-resident?

The plan would be to drive out, camp and hunt, then drive back. We don't have an issue with walking. Also, the shorter the drive the better, though I'm open to all suggestions and advice.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

 

[Bonecollector]

It's a longer drive, but eastern Montana has some high density mule deer areas.

 

[mallardsx2]

Montana from what I read. Personally, I have never been there.

 

[husker hunter]

You will see more whitetail on public in Nebraska

 

[HighPlainsHunter]

From the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas I personally think Kansas has the best non resident hunting opportunity but you have to draw the mule deer stamp. Muzzleloader season is in Sept and it's not busy on the public land I have hunted. You can also come back and hunt rifle season with a muzzleloader tag which is in December. Tags are crazy expensive, like Montana.

Nebraska is going to be hard to beat if you get time off in December and like to Muzzleloader hunt. It's not usually too busy except between Christmas and New years. There are plenty of deer just a matter of looking at the map and finding some areas you want to take a look at. The more remote and further from the road the less likely you will see people. Most hunters in Nebraska are not too serious so if you do some walking it's not hard to get away from people. Lots of folks from back East come to Nebraska and shoot the first forkie mule deer they see. I used to live in Nebraska and go back to hunt every year, will be there for the opener on the 10th this year. We almost always find some solid deer to hunt on public land.

Best opportunities overall will be in Wyoming or Montana. But there will be more competition in those areas and people will be willing to walk further and hunt harder.

My recommendation is to find a place to hunt every year and get to know it. After about 3-4 years of hunting the same area you will get comfortable, know how deer move, know how people hunt the area, best places to camp/eat, etc..

Did you see any deer on your antelope hunt? I am also a big believer in hunting the same areas with different tags so maybe you can only draw a mule deer tag every few years but you can fill in the other years with antelope, whitetail, elk, doe, cow, etc...

Also part of this is what hind of hunt do you want? Mountains, prairie, etc..