I have been trying to figure this out in the field but not having any luck. Do Mule Deer (especially Bucks) follow a pattern daily? In other words, if I see a Buck bedded down in the timber on a Monday afternoon what are the chances he is there the next day at the same time or if I see him walking in the evening in the timber what are the chances he will be there the next night? If I get out there earlier it seems I am always a tad late. Fresh scat and tracks and I've miss them again. Their home is mile or 2 mile area? I am hunting in area that is between 10,000 and 11,000 heavily timbered but has good visibility in most area with the occasional Aspen Patch. This area is not pressured at all by hunters. Obviously I am not doing something right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mule Deer Daily Pattern
- Thread starter Jason Rose
- Start date
Hilltop
Veteran member
Jason,
Some mule deer are very predictable while others will be extremely nomadic. I studied mule deer activity in college at the University of Wyoming. I'm no expert but I have some knowledge. Some mule deer bucks cover more than 250 miles in their life span. Others will use a "small" core area at certain times of year. Especially in the summer and early fall, they can be found in smaller 2 or 3 square mile areas. Weather, hunting pressure, and food can make them move 10+ miles in a day. If there is no pressure and weather remains consistent, you may find your buck in the same spot on numerous occasions. Bump him once and you may not see him again there- ever. I have however found the same buck in an area time and again even with pressure. I guess it really depends on the individual buck but IMO they are very unpredictable as a species.
Some mule deer are very predictable while others will be extremely nomadic. I studied mule deer activity in college at the University of Wyoming. I'm no expert but I have some knowledge. Some mule deer bucks cover more than 250 miles in their life span. Others will use a "small" core area at certain times of year. Especially in the summer and early fall, they can be found in smaller 2 or 3 square mile areas. Weather, hunting pressure, and food can make them move 10+ miles in a day. If there is no pressure and weather remains consistent, you may find your buck in the same spot on numerous occasions. Bump him once and you may not see him again there- ever. I have however found the same buck in an area time and again even with pressure. I guess it really depends on the individual buck but IMO they are very unpredictable as a species.
