Mule Deer what state?

[jproland]

New to western hunting(have gone twice ate my first tag for SD mule deer, and shot an antelope on my second Hunt in WY). I got bit by the mule deer bug and I am committing to a High Country Archery Mule deer hunt. I am not looking for a giant but would like to see 140's class mule deer. I am willing to work for it and have a the drive to go and give it a try. I live in Iowa and hunt and kill BIG whitetails but I always am thinking about getting back out west. I am buying points in a Trophy unit and want to use these hunts as a learning tool on out west DIY hunting(stalking, backpacking hunting and using glass)
The things I am having trouble with are

1. What state for 0-1 point draw so I can go back while I am buying points in Trophy unit?
Looking at Colorado unit 45? Also Montana looks good as well just don't know any units or public ground.
2. I would like to film my journey and I am reading about film permits?

Open to any input you guys have..
Thanks in advance

 

[RICMIC]

jproland, welcome to the forum. I'll start with a simple answer for starting you off. You don't buy points for a "Trophy" unit or any other unit when you buy points in the various states. You just get the point that you can then use in subsequent years to apply for a tag in a specific unit. You can not buy a point that you then use to apply for a first choice tag that same year. You can apply for a point as your first choice and then apply for a unit tag as a second choice and not burn your points. There is also the option of leftover tags, landowner tags, doe, cow tags, etc. that may not require the use of your points. This is just a general idea that covers most states, but the specifics can get very confusing and do differ from state to state. Look back on the forum and you will find that this area has been covered extensively not too long ago. Also, pay close attention to the MRS section in the EHJ and EBJ.

 

[cmbbulldog]

CO
OTC archery in AZ produces plenty on that size bucks as well

 

[Tim McCoy]

Western MT will work for what you seek. They have a general season with a cap on NR tags, with only a few units you can't deer hunt on the combo license. It has been a 100% draw of late. Many places in W MT.

http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/ Take a look at the hunt planner.

 

[7 Mag]

I agree with Montana especially since you're somewhat new to mule deer hunting with a bow. Colorado would be my next choice as long as you're in good physical shape.

 

[jproland]

Thanks for all the input, I have the MRS book, but the mostly talk about trophy units that take a while to draw. I wanting to go some place every year or every other year while I put in the draw for a better unit and gather points to draw. Montana seems to be a really good option, a few questions I have is it seems confusing to me there are units but a tag is state wide besides a few trophy units? Do I have that right, again I am new to this and am having trouble with the game of points and draws and units. Second where would you guys go in Montana if you where looking for a 140 class archery buck?

 

[Granby guy]

It is pretty hard to beat Colorado for mule deer. Every unit in Colorado has some trophy deer it's just that some have more than others. There are lots of 1-2 point units that hold trophy deer as well as ample opportunities to harvest any buck. Colorado averages almost 30-35 bucks per 100 does statewide. To reach these averages in many other states you are looking at the their best trophy units whereas in Colorado you can draw a tag with only 1-2 points.

 

[packmule]

I've started seeing a bunch of Texas guys going to Nebraska for muleys.

 

[mallardsx2]

I've started seeing a bunch of Texas guys going to Nebraska for muleys.

Interesting....So I ask myself why would they drive past several other states with good opportunities to hunt a state with arguably the lowest public land opportunities out of any state? They must own property there??

 

[packmule]

Not seeing where they own land. It's not what I'd do personally bc of expected size and density, but it definitely a trend I'm seeing. (Mostly DFW area guys)

 

[Tim McCoy]

The TX to NE crew have apparently found a situation they like. I had a similar situation in SD for over 10 years, the honey hole we leased got sold and the other spot has had an unfavorable rule change. They are out there. But I'd agree there are probably better options for a new western hunter, unless they find a gem.

 

[jproland]

I looked at Nebraska as an option but felt driving a state over was a better option

 

[ivorytip]

if all your looking for is a 140 class buck why bother with the point system?? many states offer otc tags that you can pull a 140 out every year. I wouldn't mess with points unless I'm looking for 200 or better, but if your happy with 140 as I am, otc is hard to beat. lots of public land out there.

 

[jproland]

What other states offer over the counter besides Nebraska? It's not just the animal I am after the western hunting experience. I will go after trophy quality after I get a few under my belt and get some experience doing so when I do draw a trophy area tag I will be more prepared.

 

[packmule]

Technically Texas is, but it comes with additional expenses.

 

[ivorytip]

Idaho has lots of otc tags for mule deer. I guess I shouldn't have said many states do cuz that was just an assumption on my part. wherever you end up make sure you call some local biologist to guide you in the right direction. you'll find help here but google earth and boots on the ground will set ya up for some awesome stories to tell later,

 

[joens]

Montana is almost OTC there is a draw for the non resident general license but lately there have been leftovers that were sold OTC

 

[jproland]

I am leaning to Colorado or Montana. In Colorado what unit and area would you recommend, one with 0-1 points to draw? I was looking at unit 32 or 35 draw odds are good has anyone been there? In Montana it is a little confusing to me, what is a good area that I can hunt with the general season tag?

 

[joens]

Montana Game and fish website can be confusing . Start here http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/
On that page the first section gives you a link to an interactive map of the state showing all the units. on the third section you can select the unit and it will give you the regulations for that unit as well as statistics. You were mentioning a high country archery hunt . My neck of the woods isn't high country but there are some archery guys that come back to the same BMAs and ranches near me every year.
A big majority of the state is just a general tag for deer.

 

[jproland]

I am leaning towards Colorado unit 31? Any advice? Should I look somewhere else? Reason for looking at this unit is near 100% draw for archery, early season and pretty good trophies have come from the unit. Has anybody hunted the unit and help with an area to scout? Not looking for your honey hole but just point in the right area for descent hunt! Gear help needed as well, will have to start buying slowly as it is pricey, I have a Kuiu 5000 pack but that's it for ultra light need to get a sleeping system going in of August first of September would a 30 degree bag work? Tent and sleeping pad suggestions?