Mule Deer in 2007 Question

[BillW]

I am interested in trying for a Mule Deer some place out west in 2007. I heard Wyoming is fairly easy to draw or I would want a OTC. Any pointers or recommendations?

Thanks
Bill

[McDave]

We were elk hunting in So. Colorado last fall, on the Chama River. N/R permits readily available for the area we were hunting.  Several times, I started a stalk on what I thought was an elk, only to have it turn out to be a huge mule deer.  We only got one elk between the two of us, but could have shot at mule deer any day of the three-day hunt.  We're thinking about one of us getting an elk permit and the other getting a mule deer permit next year, as that would seem to give us a better chance of walking out of there with two animals.  The N/R elk permit was about $400, I think, but I don't know what a N/R deer permit would be - probably about the same.

[sticbow]

I thought all of colorado was draw only for mule deer?...better do a little more checking...
                             Scott

[sticbow]

we hunted elk in colorado last year an a N/R elk tag was $500.00 total for Archery..

[adeeden]

$501.00 for a non resident elk tag in CO. Mulie tags are draw only!

[wapiti792]

Yep draw only...I've got 3 pref points built up...what was that unit again on the Chama? I'd be glad to do a recon if I draw and get back with you:) Good luck!

[McDave]

I guess our plan won't work then, unless my brother has already put in for a mule deer draw, which he may have.  It seems odd to me that elk permits were available without a draw, but mule deer permits are available by draw only.  Live and learn, I guess.  As near as I can recall from looking at the maps, it was GMU 76 or one of the immediately surrounding units.

[wapiti792]

Thanks Mac. Will look into it as well. If I get any other info on it I'll PM you. I'm not familiar with that unit. Take care.

[rtherber]

Unit #76 takes 6-7 preference points for elk, 2-3 points for mule deer. Bill W, you still have time for all draw hunts but you will need to do some research to see if you can get drawn this year. Go to the state's website and check drawing stats for each unit. Some units are listed in the neighboring unit since the tags are good in either unit.(Colorado example-Unit#80-81 drawing stats under #80 for both units) Idaho has a first-come first served mule deer system that has licenses going on sell in December for the upcoming year. Except for the favored Southeast Deer areas, there are usually deer tags available as late as the season opener. Idaho's website keeps a current tally of available tags. Good Luck!! McDave, as of 1999 all mule deer tags in CO have been draw only. They determined they had a dwindling mule deer population and decided to limit tags. On the other hand their elk herds flourished due to the mild winters. I look for the bonus elk tags to taper off in the very near future as the elk herd is close to desired populations. An opposite effect may happen if the severe winter this year affects the mortality of the elk. It is rumored that Colorado will be implementing a limited draw for all elk tags by 2010.

[elk ninja]

Idaho is OTC, my camp is open.  Check out the "Idaho Elk 2007" thread.

[wifishkiller]

Colorado does have lots of left over tags for deer.

[Jeff Holchin]

The draw system in CO is working, as that state is producing as many trophy bucks as nearly all the other western states combined.  Last year I drew a deer tag for a unit near Granby as my second choice (first choice was for a preference point), so as others have noted, you CAN draw a CO deer tag with no points.  

Wyoming started a preference point system last year, so you may not draw this year without a point.  Montana deer tags are by draw for NRs and only guaranteed if you use an outfitter.

You can still get OTC deer tags in Utah and Arizona, for the "general hunt" areas which are still pretty good, but the "limited" areas require years of applying and building points.  South Dakota might be an option too, as I think they offer OTC mule deer tags, at least for archery.

[dan ferguson]

BillW, I don,t know what you,re looking for for sure, But compared to the mountain states, Nebraska, which you can buy your permit online, and if you do your homework I feel you can experience some great hunting for Mulies for a fraction of the price, Best kept secret in hunting today. Good luck Fergi

[kadbow]

You can draw many areas in CO with no points and these areas still have some decent bucks.

[brackshooter]

Just for your info, Oregon is over the counter for most mule deer areas, and one of the best areas in the state, the Trout Creek Mountains, is a traditional only area.  You must put in for the tag, but it is an automatic draw.  I think they usually give out 40-50 tags for the area, and given the fact that it is out in the middle of nowhere, I would guess that no more than half actually hunt there.  My uncle has hunted there many times over the last 40 years(rifle), and you should see some of the bucks hes taken from there!

brackshooter

[BillW]

Thanks guys...Keep it coming...Lots of ideas rolling around in mt head now!

Bill

[DesertDude]

Bill,  we hunt in Kiabab AZ.  it's all over the counter. by Jacobb's lake area.  stunning views. it's right on the north rim of the grand canyon. I have seen some 30"+ Deer. some years great  some no so great. a friend shot a nice 5x7 last year. if you ever want to talk about what it has to offer, give me a call @ 760-815-2586. I'll give you all the details.......Mark

[Sneakypete]

Much easier to hunt elk!

[Whip]

As long as you're considering all the options, how about New Mexico in January?  Tail end of the rut, and everything else is closed by then.  Go down to someplace warm and chase rut crazed mulies.  
Might be considering that one myself next year!

[wifishkiller]

Im also thinking NM or AZ. Im close to having the plan for a biggame animal for every month lol