I was in the sangre de christo's unit 86 this weekend and two Weeks ago scouting for someone else's mule deer hunt. We love guiding mule deer hunts in the famed Strip and Kaibab region (units 13A, 13B, 12AE, 12AW, 12B, 12BW) and have over three decades experience hunting this very special place. All Rights Reserved. The best opportunity to harvest a quality buck in New Mexico is in the northern Game Management Units (GMUs), according to Tristanna Bickford, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.GMUs 2B, 2C, 4, and 5A are quality hunting areas with large numbers of deer, many sporting antlers that will make the Boone & Crockett (B&C) book. While we target 1mature bucks, we continue to drop several world-class Muleys every year. The most likely areas to produce a record-book pronghorn are GMUs 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 46, 47, and 48. Archery and muzzleloader tags in those units will require fewer points.. "It's tough, rugged hunting, but there's great land access and draw odds are good. Applications must be submitted by 8 p.m. (MDT) on April 5, 2022. Plan Your Hunt. As for general-season units, Jones suggested hunters take a look at Pine Valley in the southwest corner of the state, the four Oquirrh/Stansbury units west of Salt Lake City, and Zion on the southern border. You will have amazing accommodations while you stay with us that will compete with any hotel! Our hunting units produce the highest number of big mature bucks and a healthy elk population compared to other units in the state. Alpine Mule Deer - Archery vs Muzzleloader, Stove other than lightweight options in SO tipi, FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Cow Tag 7 Day Archery Package 5 Days Of Hunting $1,000 / ATV Camp / No minimum #of hunters Rifle 1st season (elk only draw 1 point required) Rifle 2nd combo Elk over the counter / Deer (draw 2-3pts.) I am currently applying for those myself. The higher range usually becomes available to deer as snowlines recede in mid to late . "After all the rain last year and more rain this year, things are looking good," he said, pointing to the significant influence that moisture has on deer health and antler growth. A hunting license and a valid firearm permit are required for hunting deer. This is a trip for a hunter looking for a true mountain hunt and adventure. Colorado is an excellent place to hunt mule deer. You can easily spot them around in any season. If you simply want to go deer hunting without concern of killing a trophy, New Mexico might not be your best option because of generally low deer densities, but Christensen mentioned the following units for high draw odds and decent hunting: 17, 30, 31, 34 and 36. Non-residents need to be aware of the different licenses and regulations that apply to them, but with a little research, they can have a successful hunt. We are looking forward to our 18th consecutive hunting season on the Eastern Plains in Colorado. If it is not found, your hunt is finished. ", For trophy hunters, Pawlak shared some helpful hints: "I really like the units in eastern Nevada around the towns of Ely and Pioche. If you plan a hunt in one of those units you will have a better than average chance at a really good buck.Bob. He had two suggestions for hunters who approach drawing an elk tag in different ways in the state. Not only are hunting licenses among the cheapest in the West and readily available, there are also plenty of bears. There are other units just as good. Not a 100% success-rate hunt. The Gunnison basin deer herd is managed to produce older age . Years of development and pushing the limits of what is possible in a rifle optic have led up to this moment. 10 Most Common Big Game Violations Part 8 - Hunter . The eastern side of the state is mainly private land, meaning you'll probably have to hire an outfitter. Despite its flaws, Colorado is still regarded as one of the best states in the country to hunt mule deer. You must have a Colorado mule deer license in order to hunt them. There are numerous reasons to hunt in Colorado, but record mule deer bucks draw the most attention. "We manage for quality, so most hunters we hear from are willing to wait a year or two to hunt," explained Chris Healy, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Animals that are wounded and get away are considered yours. The state offers a variety of different areas to hunt, and the deer population is healthy. The peak rut for mule deer and Coues deer was observed in Arizona in December and January. The Top Mule Deer Hunts and Facts to Know in Colorado. Only one hunter did not kill a bowhunter. Colorado unit 57, which includes areas 57, 58, and 581 northwest of Canon City, produces quality pronghorn bucks, Alcazar said. Look up your draw odds on Monster Muleys and you will see where you stand. Colorado's Best Trophy Elk Hunts. Last I checked with Monster Muleys 66, 67, 76 were some of the more coveted high country hunts for the archery season. Kevin Steele, Publisher of Petersen's HUNTING talks with JJ Reich of HEVI-Shot about the new offerings for 2023. As stated above, second, third, and fourth rifle seasons are all mostly in November. June 30, 2023, 8pm MT - Bear, deer, elk, & pronghorn limited license application deadline (Secondary Draw) Beginners usually hunt mule deer after some guidance before going for any . Moretti shared his thoughts: "If you can draw a mule deer tag and get private land access, there are some really nice, big bucks in western Kansas. (580-512-7004; stuartranchoutfitters.com), Ouachita Mountains/Arkansas River Valley Region, The Choctaw Hunting Lodge is located in Pittsburg, Okla., and situated on 44,000 privately owned acres. Even if you get a max point unit, you won't do that well unless you know the area really well. . All Rights Reserved. It will be interesting to see what happens to point creep after this year since they dropped tag numbers in so many units for Mule Deer across the state. Units in the northwest corner of the state, 10, 201, and 2, are known for producing amazing trophies and offer plenty of public land to hunt, said Alcazar, who added it could take as many as 17 to 25 preference points to draw a rifle elk tag in these units. AtRTS Hunting, LLC., we can provide some of the best mule deer hunting in Northwest Colorado. There is no reason to believe that warmer weather contributed to the difficult 2019 season. Hunting out West can be a daunting task without the tools necessary to know when, where and how to apply, draw and hunt. Publisher Kevin Steele is in the Beretta booth with Logan Killam, the Shotgun Product Manager, to discuss the all new Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey. We are located in a haven for giant trophy mule deer. The Colorado San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests are home to excellent mule deer hunting. We have enjoyed close to 100% opportunity in the last 20 years. Healy mentioned that Elko County attracts the most out-of-state hunters in units six and seven. Wyoming likely is the first state that comes to mind when hunters think of pronghorn hunting. If the ranch doesnt have this type of country to pursue them in, youre only left with about an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening to hunt. CPW issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife . Deer can be hunted in the morning and evening during these hours. It could be the result of an injury during a fight, low testosterone levels due to malnutrition, or even disease. Well take care of you every step of the way to ensure you have the best chance at success when your big moment comes. I would prod my hero for stories about these mysterious mule deer, and for years I dreamed of tagging a muley of my own. Our year round scouting practice gives us an incredible amount of knowledge about our deer and their seasonal behavior patterns. Last year it took 13 points for a nonresident. February 28, 2023. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. It is as steep and rugged as the Tetons in Wyoming. There are some good hunts in the Sangre's a friend of mine did the early season rifle hunt last year packing in on horseback and he shot a really nice 180 class buck in velvet above timberline. We can provide you with all the lodging and amenities of home while you are away from home, or we offer a guided hunt where you provide your own lodging and food. Guided mule deer hunts in Western Colorado have seen a 90% to 100% success rate over the last two years. North Rim Trophy Hunts. Sand Hill country GMUs 31, 32, and 33 in the southeast corner of the state also are capable of producing B&C bucks. Every one of these units have the potential to produce the mule deer of your dreams, and every year multiple 200-inch bucks are taken here. Photo Gallery. "The draw odds are significantly higher for youth than adults for these hunts.". Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Best caliber for Colorado Mule Deer. Publisher of Petersen's HUNTING magazine, Kevin Steele is at the Steiner Optics booth with Alberto Corbetta to discuss the Predator 4 and Predator 8. First, remember that Colorado offers over-the-counter (OTC) elk licenses for many units during the archery, second rifle and third rifle seasons. The deer harvest for muzzleloading bucks has been on the decline since 2015, but it is still the lowest recorded kill count since 2015. ", Point System: modified bonus point and preference point, Application Fee/Terms: non-float state; $65 hunting license (nonrefundable); $10/species application fee; deer permit prices if drawn: $268 general, $568 premium limited entry (Henry Mountains and Paunsaugunt units) or $468 regular limited entry, Application Deadline: first week of March. Annual Small Game Hunting License (required to apply) $86.56. This prime country allows us to offer trophy deer (mule deer & whitetail), pronghorn and spring turkey hunts on the eastern plains for archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunters. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Read on to discover some of the best units and areas to consider when applying for elk, mule deer, or pronghorn tags out West. Includes: Riding and packing horses, 1 pack in day and 1 pack out day, 5 full days of . Montana Region 7 (made up of districts 700 to 705) in the southeast corner of the state, especially the southern parts of the region, wasnt as affected by the brutal winter of 201112 as other parts of the state and has good numbers of pronghorn in each district, Vore said. The chance of shooting an above-average buck in these types of units is getting better all the time.". And everything about the pursuit is big. A total of 113 hunter harvested bucks were checked in the field in 2019. CALL US TODAY (575) 518-8323. If you would like access to all of our research, join today! 17, and 18. Mule deer are one of the most popular big game animals in Colorado. Colorado Mule Deer Hunting Outfitter offers access to over 20,000 acres of private land managed by the state. Research the latest Colorado Mule Deer Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data. Prev. But for the die-hard deer hunter, that might not be a bad strategy. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Phone: (435) 865-1020, database of Colorado for mule deer opportunities, Annual Small Game Hunting License (required to apply), Youth Annual Small Game Hunt License (under age 18, required to apply), Habitat Stamp (required for adults to apply). Additional days are available as season permits for $700 per day per hunter. High Mountain Hunts, LLC is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special use permit with the San Juan National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest. Colorado is the best state to draw a tag. Overview Known For Colorado is known for its big game animals, especially trophy-class mule deer and elk. This is because the mule deer are in their peak breeding condition and the bucks are in their prime. West Elk Outfitters holds permits on the most sought after elk hunting and mule deer hunting areas in the state. This is the easiest rifle tag to draw, but the hunting can be very good. The fat on a mule deer cannot be removed after it has come off the ground following a long winter. With our fully guided, private land archery, muzzleloading, and rifle deer hunts, we can provide you with a price range from $6,500 to $9,000 per person, depending on where you choose to camp and the location where you choose to hunt. Connect. In the future, we are concerned about the health of the mule deer population as well as the habitat they rely on. Christensen urged trophy deer hunters to keep an eye on Utah because the average age class is steadily climbing. These private land hunts take place in GMU # 99, 104, 105, 106 and 110. 13-Sep-17. Hunting, habitat loss, and disease are all to blame for this decline. Even if you don't live in muley country or plan to hunt these amazing deer in your lifetime, you can still positively affect the future of the vulnerable species (and enjoy numerous member benefits) by joining MDF. Archery tags are available over-the-counter, and there are at least three seasons for mule deer per year in most units that cover multiple biological patterns (think hunting summer range and rut). We also conduct Ranching for Wildlife Hunts in units 3, 4, 12, 13, 131 and 231 located in the Northwest corner of Colorado. Mountain Hunts - GMU's (Game Management Units) 6,16,17,171. Habitat Stamp (required for adults to apply) He was pissed off that the buck kicked and ran down hill and ruined the velvet so he did the spray on stuff when he mounted it. "The up-and-coming units in Arizona are 6A, 8, and 5BS.". Most outfitters are one to two years out, with some being booked indefinitely for the foreseeable future. See important draw dates at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Mailing AddressHigh Mountain Hunts, LLC2851 Lincoln Way East, Ste B4Massillon, OH 44646, Colorado Nick: (970) 819-4037 New Mexico Brendon: (575) 518-8323, Colorado Nick: (970) 819-4037 Other Important Considerations. You must have a Colorado mule deer license in order to hunt them. A trophy neither of us have ever had the opportunity to accomplish. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife manage our areas for trophy quality. Most of the time, they are found in open areas such as plains and mountains, but forests can also be found. My adventure took place in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and after long days of spotting and stalking in subzero temperatures, I was blessed to kill a mature muley buck. Elk Venison and Root Vegetable Stew Recipe, Predator Hunting with .17 Caliber Rifle: Pros and Cons, Best Coyote Cartridge: .223 Remington vs .22-250 Remington, Six Great Lever-Gun Hunts for North America, Desert Ghosts: Hunting the Elusive Coues Deer, Tested Tough - Modern Zeiss Sports Optics. Plan Your Hunt. A general lack of water is a major reason MDF chapters have focused heavily on building guzzlers for deer in the state. Colorados deer hunting traditions are well-known throughout the state. Colorado: Colorado has a mule deer population between 400,000 and 450,000 animals, and this state has produced more record mule deer than any other. Mike's 35" Loco Buck, scored 198. If you are talking an archery hunt look at all of the units that have an early season rifle tag "above timberline". That buck displaced two former world-record bucks, both from Arizona, that were tied at the top spot with scores of 95 B&C points. These hunts take place in Late September/Early October and November during . Mone deer are thought to number approximately 37,500 in the state, while the goal is to have a population of 450,000. Colorado is the ideal hunting destination for those looking to hunt mule deer. Jul 2, 2012. In eastern Colorado, youll find some of the most severe torrent weather of any part of North America. Where we hunt in unit 62, it currently takes a nonresident one or two preference points to draw a mule deer license for the second rifle season. As a former New Mexico taxidermist, Christensen learned a lot about where and when bruiser bucks are killed in the state. There were a lot of applicants who did not draw that will have their names in there this year plus one more point from last year, so a lot of units will either stay the same or fall back into the normal point creep situation of requiring one more point than last year. "Yet, it's undersubscribed for archery, and it only takes 3 years to draw a muzzleloader tag or 5 years for a rifle tag. COLORADO PLAINS DEER Years of development and pushing the limits of what is possible in a rifle optic have led up to this moment. Should you choose to stay with us, you will have a hearty breakfast each day prior to heading out to camp as well as a packed lunch to take with you. Tags Available: Either Sex Archery Elk, Doe Tag. Premium tags are usually tough to get in Utah, but Christensen hinted toward the increasing buck quality and hunting opportunities in some of the general units. JavaScript is disabled. This part of Colorado is less susceptible to winterkill, and in most of the regions, it has an abundance of agriculture crops and gives bucks the quality feed they need to grow large antlers. I went in blind having never hunted it before. Our private ranches in Rand, CO, host mule deer hunting. Whether you are a bowhunter or a muzzleloader/rifle hunter we promise you an amazing experience and the hunt of a lifetime. Moretti also noted the prowess of eastern Nevada, pointing to solid spring rainfalls in 2015 as an indicator that bucks should be packing on healthy headgear. Colorado limited archery season license change 2019 to 2020 All limited archery licenses by region; Region: 2019: 2020: Total change: Percent change: NW: 4,431: 4,306-125 Hunters have a legitimate chance at shooting a B&C pronghorn in all GMUs that have a huntable population. If an antler does not grow normally, it could be due to a stressor. "I think western Kansas offers some of the best whitetail hunting in the entire state, and Kansas is a whitetail-hunting mecca," Pawlak explained. The Plains is a totally different style of hunting than the high mountains of Western Colorado. After you get back from a long day of hunting, you will have a hot home-cooked meal waiting for you. Subscriber Services. In fact, six of the top 20 typical mule deer bucks of all time, and seven of the top . During the 2010 hunting season, a total of 210 hunting days were observed. Colorado has between 400,000 and 450,000 deer, according to estimates. The best mule deer numbers are found southeast of the Panhandle region of Idaho. Kevin Steele of Petersen's HUNTING is with Dawn Wehunt of Rock River Arms INC. learning about the new Ascendant platform. 9.4. Hunters can expect to see a decent amount of . "I'm expecting some nice bucks to be killed there this year. One note for Colorado is that point creep isnt nearly as bad in this state as others because of the wide array of options. It's a preference point system now, whereas tags were formerly available over the counter [general]. Colorado-Gunnison Basin Mule Deer (Units 54, 55, 66, 67) - Worldwide Trophy Adventures. The sound of a bugling bull elk or the sight of two monster 6x6s fighting for mountain dominance is a memory that will stay with a hunter for a lifetime. Given the landscape of Western Colorado and the vast amount of summer range in comparison to winter range, it only makes sense that when heavy snowfall and cold temps descend onto the mountains that deer become congregated into whatever winter range valleys they can find. But if you draw a January archery tag, that mule deer buck may score from 180- to 200-plus points in Unit 2B." . The average success rate on a deer hunt is 95%, with more than 100% opportunity. There are always going to be a lot of opportunities to hunt bucks, they just might be young bucks with the occasional mature bucks that slipped through the cracks for four to five years. Units such as 22, 11, 211, and some others in the area have high deer populations, realatively easy to draw (esp with a bow) and relatively high success rates. While the terrain will vary throughout the trip, you should expect rough, steep, rocky areas, open . Experience the best in guided deer and elk hunting with Colorado Trophies. Unit 61 currently takes seven or eight nonresident preference points to draw the 2nd rifle season. This hunt is a spot-and-stalk affair; youll drive through the woods in a pickup truck or Polaris Ranger, and youll be rewarded with a mature buck. "Ninety-seven percent of deer licenses can be drawn with zero to three points. Our semi-guided mule deer hunts offer the highest opportunity for a deer you can display with pride. "The Plateau Thousand Lakes unit [25B] is the most difficult general-unit tag to draw," he said. VDOMDHTMLtml>. Most hunts that take 10 points or less tend to hover aroundthe same amount of points to draw for a number of years without increasing. But with so much public land and so many different types of terrain, it can be hard to know where to start. Since 2013, the deer population has increased from 390,660 to 430,130. My advice would be to hunt! Of the 140 total mule deer hunt areas, less than 20 of them are over objective when it comes to population counts. "We carefully regulate harvest, hence the quality of deer hunting right now" explained Colorado Big-Game Manager Andy Holland. Predator Hunting with .17 Caliber Rifle: Pros and Cons, The Only Three Guns You Need to Go Hunting, Federal Terminal Ascent Hunting Bullet: Field Review, What To Do When Your Rifle Breaks While On a Hunt, Tested Tough - Modern Zeiss Sports Optics, struggling North American big-game species. 970-250-0569. trophyhunts@gmail.com. Horseback Pack-in (3.5 hour ride) Elevations range from 11,000 ft to 13,500 ft. Accommodates 2 to 4 hunters. Its one of the best archery hunting in the country, with lots of big bucks and plenty of opportunities to take a trophy. Might want to think about the Sange De Cristo Range.above 11,600'and get in shape. "Any given unit in the state could produce an exceptional deer," said Christensen. Our editors have hand-picked these essential pieces of gear to make you a more successful hunter when you hit the game trails this season. DIY Drop Camps - For the DIY hunter, our drops camps reside in proven hunting areas for elk and mule deer. Deer hunting in Colorado is Draw only and must be secured through the licensing process offered by Colorado Parks and wildlife. In western areas, mule deer hunting has always been fun. Best caliber for Colorado Mule Deer. Alcazar recommended units 7 and 8 in the north-central part of the state, near the Wyoming border, for hunters looking for areas with lots of public land and good potential for trophies. But if you're willing to do your homework and patiently accumulate bonus points, you could find yourself hunting some of the biggest bucks in the country. Sergio Alcazar, owner of ALC Global Adventures, has lived in and hunted Colorado for 24 years. The state of Colorado has a number of reasons to be concerned about the mule deer population and their environment. The Grand Canyon States animal population ranges between 85,000 and 100,000. 4770 Scenic Mesa Road. Arizona and New Mexico are home to huge pronghorn bucks, including the current world record, which scored 96-4/8 B&C points and was killed in Socorro County, New Mexico, in 2013. Unit 2B is somewhat different. What are mule deer hunting plans for the upcoming season? Now he will find a place on my wall not just for my own pleasure, but to inspire others to chase the handsome beasts across the great wide open. In terms of kills, it was the fewest since 2015. In 2020, Colorado allowed muzzleloader deer hunts in 85 Game Management Units across the state, and many of those units permitted hunting in adjoining units, giving hunters even more room to roam. Colorado mule deer hunting for non-residents can be a great experience. "These areas are underrated," said Healy. 2022 Colorado Deer Non-Resident Hunting Fees. The second season takes place during the last three days of October and ends on November 6th. Trouble is, drawing a tag in these coveted areas ranges from extremely difficult to almost impossible. . We only take four clients per year for mule deer and four clients per year for white-tail deer, which makes this hunt very intimate. Eastern Plains hunting continues to be a consistent producer of older age class trophy bucks. Pawlak also warned that while it's easier to get a muley tag in units south of the Grand Canyon, you shouldn't expect to encounter the class of Arizona bucks that have caught your attention on magazine covers. The statewide average for buck-to-doe ratios is 35 bucks per 100 does that's eight to 10 adult bucks per 100 does. . If there is stress during these vulnerable months, mule deer can become ill and die. Great memories are built on great elk hunts. Back at the farmhouse, mounted racks from white-tailed bucks adorned the dining room walls. Our camp host will make sure you are fed and ready to go! Moretti is right. If you would like access to all of our research,join today! Put in for the early season high country buck hunt. A lot of time will be spent glassing several places that hold deer and looking for bucks that might be starting to think about the rut. Well also provide some tips on what to look for when choosing a hunting spot. He said, without question, the late-January archery rut hunts are the ticket to trophy muleys. In addition to this, parts of Colorado received over two feet of new snow in June. Hunters must apply for the draw and, in most cases, possess enough preference points in units that offer . The archery season dates encompass the bulk of November, which allows hunters to see the best the area has to offer for mature bucks. Billy Creek SWA is an excellent place to begin when hunting because it is an excellent and simple hunt. "Since 2012, nobody has drawn a mule deer tag in the Arizona Strip [units 13A and 13B] with less than 15 points," explained Eric Pawlak, manager of Cabela's T.A.G.S. 334-740-3162. Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today! The state is managing individual deer herds vs. a blanket management strategy, so we're already seeing improvements in the state deer herd.". Darveau also suggests hunting mule deer in Unit 22 with its 20 percent success rate. Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado with Lee Sells Outfitters. The weather is also cooling down, which makes it easier to spot the deer. Currently my partner and I have 4 points but someday when we have "max" points we are planning on going on a two week backcountry hunt to try and kill a pair of velvet giants. Mule Deer Hunting In Western Colorado. Experience the diversity of a guided mule deer hunt in Colorado with our hunts. Special Details: Utah sells a 365-day hunting license, so if you plan it right you can get in 2 years of applications on one hunting license. Drawing a long-awaited tagor lucking out with a lotto-like winin a coveted area can be the second biggest hunting thrill of the year for most hunters. Mule Deer Hunting. HMH scouts the tough, rugged country of the San Juan National Forest to help you create the best elk hunting trip. The hunting area consists of varying elevation from 5,500ft above sea level to 14,000ft above sea level. Hunt velvet bucks in Colorado with Reverse 7 L Outfitters. Good place as any to start your research and think about applying next year. We specialize in private land hunts with archery, rifle or muzzleloader. Since we pride our hunters and offer great quality hunting guides, we are 100% fair chase. When this doesnt happen, they often stay up in the middle transition range as long as possible, hiding from hunting pressure and preserving what winter range they have when they are forced upon it. With this, there has been a 5% decrease from 2018, when 30,114 were taken.

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