Ask Mr. Mule Deer

Ask Mr. Mule Deer

Q. What are the most points recorded on a whitetail deer?

Kaleb – Hennepin, MN

A. The world record non-typical whitetail deer according to Boone and Crockett was found dead in Missouri in 1981. This buck is known as the Missouri Monarch and was only 4 ½ years of age when it was discovered and scores 333 7/8 B&C. The buck’s rack has 19 points on the right and 25 points on the left giving it a total of 44 points. That’s pretty impressive. The world record non-typical mule deer, by comparison, has a total of 43 points and scores 355 2/8 B&C. However, just because the Missouri Monarch is the highest scoring whitetail on record, does not mean it has the most points. Actually the famous Hole-in-the-Horn buck, which ranks No. 2 all-time behind the Missouri Monarch, is a 23×22 point deer which gives him 45 total points. There are bucks that are not listed in the books that I am sure have more points but are not eligible for Boone and Crockett. For example, there are some cactus bucks that have over 50 total points.

Q. What is an average cost for a western mule deer hunt?

Wesley Huff – Via Email

A. It depends on what sort of hunt you want. A public land do-it-yourself hunt is obviously the least expensive approach to bag your first mule deer. There is plenty of opportunity and to kill a respectable buck solely for the price of a non-resident tag (roughly $250-$400) and transportation. If you are looking for a guided hunt on public/private land, these hunts will run you from $3,000 up to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what caliber of buck and accommodations you expect.

Q. When I go shed hunting I have found most of my sheds on the south facing slopes, ridgelines, and bedding areas, how come you hardly find any drops on north facing slopes?

Kaid Panek – Fairfield, UT

A. Kaid, the answer is very simple. In the winter time when the bucks and bulls are getting ready to shed, they are usually hampered by deep snow. They are on the winter range and looking for food. The south facing slopes and ridges will get the most sunlight compared to the north facing slopes which will be shaded most of the day. Because of this the animals will feed and forage on the south facing slopes because the snow will melt faster and not be as deep, therefore, offering easier access to food.

Q. I am 16 and a bowhunter. I only do fair chase and I was wondering if hunting from a blind is considered fair chase, or if it is unethical?

Cody Christensen – Helper, UT

A. Cody, I commend you for holding your standards high and wanting to make sure you are an ethical hunter. At your age that is a very good characteristic to have and develop as a hunter, especially a bowhunter. Hunting from a blind is a common and ethical way of hunting and is quite popular. People use ground blinds all over the country hunting many different types of animals. Many people use them when hunting water sources and is common when pursuing everything from turkey to pronghorn antelope. They are often used when bowhunting open country where cover is minimal preventing you from getting within shooting distance.

Q. I have been fortunate to hunt the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota the last two years.We have seen lots of mule deer with a good number of bucks with various size racks. We are still looking for the large trophy. We have taken several with low 20 inch spreads. Are the mule deer racks in this area not as big as those farther West? The main question I would like to ask is where should we concentrate our efforts? We have been hunting three types of terrain. One being the open grassland, second, the wooded gullies and third, the deep open coulees. So far the deep coulees have provided the biggest bucks. Also, should we try to get back into the areas that are more remote? This type of hunting is a lot different than our whitetail hunting in western Virginia. We do not see a lot of hunters during the non-resident season but the people of the reservation hunt two weeks before we arrive. Thank you for any help that you can provide.

John Wymer – Via email

A. John, South Dakota does hold some nice mule deer, but you are not going to find the caliber of bucks as you would further west in Wyoming or Colorado. The state record typical mule deer for South Dakota scores 192 net B&C and was taken in 2003. There are only seven mule deer on record that score 180 or bigger. Last year, however, there was a 188 B&C typical buck taken in the Pennington area. The state record non-typical scores a very impressive 281 6/8 B&C, but this was taken back in 1944. There are four non-typical mule deer that score over the 230 B&C mark, but none of those are more recent than 1959. Therefore, finding a big non-typical that might get you in the record books is pretty nominal at best. However, a good solid buck is very doable. In regards to what type of areas or terrain you should focus on, it sounds like your answer is the deep coulees according to what you are finding already. When deer start to get pressure, they are going to retreat in remote areas that give them the best cover. You are going to need to change your tactics away from hunting whitetail deer and get some good optics and spend some time glassing and scouting. Trying to find where the deer are going and being able to spot them without spooking them is key. When apporaching the coulees make sure you stay low and don’t skyline yourself. Hunker down and glass to spot any movement in the brush. Get to some good vantage points early before light and be patient. You may also set up some drives if you know there are some deer in there. Get the shooters on key vantage points where the deer might use as escape routes and have the pushers walk the bottoms. It sounds like there is not a lot of hunting pressure, but with the locals being able to hunt two weeks before you get there shows the deer might already be receiving pressure enough to head to remote areas. A big mature buck is not dumb and has had years of experience for him to know the hunt is on. The younger bucks aren’t quite as seasoned and will make mistakes. I am not sure what time of year you are hunting the reservation as hunting during the rut might change things. Like anything, the farther you go and the more willing you are able to get into remote areas might pay off. Remember, most hunters like to stay close to roads and trails. If you are willing to put some more effort into hiking back into more remote areas ususally pays off.

Tags: Ask Mr. Mule Deer, HI36

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