Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
Well I just found out that I'm going to have a chance to hunt NM unit 36 from 16-20 nov for mule deer! I've hunted whitetail for years but just moved to NM and this will be my first time hunting Nm or any western big game animal. I'm looking for any and all tips or advice you guys are will to give. Thanks in advance.
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
Be out there ready to shoot as soon as legal hunting hours began!
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
Ha I hear that. I know there's more to being successful than just that though haha.
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
I am fairly knew to mule deer hunting myself, two unsuccessful seasons under my belt. Unsuccessful as far as harvesting goes, but I did learn a lot/am still learning a lot! Another good thing to do is on the first day kill a buck you would take on the last day. Don't pass up a buck with the hopes of finding something bigger cause it may not happen. This doesn't apply as much to the seasoned hunters who are just in search of trophy bucks, but as far as us newbies, we shouldn't be too picky! I had a chance at a massive 4x4 last year in southern utah, however I let buck fever get the best of me and so I misjudged the distance to the buck. Causing me to over shoot the deer, from that experience I learned to keep your wits about you, and get really good at judging distances and or buy a rangefinder. haha Sit still and glass, If you hike around too much you can often scare the deer away before you see them. Not always true, but something to think about! The farther you can shoot and get a hit, the better. IMO. Be determined and dont get discouraged! If you dont fill your tag this year, then try next year! Aside from that I can't help much more, It is up to the amazing hunters on this forum to decide to help you or not now. The longer you stick around and the more you contribute the more help you get I have found! I wish you the best of luck on your hunt!
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
Thanks Scott for all the advice. I plan on being a much more normal member on this site as I just moved to NM. I'm not the kind of member to just want help and offer nothing! I'm going to learn from the locals here in clovis as much as I can and will be happy to pass along what I learn. Thanks again.
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
No problem! And thanks! I hope you're successful!!
Re: Hunting mule deer for the first time...advice needed!
before the season begins, do as much scouting as u can. obviously it depends how close u are to ur hunting location, but scouting is huge. as far as the hunt goes, do lots of glassing. my a.d.d. always gets the best of me, and i never sit and glass like i should. so make sure u have good optics. make sure u are capable of making long shots, whether its rifle or bow, out here ur shots are most likely gonna be long. mule deer dont respond well, if at all, to calls, scents, or whatever, so dont bother, (yes there are exceptions). ive never hunted in new mexico so im not 100% sure but the deer should be in the rut when ur hunting, so if u find the does u will find the bucks. if u have any other questions just ask.