Mule deer hunts are less well known than things like deer hunts and elk hunts. Mule deer seem less desirable to some people who hunt but they’re a challenging animal to hunt and many people enjoy the meet as much as venison or elk. Mule deer aren’t as plentiful as deer and they’re not as easy to find but that adds to the challenge of mule deer hunts.
Their name is a bit unfortunate because if you’re not familiar with how they look you might picture a mule. And they do look rather like a cross between a mule and a deer, but they are a much more attractive animal then you may be picturing. They have dark, thick fur and they’re fairly small and compact animals. Their ear tips are quite and their tail tips are typically black. Mule deer are also distinctive in the way they move. People who are used to hunting deer know how deer jump and run. Mule deer do something called stotting. Their legs remains stiff and they jump almost like on a powerful spring.
Mule deer hunts are challenging because the animals are also very quiet. A moose call is a popular way people attract moose. There is no such thing for mule deer because they don’t make any such noises. They also have a keen sense of hearing, even more so than their relatives the deer, elk and moose. It’s very difficult to hide from the mule deer. If you thought being quiet when a whitetailed deer approached was difficult, be aware that a mule deer’s hearing is even better than that.
They have an excellent sense of smell and can catch your scent just like a deer, causing them to bolt. You’ll want to follow the same general rules you follow when deer hunting as far as avoiding scented soaps, detergents, colognes and after shaves. You don’t want to smell like a groomed human or they are sure to catch your scent, so be sure to eliminate your scent.
They also have another advantage over other animals in that they are adept at seeing motion. Even if you manage to stay perfectly still, a mule deer that sees the slightest twitch from you can bolt. If you’ve lain in wait and a mule deer has approached, don’t try to make the shot unless it’s clearly concentrating on something else. If it’s just standing there and you make a move no matter how slight to raise your weapon, it will see you. Combine that with their keen sense of hearing, and you can see the challenge of mule deer hunts.
It also may be a change of pace for the deer hunter because you don’t need a tree stand when you’re hunting mule deer. They don’t stay in the cover and around the trees as much as white tailed deer do. They like flatter areas and rockier areas. If you’re not used to hunting in that type of area, then be sure to take someone with you who’s used to hunting mule deer and can help you learn the ropes.
Photo Credits: schmuck-by-nature
Originally posted 2010-04-12 03:57:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Why You Should Obey Hunting Laws The hunting laws in your area are necessary reading before you go on a hunt. While some people think it's fun or a bit of a joke to hunt and fish without licenses or permits and basically do what they want, hunting laws should be taken seriously. They're very often...... -
Caribou Hunting For experienced hunters or new hunters alike, caribou hunting is an adventure. Those who are experienced hunting other game animals like deer or elk will find a lot familiar about caribou hunting and yet it will be unlike anything they've done. People new to hunting will find caribou hunting an...... -
Choose a Tree Hunt Stand A tree hunt is something that most deer hunters look forward to. Many happy hours can be spent looking at stands and deciding which one to purchase. The tree stand is a great place to hunt from because it conceals your location even more than if you were on the...... -
How to Make Deer Hunting Videos If you've ever thought of making your own deer hunting videos but wondered who would want to watch them, you should consider the enjoyment you'll get from making them. You may be surprised at who would enjoy watching your videos. But even if no one did, you would have the...... -
Guided Elk Hunts Guided elk hunts are good for both beginners and experienced hunters. Whether you've been hunting for years but have never hunted elk or whether you've never hunted anything, a guided hunt can help you get familiar with the sport. And for those who've been hunting elk for years, a guided......
- Soccer Jump Ropes Fitness Equipment Gym, Workout & Yoga Exercise & Fitness
- John Deer Walk-Behind Mowers Lawnmowers Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
- Small Animals Taxidermy Hunting
- John Deer Riding Mowers Lawnmowers Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
- Moose Decorative Flags & Flagpoles Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living