Mule Deer - Blacktail
UTAH
TROPHY MULE DEER 1X1 $6500
All 7 hunters took bucks last fall, including three
in the 180’s, 178, 174 and 2 smaller bucks. This is a trophy hunt
guided 1x1 and HCU has had hunters take bucks grossing over 225 inches.
2011 was down and the top 3 bucks scored 187, 183 and 174 and several
more trophy bucks were missed or crippled.
In 2010 he had 6 gun hunters and 3 bowhunters on
this 20,000-acre ranch. Success was 100% including a 220-inch buck
taken on the bowhunt and 2 more over 180 inches on the rifle hunt.
All bucks grossed over 170, except for a 3x3 management buck taken on
the last day.
The ranch is in the CWMU program allowing them to
set their own hunting schedule. The early rifle hunt will start
September 1 when the bucks are in bachelor groups and full velvet.
5 hunting days guided 1x1 with cabin accommodations is $6,500 plus
license and tax. They will take 6 hunters for the first week of
the season only.
They also offer a later mule deer hunt, October 15 to
19, which will be priced at $4,500. HCU’s Craig Green took a good mule
deer on this later hunt. Nice lodging, home cooked meals and the ranch
is picturesque with high deer numbers. Airport pickup in Grand Junction is included. Hunt MDGE72.
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ALBERTA TROPHY
MULIES $6600
2 PERMITS $6600 EACH 100% SUCCESS
AVERAGE HAS BEEN 180 B & C
Last fall both hunters took bucks consistent with
past years grossing at that 180 mark.
In 2011 both hunters took bucks in the 180-inch
class and one hunter even did it with the bow during rifle season.
The outfitter has 2 muley tags in Zone 305 where it
normally takes a resident about 5 years to draw. He hunts a 25,000-acre
private cattle farm, along with several more in southern Alberta and has run 100% success on bucks
averaging 180 inches. The season normally opens the last Wednesday of
October and he prefers to start his 6-day hunts at that time or into
early November to catch some of the rut. Some days hunters have seen
between 20 and 30 bucks. Fairly open terrain and good for glassing.
Hunts are guided 1x1 and include ranch house accommodations, meals and
airport pickup in Calgary. License is $250
plus 5 percent tax. Very limited openings.
Hunt MD678.
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COLORADO TROPHY
MULIES
REQUIRES 3 TO 8 POINTS TO DRAW
This is a trophy hunt that doesn’t require all that
many preference points. In 2012 he took 3 deer muzzleloader
hunters and they tagged a 183, 178 and a 170-inch deer. He had 3
archers and they scored on a 180-incher, hit and lost a 180-inch and the
third hunter just missed. The 2012 rifle deer hunt had went 6 for
10, including a 184, 182, 180, 178, 30-inch wide 173 and a 32-inch wide
3x4 scoring in the high 170’s. A couple die-hard trophy hunters
passed on bucks that looked to score in the 180’s.
In 2011 all bucks gross scored over 170 and into
the 180’s.
2010 he ended up taking 6 bucks for 8 hunters.
Top buck grossed 190 and 3 more at 175. A 190-class was missed on
the last hunt and a repeat hunter passed on a 180-plus buck the first
day of the hunt.
In 2009 all 13 deer hunters tagged out and the top
bucks grossed in the 190’s. He had 2 archers, 2 muzzleloader guys
and 9 rifle hunters. Best bucks went 193, 190, and 2 in the 180’s
and quite a few in the 170’s.
He hunts about a dozen ranches varying from
mountain country to oakbrush hillsides to agricultural property
including alfalfa and hay fields.
Archery or muzzleloader hunts are $5,000 for 5 days
guided 1x1 or $4,500 guided 2x1. Rifle hunts are $5,350 guided 1x1
or $4,850 for 2x1 and any deer harvested gross scoring over 180 inches
has a $1,000 trophy fee added to the price.
Elk/mule deer combo is $7,500. Cabin accommodations
include a shower house and cook cabin. Second gun season normally takes
3 or 4 points to draw a deer tag, third season is 6 or 8 depending, but
landowner vouchers are available. Airport pickup at Montrose or
Grand Junction.
Hunt MD163.
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20,000-ACRE COLORADO RANCH
100% AVERAGING OVER 170-INCH
RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE $4000
He had completed his early deer hunts at press time
and all 6 hunters had tagged bucks ranging in size from 2 in the
mid-180’s, 3 in the 170’s and a 165-inch buck. In 2011 all 7
hunters scored on bucks including a 187, 185, 180, 2 in the 170’s and a
couple smaller bucks. In 2010 all 8 bucks scored over 170 inches.
In 2009 two bucks were taken in the 190’s. This is one of the best
opportunities to take a trophy mule deer for only $4,000. Success
has been 100% on bucks averaging over 170 inches. Hunts that have
these kinds of numbers are typically priced well over $5,000, so this is
a bargain with a guaranteed tag.
The ranch is in the Ranching for Wildlife Program
guaranteeing you a mule deer tag, no draw or using of your preference
points. Best of all you can hunt in September when they are in
bachelor groups or mid-November during the rut. The outfitter has
only had the ranch the past couple years and he is an accomplished mule
deer guide and hunter. He plans on managing this ranch for trophy
quality mule deer.
These are 4-day hunts at $4,000 guided 2x1 from
September 5 to December 5 and elk can be added for $3,000, elk success
was 100% in 2011 and 12 for 15 at press time for 2012. 20,000 private
acres with a 7,500-foot elevation and good road access. New lodge
accommodations, meals and airport pickup in Hayden is included. 2013 is
sold out, book now for 2014. HCU’s Craig Green has hunted with this
outfitter. Hunt MD226.
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TOP ALBERTA MULE DEER HUNT
100% SUCCESS AVERAGE OVER 180
Rifle season had just gotten under way at press time
and they already had a 213-INCH NON-TYPICAL on the ground. For the
2012 archery season 8 hunters took 6 bucks scoring on a MONSTER 214,
186, 183, 170, 165 and a 162. Archery hunts are for 6 1/2 days and
include license and tax for $5,500.
In 2011 they took 5 archery bucks, a 183, 3 in 170’s
and a 163. Rifle season produced 9 bucks for 10 hunters scoring
197 typical, 195 non-typical, 192 typical, 3 in the 180’s and rest in
the mid to upper 170’s.
The outfitter specializes in trophy class mule deer
for both archery and rifle. He takes a very limited number of
hunters in this trophy unit that is a draw for residents. The hunt
takes place in farm country east of Red Deer near Stettler, Alberta.
It is known for big mule deer, whitetail and hard to believe moose.
This Zone 204 only gives out 125 permits to residents and just a few for
non-residents and the area is 40 square miles.
6-day rifle hunts guided 1x1 are $7,500. Nice cabin
accommodations, meals, and airport pickup in Edmonton. He also offers a
6-day combination hunt for both whitetail and mule deer for $9,500
guided 1x1 or 10 days for $11,500. Whitetail success has run 80% or
better on bucks averaging 150. Hunters are responsible for licenses and
5% tax. Very limited openings.
Hunt MD883.
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COLORADO TROPHY
UNIT $5000
BUCKS AVERAGE 180 INCHES
9 POINTS MINIMUM TO DRAW
At press time 15 hunters had scored on 14 bucks
averaging at 180 inches and the top bucks grossed in the 190’s.
In 2011, 17 hunters took 16 bucks, including a
monster grossing 209 that will net 202 Boone and Crockett. They
also scored on a 37-inch 205-point, 3 in the 190’s and 5 in the 180’s.
You will need 9 preference points to draw this deer
tag.
In 2010 this premier outfitter guided 20 deer
hunters to 20 bucks, including 2 over 190 inches and 4 more over 180.
These are his normal numbers. In 2009 all 17 hunters scored
including a monster grossing 206, 2 in the 190’s, 2 in the 180’s and 7
more over 175. In 2008 they took 14 bucks and the best one scored
214 and they averaged 175 gross score Boone and Crockett.
This is a premier hunt that requires 9 preference
points minimum to draw and it continues to go up.
5-day hunt guided 2x1 is only $5,000 with cabin
accommodations and airport pickup can be arranged in Grand Junction for $150.
HCU has had over 90 hunters with this outfitter without any complaints
of any kind and have taken lots of great trophies. HCU’s Cliff Graham
has been on this hunt. 2013 is booked full. Book now for 2014. April
4 deadline.
Hunt MD21.
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MULE DEER OR WHITETAIL
PRONGHORN COMBO ONLY $3250
PRIVATE RANCHER/OUTFITTER
This rancher/outfitter has been 100% on nice mature
deer and pronghorn for several years. He runs a small personal
operation in southeastern Montana. Muley
bucks average 23 to 25 inches with good mass gross scoring in the 160’s,
with the chance on 170 to 180-inch deer. Deer tags are good for
either mule deer or whitetails and he takes some nice whitetails in the
140 to 160-inch class.
5 days guided 2x1 includes lodging and meals.
Hunt dates are about October 20 to Thanksgiving. This is a no
frills hunt with trailer house accommodations. If a hunter draws a
pronghorn tag he can take one the first 2 weeks of the deer season at no
charge. Hunters fly into Rapid City or
Billings
and rent a car for the 2 and a half hour drive.
Montana has changed their deer license program, so now
you can typically draw an elk/deer license for $944 and then apply for
the special draw for bull elk in this trophy unit and it is very
unlikely that you would draw so you should get back $383, so your deer
license is only $561. If you do draw the elk tag this is a great trophy
unit and the outfitter will upgrade your hunt to include a bull. Montana now allows you to purchase a bonus
point from June to September for $50. Deer/elk draw deadline is March
15 and pronghorn draw deadline is early June. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has
hunted this ranch.
Hunt MD427.
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MONTANA
MULEDEER/PRONGHORN
ONLY $3950
This is a very high success hunt every year.
In 2012 at press time 35 hunters had scored on 34 muley bucks.
Pronghorn continue to be 100% success every year, for those lucky enough
to draw a tag. Top bucks taken in 2011 included an 8x8 scoring
high in the 190’s and several in the 180’s. This is a great hunt
with lots of deer, open country for easy glassing and plenty of ranches
to hunt. Hunters that draw a pronghorn tag can take one at no
additional charge on the first two hunts. Success is 100% on bucks
up to 16 inches. Deer tags are good for mule deer or whitetails
and several whitetails are taken each year scoring from 140 and up.
5-day hunts are $3,950 with nice ranch house
accommodations. IF YOU FAIL TO DRAW A PRONGHORN TAG YOU CAN HUNT MULE
DEER ONLY FOR $3,450 ON THE FIRST 2 HUNTS. He has 7 ranches
totaling about 200,000 private acres near Miles
City
and also another 40,000 acres he only hunts two weeks during the rut for
a total of 8 hunters. Fly into
Billings
and rent a car.
Montana has changed their deer license program, so now
you can typically draw an elk/deer license for $944 and then apply for
the special draw for bull elk in this trophy unit and it is very
unlikely that you would draw so you should get back $383, so your deer
license is only $561. If you do draw the elk tag this is a great trophy
unit and the outfitter will upgrade your hunt to include a bull for
$1,600. Montana now allows you to
purchase a bonus point from June to September for $50. Deer/elk draw
deadline is March 15 and pronghorn draw deadline is early June. Hunt MD232.
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COLORADO
RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
RIFLE MULE DEER RUT HUNTS
This outfit has 2 ranches totaling 120,000 acres in
the Ranching for Wildlife Program southeast of Craig. This program
allows hunting during the rut with guaranteed tags. They hunt the
higher elevations by horseback or foot and low sage country by trucks.
Success typically runs about 100% and they start late October and run to
December 10. We like early to mid-November for good rut activity.
Success runs near 100% on bucks averaging in the 170’s and typically
several bucks are taken each year in the 180’s and the occasional 190
plus buck.
5-day trophy hunts guided 2x1 are priced at $5,700.
Mule deer/pronghorn combos can be arranged in late October. Very nice
ranch house accommodations and family style meals include airport pickup
in Hayden. 2013 openings, guaranteed tag, no draw.
Hunt MD373.
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NUMBER 1 TROPHY MULE DEER $12,000
The outfitter runs a September 1 to 3 strictly
trophy velvet hunt for only 3 hunters. Last year HCU hunter, Jeff
Chapman, scored on a 219-inch typical and another hunter took a 201-inch
buck. One hunter passed on a net typical book buck looking for a
220-inch 11x7 with a 33-inch spread they had on film. They also
had pictures of a 30-inch 6x4 that would gross over 215 and another
200-inch plus monster. During the hard horned hunt over the course
of the regular season they shot 12 bucks averaging 195 inches.
In 2011 they took 5 hunters on the early hunt and 4
scored with the best one grossing 231 inches with a 10 and a half inch
drop tine. Overall they averaged better than 210 inches.
This 3-day premier velvet hunt is priced at $15,000 and if you fail to
take a buck you can come back and hunt 5 more days in late September or
early October at no additional cost. Their regular hard horned
October hunt is 5 days priced at $12,000 and in 2012 the overall average
was 195 inches. It was down some in 2011 when they only averaged a
little over 185 Boone and Crockett.
This 35,000-acre ranch normally averages over 190
Boone and Crockett and several bucks have been taken over the 220-inch
mark.
The ranch is located in northeastern
Utah
along the Wyoming
border. Hard horned hunts guided 1x1 are 5 days including lodge
accommodations and airport pickup in
Salt Lake City. If you are a serious mule deer
hunter call for more details. Hunt MD255.
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NEW MEXICO
TROPHY MULEDEER
LATE NOVEMBER EARLY DECEMBER
RUT HUNT $8500 AVERAGES 180+
At press time the 2012 season had not gotten under
way. He offers 2 hunts for only 2 hunters per hunt. Late
November and early December, both prime dates. Some great bucks
were seen while scouting so we expect a good harvest. In 2011 the
4 bucks taken gross scored 232 INCHES (4X4 MONSTER WITH SOME STICKERS),
190, 185 and a 180.
This outfitter hunts several ranches in
northeastern New Mexico totaling 95,000 acres.
Guaranteed landowner voucher is included so there is no draw. This
is a rare opportunity to hunt
New Mexico
bucks in the rut. Hunters fly into
Colorado Springs and rent a car. Very
limited openings for 2013. Hunt MD278.
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ARIZONA DESERT
MULE DEER
This hunt takes place on 2 private ranches in
southeastern Arizona consisting of about 60,000 acres that
has not been hunted over a 10-year period. Deer numbers are
extremely high and some days produce well over 200 deer sightings.
The outfitter is a very experienced elk, mule deer and coues outfitter
that produces super quality. He has taken a few archers on the
property in January of 2012 and they took a 185, 163, a buck in the
150’s and hit a buck they expected to gross in the 190’s. He took
2 youth hunters on a management hunt and both scored on 12-year old
deer, with the best grossing 175. He expects to obtain some rifle
spots for 2013 and plans on taking bucks in the 160 to 180’s.
5-day hunts guided 1x1 are $5,800 and he also has some
public ground that has been productive for $3,800. Rifle hunts would be
the first 2 weeks of November.
Hunt MD404.
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COLORADO
MULIES $4500
ADD ELK OR ANTELOPE $1500
RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER
GUARANTEED TAGS-NO DRAW
At press time all 10 deer hunters had tagged bucks
up into the mid-160’s, but the better bucks would be taken during the
mid-November rut hunt. In 2011 the best buck SCORED 205 INCHES AND
3 MORE WERE TAKEN IN THE 180’s, over the 3 months of hunting success on
deer was 31 for 35. In 2010, 19 hunters had muley tags and they
scored on 12 bucks, crippled 2 and all had shooting except for one and
he passed. The best buck gross scored over 185 and 3 more
were taken in the 170 to 180 class.
These hunts are conducted on a 21,000-acre private
ranch in the Ranching For Wildlife Program, allowing them to hunt deer,
elk and pronghorn from early September to late December and includes
tags issued by the state, no drawing is required or use of preference
points.
At press time 20 rifle elk hunters had scored on 19
bulls and the unsuccessful hunter passed on a shooter bull wanting
something bigger. Bulls ranged from small 6-points down to 4x4’s.
In 2011, 30 bulls were taken by 34 hunters averaging 240 to 250 and the
best bull gross scored 280 inches.
Here is a ranch that offers all 3 western species
for a discount price. $4,500 for an elk or a mule deer and any
additional animals are only $1,500 each.
5 days guided 2x1 includes very nice lodge
accommodations, meals and airport pickup in Hayden. Space is limited
and bookings are not normally taken until April.
Hunt MD640.
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PEACE RIVER ALBERTA
MONSTER SEPTEMBER MULIES
Here is an opportunity to take that big 190-inch
type of deer with a rifle in September when the mature bucks are still
out in the open and in bachelor groups. This outfitter has had
plenty of success taking big mule deer bucks up to and in the 200-inch
category on his November hunts near Stettler. Last fall HCU had a
couple hunters that could only hunt in September and wanted big mature
deer, so this outfitter scouted the Peace River area and located some prime habitat and leased
a couple tags. Both hunters scored the first day on 2 exceptional
bucks, a 179 and a 199-inch buck. They decided to stick around a
few more days and both took black bears weighing over 300 pounds.
This 9-day hunt guided 2x1 is priced at $7,000 and
includes license, tax, lodging and meals. Most of the times you are
covering open plains country by pickup and glassing. Black bear can be
added for $750 plus a $1,500 trophy fee or whitetail for $3,500. Hunts
run from September 17 to the 25th. Hunters fly into Grand Prairie where the
outfitter meets them for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the hunting area.
Hunt MDPR883.
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HUNT KODIAK ISLAND
SITKA
BLACKTAIL/DUCKS/FISHING
This outfitter offers 4-day unguided hunts for
$3,600 and hunters can take up to 3 bucks and also enjoy some fantastic
duck hunting and fishing. Private cabins or suites for
accommodations with prepared meals are included, along with daily
transport to hunting area by boat. He starts October 8, when duck
season opens, and finishes November 15. We expect 2013 to be his
last year offering this hunt.
Past HCU customers have been astounded with the
excellent duck hunting that is also included. Extra days are available
for $900. License is $85 and deer tags are $150 each, no taxes.
Hunt SD162.
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We work with another outfitter that operates out
of a lodge with 6 bedrooms, shower, bar, TV and sauna. Success has run
100% on this 7-day guided hunt from October 5 to November 30. One deer
limit priced at only $3,000 guided 3x1 or $3,500 guided 2x1. Many
hunters have taken record book bucks and recently they took the new #3
SCI and #11 Boone and Crockett. Excellent sea duck hunting for many
species and fox hunting is also included. Hunters fly into Kodiak and
charter to the lodge for about $200 roundtrip.
Hunt
SD783.
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OREGON
COLUMBIA
BLACKTAILS
OR
COLUMBIA
WHITETAILS
This outfitter has several private ranches to hunt
in western Oregon
near the town of Roseburg.
The hunt is typically 100% success and the area holds plenty of
blacktail bucks. At press time 4 hunters had taken 3 bucks, with
the best going 120 inches. The unsuccessful hunter had to go back
to the east coast early due to Hurricane
Sandy. One hunter took a cougar while deer
hunting and another missed one. Cougar can be added for the $15
license and the kill fee is $1,000.
In 2011 his 5 hunters had tagged 5 blacktails.
In 2010 his 6 hunters scored on 6 bucks and they typically saw 6 to 8
bucks daily. In 2009 he hosted 9 rifle hunters and they tagged 8
bucks, with one hunter passing. The best buck grossed 145 and the
average was 115 to 120 Boone and Crockett. In 2008 he had 9
hunters and all scored on good bucks, with 5 making the Boone and
Crockett record book. The area has plenty of open hillsides, great
for glassing.
5-day hunt guided 2x1 with bunkhouse accommodations
and meals is $4,100 or 1x1 is $4,850. He only takes up to ten
hunters total from mid-October through the first week of November.
The last 2 weeks are best for rut and this is not a physical hunt.
License is $150 and over the counter tag is $370, no tax. This
hunt needs booked at least a year in advance.
He also offers
Columbia
whitetail for $6,800 and this includes a landowner voucher. Success has
been 100% on bucks scoring over 105 inches and he only takes a couple
each year. The area holds a high number of whitetails and hunts will be
September 29 to October 15. Hunters fly into Eugene
or Portland
and rent a car. Hunt CB101.
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