Mule Deer - Blacktail

MONTANA MULEDEER/PRONGHORN ONLY $3750
Success has been 100% past years on nice mountable bucks averaging 160 to 165 gross Boone and Crockett points.  Every year bucks are taken scoring in the 180’s or better.  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 $3,750 with nice ranch house accommodations. IF YOU FAIL TO DRAW A PRONGHORN TAG YOU CAN HUNT MULE DEER ONLY FOR $3,250 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. Hunt MD232.  Pictures from this Hunt.

ALBERTA TROPHY MULE DEER
WHITETAIL COMBO HUNT
At press time his 3 combo hunters had taken 2 muleys grossing 180 and 177.  They also took 3 whitetails grossing 160, 158 and 156. 

In 2008 9 hunters scored on 8 muleys and 8 whitetails.  The unsuccessful hunter missed a 190 type typical 3 times and crippled a whitetail in the high 150’s.  The average mule deer taken has scored in the low 170’s to 180 inches and whitetails have been averaging in the low 150’s.

This agriculture area near Stettler is known to produce some trophy bucks.  Mule deer hunting is mostly glassing riverbottoms and coulees.  6-day combination hunts are $9,000 plus $350 licenses, $40 wildlife certificate and 5% tax.  Mule deer only is $7,500 or whitetail only is $5,000.  House or cabin accommodations include meals and airport pickup in Edmonton.  Hunt MD/WD883. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

TROPHY MULE DEER 1X1 $4500
The winter of 2007/2008 hurt a lot of the west and it showed during the 2008 seasons.  The average buck taken on this ranch past years has gross scored over 180 inches.  The area is known to rebound quickly and it already has with the average buck taken in 2009 grossing 178 inches and they only took 5 bucks off the 20,000 acres. 

The ranch is in the CWMU program allowing them to set their own hunting schedule.  First hunts start September 1 when the bucks are in bachelor groups and full velvet.  5 hunting days guided 1x1 with cabin accommodations was $5,500, but they have cut the price to $4,500 plus license and tax.  They will take 4 hunters for the first week of the season only.  HCU customers have taken some great bucks on this ranch scoring up to 220 Boone and Crockett points.  Airport pickup in Grand Junction.  Hunt MDGE72.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO EASTERN PLAINS MULEYS
This outfitter hunts several units in southeastern Colorado on several private ranches totaling over 200,000 acres.  He offers archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunts in some of the top units. 

Last fall his 5 archers took 3 bucks and missed 9.  One whitetail grossing 160 and two mule deer were taken scoring 182 and 178.  Muzzleloader went 2 for 4 taking a 160 and 184.  Rifle hunters went 10 for 18 on bucks ranging from 178 to 213 gross score.

Archery hunts are priced at $5,500 for October 1 to 5 and November 12 to 16, during the rut.  Muzzleloader is also $5,500 for October 11 to 15.

The early rifle hunt priced at $6,000 is October 25 to 29 and normally only requires 0 to 1 preference point.  The October 31 to November 4 hunts are $6,500 along with the December 1 to 5 hunts, which normally requires 3 to 5 points to draw.  THE OUTFITTER HAS ACCESS TO SOME LANDOWNER VOUCHERS AND IF YOU DON’T DRAW HE TRIES TO GET YOU A VOUCHER AT NOT COST TO YOU.

Hunts include ranch house lodging, meals, 2x1 guide service and airport pickup at Colorado Springs.  Mid-April draw deadline. Hunt MD686.  Pictures from this Hunt. 

COLORADO DEER HUNT AVERAGES IN THE HIGH 170’S
Here is a very affordable hunt that is producing some fantastic deer.  Last year 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. 

All hunts are $3,800 for 5 days guided 2x1 and can be upgraded to 1x1.  Any buck gross scoring over 180 Boone and Crockett points has a $1,000 trophy fee.

Last year the 2 bowhunters scored on a 190 and 178.  Several other 190-inch deer were seen.  The bucks are very easy to pattern and travel in bachelor groups.  He likes the first 10 days of the season and they use treestands, ground blinds, with some spot and stalk.

Elk/mule deer combo is $6,000.  Cabin accommodations include a shower house and cook cabin.  Deer tags have about a 50 percent draw with no points, but landowner vouchers are available.  Airport pickup at Montrose or Grand Junction.  Hunt MD163.  Pictures from this Hunt. 

UTAH TROPHY MULE DEER 100% SUCCESS AGAIN
2009 produced 8 quality bucks for 8 hunters including two monsters gross scoring 206 and 200 inches.  2008 went 6 for 6 and in 2007 they also went 6 for 6.  Most bucks taken on this hunt average between 165 and 170, but they always seem to produce a couple great bucks.

This 17,000-acre ranch near Park City is in the CWMU program and is allowed to take rifle hunters from September 10 to November 10. 

These are 5-day hunts guided 1x1 priced at $6,000 for the serious mule deer hunter.  You have the option of hunting early when the bucks are in bachelor groups and more visible or late when the rut kicks in.  Cabin accommodations on the early hunts and hunters stay in a ranch house on later dates.  The ranch has good road access and the outfitter will utilize pickups and quads to move and glass.  Guaranteed license no draw, no taxes and airport pickup in Salt Lake City included.  Hunt MD367.  Pictures from this Hunt.

HUNT TROPHY BUCKS IN THE
EASTERN PLAINS OF COLORADO
This outfitter only takes about 6 hunters on 32,000 private-acres located in the plains along the Bijou River near Limon.  He has taken mule deer in the 190 and 200-inch class, but generally average near 180.  A few hunters have chosen to take a whitetail with their deer tag and they generally gross score 150 to 160 inches.

He has a muzzleloader deer hunt October 10 to 14 and he personally took a 206 non-typical on this hunt priced at $5,500. He has 2 rifle hunts, October 30 to November 3 that is easy to draw and the late hunt December 1 to 5, which normally requires 3 points to draw.  5-day rifle hunts are $6,500. 

IF YOU DON’T DRAW A TAG THE OUTFITTER WILL TRY TO SECURE A LANDOWNER VOUCHER AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.

Hunts include ranch house accommodations, meals and 2x1 guide service.  Airport pickup at Denver or Colorado Springs can be arranged for $100.  Hunt MD661.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
5 DAYS GUARANTEED TAG $4000
Here is a hunt you are guaranteed a deer tag without any draw.  Success typically runs near 100 percent on nice 4x4 bucks gross scoring in the mid-160’s and up to 180.  The ranch can set their own hunting dates and they prefer November 1 to mid-January.  Mid to late November will be prime rut weeks and the later hunts can be combined with elk for an additional $3,000.  Bulls taken generally score in the 250 to 260 class with the top ones at 300 inches.  The elk and deer are both very high success.

This is not a physical hunt and older guys will do well here.  Elevation is about 6500’ with sage and pinions, rolly polly country with plenty of roads for access.  Accommodations are a 14 x 70 trailer with a couple bedrooms, single beds and outhouse.  5-day hunt includes 2x1 guiding, lodging, meals and airport pickup in Hayden.  Hunt MD629.  Pictures from this Hunt. 

EASTERN MONTANA MULE DEER/PRONGHORN
CONTINUES 100% SUCCESS
In 2009 success was again 100% for 20 hunters, with the best bucks grossing in the 180’s.  This small rancher/outfitter runs a fantastic hunt for the money at only $3,500 for 5 days guided 2x1 and you can add pronghorn on the first two hunts at no additional cost.  Most hunters tag bucks in the first 3 days of the hunt with spreads from 22 to 25 inches averaging about 160 Boone and Crockett.  Top bucks are in the 27 to 30-inch range and gross 180 inches.  Pronghorn run from 13 to over 15 inches.  He also has some prime whitetail country that produced a couple 150 to 168-inch bucks.  Deer tags are good for either mule deer or whitetail.

He has increased his property to about 10 ranches totaling 140,000 acres.  Normally trucks are used to cover ground and glass, with some spot and stalk.  Most hunters see 10 to 20 bucks per day.  Hunts are Monday to Friday and start about October 22 and run to Thanksgiving, with the first 2 hunts allowing combos if you draw a pronghorn tag.  Nice lodge accommodations with 6 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Guaranteed mule deer license should be $960 with a March 15 deadline and antelope deadline is June with about 30% odds.  Hunters fly into Billings or Rapid City and rent a car.  Hunt MD554. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

WYOMING MULE DEER/PRONGHORN COMBO $4350
This outfitter hunts on 300,000 private-acres near the town of Buffalo.  Success has run near 100% on mulies with the best taken in 2009 was a 28-inch 5x5.  Whitetails can be substituted for mule deer and 3 were taken last fall in the 135 to 140 class range.  5-day deer/pronghorn hunt includes 2x1 guiding, very nice private cabin accommodations and airport pickup in Sheridan or fly into Billings and rent a car.  5-day straight mule deer or whitetail hunts are $3,600.  This outfitter also allows you to take up to 3 does with proper licensing at no extra charge.  March 15 draw deadline, but draw has been 100% on regular tags.  Deer license has been $326 and pronghorn $286.  Hunt MD/PG267.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO TROPHY UNIT REQUIRES 8 POINTS TO DRAW
Last fall his hunters took 17 bucks, 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. 

5-day hunt guided 2x1 is only $4,000 with cabin accommodations.  HCU has had over 70 hunters with this outfitter without any complaints of any kind and have taken lots of great trophies.  If you have the points now is the time to use them.  April 4 deadline.  Hunt MD21.  Pictures from this Hunt.

UTAH RANCH IN CWMU PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER HUNTS
This outfitter operates on about 35,000 private-acres under the CWMU program allowing him to hunt from September 10 to November 10 with guaranteed tags, no draw.  This hunt continues to be about 90 percent success on quality bucks averaging in the 165 to 170-inch class, with a couple 200-inch deer normally taken each year.  2 bad winters has hampered this hunt, but it is coming back.    

September hunts find the bucks in bachelor groups and on the later hunts in early November you can catch the rut.  5-day trophy hunts guided 1x1 are $5,900 with very nice lodge accommodations.  Airport pickup at SLC.  Very limited openings.  Hunt MDUT149.  Pictures from this Hunt.

HUNT MONSTER MULE DEER IN THE TEXAS SANDHILLS
Last year they took 2 bucks off this 60,000-acre ranch, one was over 34 inches wide on the inside and grossed 189 and the other was 28 inches and scored 193.  They took a third hunter on the property and he hit a buck they didn’t recover.  This hunt will remind you of Mexico, but the bucks weigh over 300 pounds.  With plenty of scrub oak on the property producing a large mast crop of acorns the deer grow big.  The outfitter hunts the property like Mexico by glassing from high points for spot and stalk and during the day they track the bucks.  Last year they looked at 12 bucks that would gross over 170 inches.

4-day hunt is $5,000 and takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Accommodations are either a travel trailer or RV with electricity and water.  Hunters are picked up in Midland.  Hunt MD685. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
RIFLE MULE DEER RUT HUNT
This outfit has 2 ranches totaling 150,000 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 5.  We like early November for good rut activity.  Success runs near 100% on bucks averaging in the 170’s and the top bucks taken each year typically gross near the 200-inch mark.

5-day trophy hunts guided 2x1 are very reasonable 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.  Guaranteed tag, no draw.  Hunt MD373.  Pictures from this Hunt.  

MULE DEER/PRONGHORN COMBO ONLY $3000
That’s right if you have a group of 4 the price is only $3,000 for a 5-day 2x1 full service hunt including lodging and meals.  If your group is less than 4 it is still a fantastic bargain at only $3,250. 

This rancher/outfitter runs a small personal operation taking about 10 deer hunters per year in southeastern Montana.  Success has run 100 percent past years on muley bucks grossing in the 160-class Boone and Crockett with a 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 130 to 160-inch class.

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.  Pronghorn draw deadline is June.  Guaranteed deer license should be $960 with a March 15 deadline. Hunters fly into Rapid City or Billings and rent a car for the 2 and a half hour drive. 
Hunt MD427.  Pictures from this Hunt.

NEW MEXICO SANDHILLS MULEYS $3500
This longtime outfitter has recently acquired 2 ranches totaling over 50,000 acres along the Canadian River in eastern New Mexico.  He expects to take bucks averaging in the 165 to 175-inch class.  Guaranteed tag, no draw makes this hunt a good choice for a trophy mule deer.   

5 days guided 2x1 include meals, but the hunter pays for his own motel in Tucumcari at about $40 per night.  He may include lodging and meals on one of the ranches.  He hunts the month of November.  Hunters fly into Albuquerque or Amarillo and rent a car.  Hunt MD461.  Pictures from this Hunt. 

UTAH PREMIER MULE DEER HUNT $13,500
This 35,000-acre lease is one of the top mule deer destinations in the west.  Normally several bucks over 200 inches are taken every year, but 2009 was a little down with 18 hunters taking 14 bucks and only 2 going over 200 inches.  Average was only a little over 185 and is normally over 190.  5-day hunt guided 1x1 in northeastern Utah along the Wyoming border is $13,500.  They run a September 1 velvet hunt and an October 7 hard-horned hunt and at press time there are 2 openings for the October 7 hunt.  Lodge accommodations and airport pickup in Salt Lake City.  If you are a serious mule deer hunter call for more details.  Hunt MD255.  Pictures from this Hunt.

TROPHY MULE DEER HUNTS $9500
This Utah based outfitter operates on some of the very best ranches offering trophy mule deer hunts.  Success runs very high with 100% opportunity.  The average buck harvested normally gross scores 180 plus Boone and Crockett and several taken each year go over 200 inches.  His main ranch consisting of over 200,000 acres has produced several 200-inch deer.  He offers early velvet hunts at $12,500 or later hard horned hunts for $9,500.  These are 5-day trophy hunts guided 1x1 with airport pickup in Salt Lake City.  Space is very limited due to repeat bookings.  Hunt MD90.  Pictures from this Hunt.

MEXICO MULE DEER AVERAGE IN 190’S ONLY $8500
Last January in 2009, 13 hunters took 12 bucks, 2 grossed 200 inches, 4 in 190’s, 4 in 180’s and 2 under 180.  In January of 2008, 14 hunters took 12 bucks with 3 going from 200 to 217, 5 in the 190’s and 4 over 180.  In 2007, 18 hunters took 16 bucks and in 2006, 3 bucks were taken from 201 to 221.  As you can see this is a very high success high quality trophy mule deer hunt.  HCU has never had a customer take this hunt and not rebook, that tells you something. 

This American outfitter has exclusive rights to five large ranches from about 35,000 to 40,000 acres each north of Hermosillo and has kept his hunter numbers low to keep trophy quality high.  He also has over 30 miles of drip lines and this is key.  Methods vary from glassing, spot and stalk, to riding on high-rack pickups, with success close to 90 percent.

Ranch house accommodations, 6 days guided 1x1, quality rifles available for your hunt, license, paperwork and pickup at Hermosillo airport is all included for $8,500.  Coues deer can be added in January for $12,000 total.  Openings are very limited.  Hunt MD760.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO PRIVATE PROPERTY TRESPASS FEE RANCHES
The McPhee Ranch is 2,800 acres in Unit 711.  It is a mixture of hay and bean fields surrounded by cedars and oakbrush in the canyon draws.  Hunters normally see bucks in the 150 to 170-class.  In 2009 they took a total of 9 hunters over 3 seasons and were 100% success.  Best buck gross scored 190 and 3 were taken in 170’s.  In 2008 3 bucks were taken over 180.  At press time the third season was available.

Rick’s Ranch consists of 1,500 acres in Units 72 and 73.  The ranch has waterholes and farm country surrounded by thick rugged country of pinon pines, cedars and oak brush.  They only had 1 muzzleloader hunter last fall and he took a heavy 160-inch 3x4.  No rifle hunters in 2009.  In 2008 they took 3 bucks between 155 and 170.  The family has taken several bucks grossing over 200 inches on this property in previous years.

Hunting is done on foot with ATV access to retrieve game.  Hunters can stay in Cortez with restaurant meals 15 minutes away or bring camping equipment.   

Prices are based per hunter per season: archery $1,000, muzzleloader $1,250, second and third seasons on McPhee or Rick’s Ranch is $2,500.  Draw deadline April 3.  Hunt MDUN72.  Pictures from this 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 or 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 December 11.  Some hunters prefer early November during the rut, but it can require hiking farther back in to get to the deer.  Later the weather forces the deer lower and closer to the beaches. 

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. 
Pictures from this Hunt.  

 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, 1 deer limit, priced at only $2,495 guided 3x1 or $3,000 guided 2x1.  Many hunters take 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.  Pictures from this Hunt.

OREGON BLACKTAIL HUNT NORMALLY 100% $4050
This outfitter hunts southwestern Oregon on the west side of Route 5 for trophy blacktails. He has several ranches totaling about 5,000 acres of private land. Deer numbers are very high and success typically runs near 100 percent on good bucks. The area is fairly open and very good for glassing and locating deer. Elevation is only about 700 to 1,100 feet and the property has plenty of ranch roads, this is not a physical hunt. He only takes up to 4 hunters per week and accommodations is a bunkhouse with a kitchen, living room, shower and bedroom for each hunter. Last fall his 9 rifle hunters took 8 bucks and one hunter decided to pass. The average buck grossed 115 to 120 inches and the best bucks reach 140. They saw 7 or 8 bucks over 140 last fall. 5-day hunt is $4,050 guided 2x1 or $4,800 for 1x1. License is $150 and tag is $350, no tax. Hunt BT101.  Pictures from this Hunt.