| Do you dream of hunting mule deer far from the | | | | the direction the hunting rifle shoots on the practice |
| nearest highway or road? Rumor has it that the | | | | range, try using a shooting stick, prone position, over |
| sheep hunt is not the most exciting part of the | | | | your pack and also other positions that you might |
| venture, its where the bighorn sheep live. The same | | | | come across on the hunt. Remember you won't be |
| thing goes for true wilderness mule deer hunts. Mule | | | | able to use a bench during the hunt and even if you |
| deer thrive in some of the more exquisite, isolated | | | | are an excellent bench shooter, that won't |
| areas around the world. Just looking at these | | | | automatically make you a good shooter in a hunting |
| majestic animals and the place they live is worth all | | | | situation. You'll also need to practice distances versus |
| the effort. With that said, here is some advice to | | | | angles. Most shots made at mule deer are down or |
| make your first backcountry mule deer hunt a real | | | | uphill and hunters have a tendency to shoot over the |
| success. | | | | deer. Go and practice some shots both downhill and |
| First and foremost, you have got to get in shape! | | | | uphill. You will be surprised at how much difference a |
| And I'm not just talking about the walk to get the | | | | steep angle makes. I would also urge you to find a |
| paper once a day or playing a little basketball on | | | | laser rangefinder and use it during your practice |
| weekends. To really enjoy your backcountry mule | | | | sessions. This will also help you learn how to judge |
| deer hunt, you'll want to be in the best shape of | | | | mule deer out in the field. Hunting videos and DVDs |
| your life. Now, I realize, depending on how old you | | | | by Mossback titled Mulies Gone Wild are an ideal tool |
| are, that may not be possible, so if that's your | | | | for learning how to judge large bucks. They report |
| situation, aim for the best shape you've been in the | | | | the score after you've seen footage of the bucks on |
| past five years. The main thing here is to do your | | | | the hoof. |
| best. My personal workout is going for a run | | | | Third, get the very best equipment you can possibly |
| between three and four times on a weekly basis. I | | | | afford. There are good products available. Look for |
| start out by walking and jogging three months | | | | the lightest, strongest material for your clothing and |
| before I go, and by the time the trip comes, my | | | | backpacking items. I won't go over each item, but |
| target is to be able to jog for one straight hour. This | | | | some that I'd recommend are: an internal pack I use |
| works better than trying to give a distance. If you | | | | a North Face pack, but there are many different |
| can maintain a jogging pace for at least an hour, you | | | | ones on the market, wool socks I use Smartwool, |
| should be able to climb the mountains that would be | | | | durable, stiff, hiking books - I prefer Lowa |
| required on the mule deer hunt. In addition to jogging, | | | | Sheephunter boots, and light packable rain gear I use |
| I jump rope, ride a bike, hike, and walk with my full | | | | Frogg Toggs. If you are going with an outfitter, ask |
| pack (around 50 lbs) . All of these are excellent to | | | | him for a list of gear to bring and make sure to |
| build muscles to prepare for the mule deer hunt. | | | | follow it. Buy good quality binoculars! I prefer Brunton |
| Second, shoot your hunting rifle. The greatest advice | | | | Epochs in 10.5x43 due to their power to magnify and |
| I can give is to go shooting on a weekly basis at | | | | weight, but there are several different fine optics |
| distances of 300 yards. You will want to know where | | | | available on the market. Once again, pick up the best |
| the gun is going to shoot at the different ranges. | | | | hunting supplies you can manage to afford. |
| Start shooting at the range at 100 yards with a solid | | | | Lastly, watch some excellent mule deer hunting |
| mechanical rest. Experiment with assorted types of | | | | videos on the matter. This will get your blood moving |
| ammo until you figure out what your particular gun | | | | and get you excited about shooting your first buck. |
| does best with and stay with it. I prefer to use | | | | They'll help motivate you to get in shape in the off |
| Winchester 130 grain Ballistic Silvertips in 270, but | | | | season and find the perfect deer after the season is |
| each hunting rifle fires differently and you have to | | | | open. |
| find out what works best for you. When you know | | | | |