| Do you dream of backpack hunting mule deer miles | | | | out how the rifle shoots on the bench, experiment |
| from the nearest highway or road? Many say that | | | | with a shooting stick, prone position, over your pack |
| the actual hunt is not the best part of the trip, its | | | | as well as other positions you're going to come |
| where sheep live that's exciting. The same can be | | | | across on the hunt. Just remember you won't have |
| said about wilderness mule deer hunts. Mule deer are | | | | access to a bench during the hunt and even if you |
| native to some of the more gorgeous, isolated areas | | | | are a great bench shooter, that won't necessarily |
| in the world. Just watching these breathtaking beasts | | | | make you a good shooter in the field. You will also |
| and the place they live is worth all the effort to | | | | want to study angles versus distances. Generally |
| reach them. We would like to give you some advice | | | | shots made at mule deer are down or uphill and |
| to make your first mule deer hunt a true success. | | | | hunters tend to shoot over the deer. Go practice |
| First, and most importantly, you have got to get | | | | some shots uphill and downhill. You will be shocked at |
| yourself into shape! And I'm not talking about the | | | | how much difference an angle makes. I also urge you |
| walk to your mailbox every day or playing a pick up | | | | to find a laser rangefinder and use it during your |
| game of basketball every weekend. To truly enjoy | | | | practice sessions. It can also be helpful when you |
| your mule deer hunt, you want to be in really good | | | | learn how to judge mule deer within the field. Hunting |
| shape. Now, I understand, depending on how old you | | | | videos and DVDs by Mossback titled Mulies Gone |
| are, this may not be feasible, so if that's the | | | | Wild are an ideal tool for learning how to judge bucks. |
| situation, aim for the best shape you've been in for | | | | They report the score after you watch footage of |
| the last five years. The big thing here is to do your | | | | the bucks on the hoof. |
| best. My workout is going for a jog three or four | | | | Third, buy the very best equipment you can possibly |
| times each week. I begin by walking and work up to | | | | afford. There are good quality products available |
| jogging about three months before the hunt, and | | | | today. Get the lightest, sturdiest material for your |
| just before the trip, my goal is to be able to jog for | | | | backpacking and clothing items. I won't go into each |
| a straight hour. I've found this is easier than trying to | | | | item, but some that I'd recommend are: wool socks I |
| give specified distances. If you can jog for an hour, | | | | use Smartwool, sturdy, stiff, hiking boots - I use |
| you should be ready to climb the mountains required | | | | Lowa Sheephunter boots, light packable rain gear I |
| for backcountry mule deer hunting. In addition to | | | | use Frogg Toggs, and an internal pack I use a North |
| jogging, I ride a bike, jump rope, go hiking, and walk | | | | Face pack, but there are several to choose from. If |
| with my loaded pack (around 50 lbs) . Any of these | | | | you are hunting with an outfitter, request a list to |
| are good to build strength to prepare for the deer | | | | bring and make sure to follow it. Buy good quality |
| hunt. | | | | optics! I prefer Brunton Epochs in 10.5x43 on account |
| Second, shoot your gun. The best thing to do is to | | | | of their light weight and power to magnify, but there |
| go shooting on a weekly basis at distances reaching | | | | are several different good optics available on the |
| 300 yards. You need to know where the gun is going | | | | market. Once again, pick up the very best you can |
| to shoot at the different distances. Start out at the | | | | possibly afford. |
| 100 yard range with a steady mechanical rest. | | | | Lastly, rent or buy some great mule deer hunting |
| Experiment with different types of ammunition until | | | | videos. These will help to get your blood pumping and |
| you find what your rifle likes and stick with it. | | | | get you excited about shooting your first deer. They |
| Personally, I like Winchester 130 grain Ballistic Silvertips | | | | will get you motivated to workout and find that deer |
| in 270, but each hunting rifle will shoot differently and | | | | you've dreamt of once deer season finally opens. |
| you should find the load that works. After you figure | | | | |