You Didn’t Draw A Deer/Elk Tag? - Top OTC Tag Opportunities — Times To Hunt - Know Before You Go
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What states have otc rifle mule deer tagsWhat states have otc rifle mule deer tags
What states have otc rifle mule deer tags.COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
No points? No outfitter? No problem. This advice will help any DIY hunter with a muley tag in hand. I tallied 28 mule deer through my binoculars by the end of the morning hunt. None were the buck I was looking to shoot — but one of them had at least required a second look. I was hunting somewhere in South Dakota on a Game Production Area open to the public, and so I left feeling quite satisfied.
Glassing and stalking around on public land with an over-the-counter tag and seeing nearly 30 animals constitutes a successful day using any measuring stick. I had arrowed my first mule deer, a mature 3x3, from that same parcel eight years earlier. I got him after encountering an even larger drop-tined buck.
Many also hunt the late season in Arizona with a non-permit OTC archery tag. With that being said, since tags are guaranteed, these states see quite a bit of hunting pressure in certain areas. For that reason, research units and hunting areas. State wildlife departments generally provide a breakdown of licenses sold, success rates and percentages of the harvest that were bucks sometimes age structure is also provided.
I also look for units with ample public land, far from population centers. Pressure is usually greater near larger cities. Insider Tip: To validate the results of your research, consider calling wildlife biologists or even a few local businesses to inquire about the area hunting.
Since nonresident hunters bring revenue to their businesses, storeowners often provide valuable information or will even point you toward a specific public-land parcel. You just have to ask. That is exactly how I found the spot I referenced at the beginning of the article. A hardware store worker gave me exact coordinates and told me great bucks had been taken from it in the past.
I dig hard into onX Hunt when hunting mule deer. Insider Tip: In more broken habitat with less agriculture, I study elevation layers for high points that provide commanding views of flats, drainages and cover.
It often becomes more difficult to locate deer in this type of country, which is why a good glassing point can help you find bucks to stalk. I find that when you come bearing gifts, ranchers loosen up and are more likely to grant you hunting permission. Public hunting areas can get busy, and the influx of hunting pressure often pushes deer deeper into cover or onto adjoining private properties.
Thus, I prefer to hunt during the week once the weekend dust settles a bit. There are no absolutes when hunting for mule deer. Experience reveals that this is somewhat relative to the time of the season. Generally, bucks that have left their summer bachelor groups become solitary and a bit more difficult to find. Insider Tip: Another reason most mature bucks seek out tough-to-reach places by October is because of early bowhunting pressure.
Prepare to work harder and hike deeper to find mature deer in most areas. A good pair of boots — I like the tried-and-true Danner Pronghorn — will help you get there without blistering your feet.
Typical mule deer hunts entail hours behind binoculars and a spotting scope. Serious visual strain can wear you out early in your hunt if you use cheap optics. I also recommend using a tripod for long glassing periods, as the steadiness will help your eyes more quickly identify moving objects like deer. November is the time to be aggressive and try off-the-wall plays. The rut brings an entirely new dimension to a mule deer hunt.
Bucks can become so focused on the need to breed that they make mistakes. Dominant bucks work hard to keep subordinate bucks that dart in and out of their doe harems at bay. Things change again in the late season. Some does will still pop into heat during this window, but most bucks are focusing on feeding to replenish calories lost during the more intense primary breeding period. Like turkeys, mule deer tend to concentrate in large groups when snow becomes deep and cold temperatures set it, and so it can be difficult to stalk them.
This is when I like to identify a pattern and hunt from a treestand or ground blind. If you limit yourself to one or two tactics, opportunities to capitalize could slip like water through your hand. OTC deer hunting is challenging, but not impossible. Set your mind to accomplish it this season and have your best DIY fall yet. Check out more stories, videos and educational how-to's on big game hunting.
Follow us on Facebook. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities. All rights reserved. Site by Gray Loon. Skip to main content. Camo Patterns. My OTC Experience I had arrowed my first mule deer, a mature 3x3, from that same parcel eight years earlier.
Hike Farther In There are no absolutes when hunting for mule deer. Use Good Glass Typical mule deer hunts entail hours behind binoculars and a spotting scope. Tailor Your Tactics November is the time to be aggressive and try off-the-wall plays. Get the latest big game hunting news, tips and tactics in your inbox! Email Required. You Might Also Like. Presidential Blades October 6, From Articles.
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