Mule deer hunters

[Capt. NW]

I'll be hunting Mule deer from Aug-Nov. Starting in CA then Utah Then Idaho. Are there any scents that work to bring them in? Can you call or rattle them when it's the rut?
Thank You

 

[Art Eatman]

Down here in the desert, I haven't found anything that will entice a mule deer. Our deer are just too danged lazy to get off their butts and wander around very much.

I've read numerous comments over the years from around other areas of the country that they won't respond to rattling horns the way a whitetail will. Curiosity doesn't seem to be a part of their makeup.

Mostly, I walk to where a buck is likely to be bedded down and try to kick him out of bed. Sometimes I've guessed right. Other times, I just wandered across a buck who hadn't read the book, "What Mule Deer Do," and Ol' Bucky is in the wrong place. Right place for me at the time, though.

 

[usmc1371]

I have never really heard of anyone actuly rattling in a muley, but I wouldn't say its not possible. I have had the best luck with good binos and lots of snacks so I can sit and glass for a long time. Hunting the rut will make a dif cause you can spot the does then look for the buck who should be close by, the rest of the year it seems to me that the bigger bucks are off by them selves.

 

[ArmedBear]

Not sure what part of California, but the Mule Deer up here are a bit different from the Mule Deer down near the Mexican border....

I don't think you can rattle any of them in, but the variation in size is dramatic.

 

[oneounceload]

When I lived in N. NV, scents weren't allowed - considered like baiting.

You'll need well-broken in boots, good glass, and layers of clothing - along with an idea of where their food/water source is

 

[wyohome]

I was using a 'Screery' predator call on Wednesday and called up 2 does and a nice forked horn buck within 5 minutes. A coyote stopped by just then and the rifle scared the deer off. I went back the next day and the does came to the call again as if nothing had happened. This works during the rut as well, a doe can't resist the mothering of a crying animal. I suspect that a fawn in distress call would work better. During the rut, the bucks will follow the does where ever they go.

 

[Bwana John]

Curiosity doesn't seem to be a part of their makeup.

Yes it is, they will stop after running away from danger and look to see what spooked them.
Thats a good time to pull the trigger.

I suggest getting between water and where they bed down.

 

[moosehunt]

Calling deer in, seems unlikely, but---let's just say I've had some curious experiences. Several times I've unintentionally called in bucks with a varmint call (wounded rabbit), enough times to make me curious. Last deer tag I had, about 11:00 I decided hell with the deer, I'll try calling in a coyote. After 10 minutes here came a decent 4 point--season over! (no coyote!). Why they come to a varmint call is beyond me, but it has happened too many times to be coincidence--there's something going on. Now, I don't think I'd set out deer hunting by calling with a varmint call, but if things are getting boring, give it a try. Likely you'll bring in a coyote, but look hard for a deer before you drill that coyote!

 

[Asherdan]

Early morning and sunset I hunt 'em like Bwana John, mid-day I do like Art Eatman. Haven't found scent or rattling to do a bit of good in my experience.

This is for San Bernardino mountain California muleys.

ALSO: I like moosehunt's point.

 

[CoRoMo]

The rut won't start until November.