Antelope/Mule deer

[Muskeez]

Looking for a new adventure...I have only hunted whitetails in Iowa, for many years, with all weapons. Looking for something new to try, antelope, mule deer...? The closer to Iowa the better. Wondering if WY has over the counter tags for non-res for bow or muzzleloader? I need to look into regulations, etc... just wondering if anyone has any advise on where to start. I would even be willing to trade some INCREDIBLE spring & early summer walleye and smallmouth fishing services in South Dakota, or a Musky fishing trip to Northern MN in the fall, for some really good help with the learning curve on a western hunt.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I would check each western state you are thinking about. The last two winters have pounded the heck out of the game in the SE MT, SW ND, NW SD and NE WY. Over the counter tags for Loper and Muley are pretty much non-existent these days. Herds of Lopers that used to number in the thousand are now well under 100 strong.

I am not even headed to our camp in MT this year. Dad is going out tagless. Except for a doe whitetail and small game. He just goes to smoke cigars, drink top shelf scotch and tell lies.

[Stu]

Are you planning on going DIY or are you looking for an outfitter? I hunted with Elkhorn Outfitters (Dick Dodds) back in 2008. They have a fantastic operation, but they are pricey. Golden Eagle Outfitters (Donny Carr) has a good rep too, but I have never hunted with him. From what I remember, mule deer tags are by-draw only, but you can purchase land owner tags thru the outfitters. I think antelope is still over-the-counter. Both of these outfitters produce serious trophies. If you're interested in Elk Horn, send me a PM. I can give you the full scoop. Good luck - Stu

[DTC]

You may want to give Nebraska a look. You can buy a muzzleloader tag online....I would suggest you can find an outfitter in the north central to western sections of the state. Mule deer populations start around Niobrara and and are west from there. I have a cabin on the missouri river (where I fish and hunt), and see mule deer routinely, especially does. Bucks are harder (obvioulsy), but a number of outfitters specifcally target them. There is a mule deer conservation area that is being used to protect and grow the population this year and last year during rifle season, so it is mostly off limits. Again, muzzlelaoder is a good way to get a tag and access is easier.

I have mule deer hunted in an outfitter camp just north of Newcastle Wyoming and had a great time. Saw a few very nice bucks, shot a decent one, but not "huge" (21 in.). Check outfitters in that area....a beautiful area to hunt. They also have antelope hunting in the Newcstle area, and offer a combo deer / antelope hunt package (timing is not the best for large bucks then however I would suggest).

[Muskeez]

thanks for the replies guys! Obviously the best thing to do would be to set up a trip for next fall with a reputable outfitter and learn the right way. There is a chance that I may have some spare time this fall though, and was just wondering where I can buy an over the counter tag and go do a DIY hunt by myself and try to bowhunt or muzzleloader hunt something different. (on public land probably) Any other suggestions, fire away! THANKS!

[brown1317]

Try the Blackhills national forest area in the NE corner of WY. You have to apply for tags but I've never had a problem getting them in the past 30 yrs.

[Wooden Walley]

You can get an over the counter---ie internet---tag in SD for any deer if you are willing to hunt with a bow and pay $285.00. We hunt in the Black Hills and usually see several Muley bucks each year. Now shooting one with a bow would be a challenge, but I've shot several white tail does out there with a bow. Had shots at bucks, just no tag. Rifle tags for non residents are on a draw basis. If you are unsuccessful, you get a preference point. We usually get a Whitetail buck tag every 3 years or so. We try to plan it so 1 of the 4 of us get a tag each year. The rest of us go along and buy a turkey tag and talk smart.

Have friends that go to Nebraska and hunt Muley's out West. They usually get one or two each year. Don't know how the tags go out there.

What ever you decide, good luck. I've never shot a Muley, but seeing them up close a few times makes me want to spring for the bow tag really badly. It would be my luck I would only see little whitetails though.