Named for its large ears, much like a mule’s ears, the mule deer is an animal you can find across the top of the United States and through the Rocky Mountain regions. They are incredibly prevalent in Wyoming and Idaho. To understand where to find the best hunting for mule deer spots, you need to understand mule deer.
Mule Deer Regulations
The numbers of mule deer are higher in numbers than previous years because of a mild winter with upwards of sixty-three percent of mule deer fawns surviving into the spring months. Before you start your hunting, make sure you visit a seller of licenses, so you have all the right permits for hunting mule deer. You can buy tags to pursue mule deer through southern and central Idaho and look up regulations through the Hunt Planner to ensure proper procedure.
1. White Cloud Mountain
The Mule Deer of Idaho love to roam around the mountains of Idaho, so hunting around the White Cloud Mountain will give you a shot at several large bucks as they move around in their territories. Not many hunters like climbing steep trails, so you will have the opportunity to go after larger and older bucks.
2. Salmon River
The Salmon River zone has some of the most competitive hunting in Idaho. There is plenty of hunting between the four zones (48-51), and it is easy to get away from other hunters. You will also have the option of hunting Elk as the area has some of the largest herds in Idaho.
3. Stanley
Stanley Idaho is another excellent place for hunting mule deer. You can hunt in a lush valley where they graze around the green, and it is easy to spot them scaling the sage brush covered slopes. The views around the area are spectacular.
4. Hells Canyon
You can also look in Hells Canyon. The area is very steep and is not easy to traverse on foot, so be prepared for some difficult hunting, but it is worth it for the number and size of the bucks.
Times to Hunt
Hunting the deer in the fall is made easier by the thinning cover. By the early part of October, they are putting on more weight for the winter months and are more actively seeking food, making them easier to find.
Final Thoughts
The thrill of the hunt is something everyone can enjoy, but before you go out, make sure you have all the proper permits. The right preparation can make the hunt even better.
