Mule deer has always been on the bucket list for my dad and I. 3 1/2 years ago I got stationed in southern CA, and while I was not overly happy about that I was determined to make the most of it and hunt things I couldn’t back home in Wisconsin. Since then I have spent countless weekends in Arizona camping and scouting, trying to figure these deer out. January of this year, my dad flew out and we spent about 6 days chasing mule deer during the rut. We had one good buck that we chased throughout that time and I blew the only good opportunity of the trip on and missed.
Labor Day weekend, it all came together in a new area that we found that had very little pressure and lots of deer. Friday night my Dad shot his first mule deer, with a big drop tine as a bonus! The following night on Saturday I got my first Muley, a nice 2x3. Sunday night my buddy was able to kill a buck, his first big game animal with a bow. This was all public land, from the same blind 3 days in a row. We don’t like to overhunt spots, but the weather was over 100 degrees each day and the deer were clearly continuing to use the water, so we kept hunting it!
Some of you guys have a talent of putting your hunting stories into words that I just do not lol so I kept it short and hopefully you enjoy the pictures.
2020 AZ Mule Deer
- SRWbowhunter
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- Bio1
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Looks like a great trip!! Congrats
- john1984
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Congrats to all 3 of ya. Nice lookin bucks
- AfootTrack56
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Well done!! A lot of “firsts” on that trip. Definitely a hunt you won’t forget. Also, when it’s super dry and over 100 degrees, it seems like ground scent doesn’t hold as long. So you can get an extra trip or two if you stay smart about your access. They are definitely heavily reliant on water this time of year. Way to make it happen! I bet you’re already planning the next mule deer trip.
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- backstraps
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
What an awesome time!! Congratulations to all you guys!!
- Huntress13
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- seazofcheeze
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Congrats guys, looks like a great time!
- Matt6506
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
awesome man, congrats
“Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.”
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- Jackson Marsh
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Very impressive
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Re: 2020 AZ Mule Deer
Congrats
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