Here are a few things every hunter should know about mule deer hunting. These will make the process so much easier and rewarding!
If you can’t shoot from prone, try kneeling. That’s what I did. It’s not quite as steady as sitting, but you can get into it quicker, and it gets you above the sagebrush and rattlesnakes.
A little weight in your rifle is very often a good thing. I hunted with the same wood-stocked Bergara B-14 Woodsman that I blogged about earlier this fall. With a Meopta 3X-9X MeoPro scope on board, it is a pretty hefty firearm, but this weight meant it did not shake, quiver, or blow in the wind.
Somewhere, perhaps on some other planet, there may be a better deer cartridge than the plain old .270. However, I have no idea what it might be. I got my first .270 in 1973 and have never looked back.
Of the three .270 bullet weights—130-, 140-, and 150-grain—the 150 does the best across the widest range of game. I used Hornady 150-grain SST handloads traveling at 2,850 fps. Flawless.
I’ve shot a bunch of game with 150 SSTs, and believe it is the compleat bullet. It hit the big deer (250-260 pounds) in the short ribs on the left side, ranged forward, punching holes in both lungs, and exited just behind the shoulder on the right side. The bullet may, in fact, have broken that shoulder; it was flopping around suspiciously. The deer kicked convulsively, ran maybe 40 yards, and piled up. You can’t do better if you’re a bullet. Unfortunately, SSTs don’t cost a bundle, but then nothing’s perfect.
Ship your rifle ahead via UPS. Who needs the airline b.s.?
If you’d like to fly an airline that will screw you up, fly United. Traveling from Maine to Montana there were three flights. All three took off late. The three flights returning were all on time, but my duffle bag was left in Newark, and I got it the next morning. Going back through my nearly 50 years of air travel, United stands alone in its ability to leave luggage behind.
What do you think of these mule deer hunting tips? Do you have any of your own? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Article Source: Field & Stream
Well the .270 is an awesome whitetail round but i never have hunted mule deer.
Want mule deer? I had 7 in my backyatd yesterday.
Not much advice, but from my experience one needs to purchase a bi-pod that at extends far enough to shoot while seated. Also, one needs to practice shooting while standing using shooting sticks. Be prepared to crawl through rocks, tall grass, and open field. Personally, I’ve taken quite a few mulies with my .243 100 grain soft points.