Mule Deer hunting in the Gunnison Basin has historically been known as being one of the best areas in the country to chase trophy mule deer. Each season presents a different challenge as the Mule Deer transition from their early season habits into their late season rut activity. The most effective way to locate these big bucks is to cover as much country as possible behind the glass, sorting through bucks in hopes of locating a mature buck worth pursuing. We will have the opportunity to hunt bucks in the 160”-180” range with the potential to encounter a 200”+ mule deer. These tags are in high demand and limited in quantity, you must accrue preference points and apply for these tags in March, contact us today to help in applying and picking which season is best for you. Additionally, we have access to land owner vouchers that can be priced out per request. For more information about these tags and the application process please contact us or visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website (https://cpw.state.co.us/)
Trophy Mule Deer Archery Hunts
September 2 – September 30
This time of year the deer are still in velvet in their summer patterns and very high elevations above treeline. These deer are a blast to hunt and very difficult to get to within range and get a shot on, but very rewarding when it does happen. Most of the time will be spent glassing searching for “the one” to put the stalk on.
Trophy Mule Deer Muzzleloader Hunts
September 11 – September 19
This hunt can be GREAT for the guy that wants to hunt bucks above treeline while using a firearm. These deer are still in velvet in the beginning of the season and are still in there summer patterns making them easier to plan a hunt and put a plan together. Most of the time is spent glassing searching for the buck of your dreams before you make your final approach.
Trophy Mule Deer Rifle Hunts
There are three seasons in the Gunnison Valley (GMU 55) in which you can rifle hunt mule deer. The demand for some of these hunts is high due to the quality of deer and getting a tag can be very difficult. However, if you are able to draw and or purchase landowner voucher you will have very good odds at harvesting a buck of 170”-190.”
Mule Deer Second Rifle
October 30 – November – 7
This is the easiest rifle tag to draw, but the hunting can be very good. A lot of time will be spent glassing several places that hold deer and looking for bucks that might be starting to think about the rut.
Mule Deer Third Rifle
November 13 – November 19
This season is in pretty high demand, starting in early November. The bucks are starting to chase does and the really big guys are starting to come out of hiding. Snow really helps this hunt because it will force the does to travel down closer to the winter range and the bucks are going to follow them. This hunt historically has been a great hunt and we see a lot of really big deer.
Mule Deer Fourth Rifle
November 24 – November 28
This is the highest demand tag and for good reason, the rut is on and the big deer are out chasing does. Drawing this tag is the most difficult part of this hunt as it will take several points to get. We know where we will need to look for the giants and how to hunt them. We will glass a lot of different areas looking for the one and make sure we find the deer of your dreams. Snow is expected and the more the better the hunt will be.
