I finally drew a tag for unit 77,78,and 771 2nd season rifle mule deer tag. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this unit that they would like to share. This will be my first out of state hunting trip and I am really looking forward to it. I am going with a guy I work with and he has elk hunted the area, and he said he saw some nice mule deer bucks so we decided to go hunt mule deer. Any advice or input would be appreciated. Thanks

That's on the res, isn't it? If it is, you should check with tribal authorities.

The Ute reservation is in the southwest part but it's only a very small part. I've hunted elk there for over ten years but can't help you with deer.

Did you do any good hunting elk there? My friend that I am going with went a couple of times and only saw one shooter. Have you seen many mule deer in the area when you were elk hunting?

The best bucks I've seen were on private land that borders the Ute reservation and off of Piedra road/road 631(?) near Graham Peak nw of Pagosa Springs.

For the last ten years I've been hunting with an outfitter and have gone 8 for 10 on bulls hunting mostly in the National Forest and some on private land.

What outfitter are you using?

Indian Summer Outfitters out of Pagosa Springs. Give Rick a call, he may have some openings. Might be hard to get in touch with him with seasons starting.

Thanks for the advice. I will give him a call next week. I would love to go elk hunt in a year or two. Did he get you on some nice bulls?