Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Shooting my first Muley

I’ve killed a lot of good Whitetail bucks. Only one or two legitimate monster trophies but a lot of 120 class bucks.

I’ve been on one archery elk hunt DIY on public land and got to draw my bow on a 330 class but couldn’t get the shot off. Still an incredible experience. So I’ve been blessed with a good hunting career.

That said, this year I will be hunting with a rifle on a general public land tag out west. My first mule deer hunt. I’m wondering what a realistic expectation or self-imposed minimum should be. I’m fine letting Small Bucks walk but not sure what I should be OK shooting. This may be a stupid question but I thought I’d bounce it off of you guys anyway

What state/zone.

I’ll be around Salmon Idaho. It is a general tag so I’ve got some flexibility and I will be truck camping. I’m cool walking a lot if I need to and can bivy out. I’ve only got five days so just plan on walking and sitting and glassing and trying to get on a buck.

Anything bigger than a 2 point. You may even wish you'd had shot one of them before you are done. There are so many hunters all over Idaho anymore that finding a truly big buck in a general hunt is beyond difficult. The deer get the heck shot out of them with near unbelievable hunting pressure. If you see a 3x4 or similar in the 16"-20" wide range (3 yr old, horns ~ wide as ears) you will be doing good. There are a few of the 4 and 5 year olds around but they know what is up and it takes snow or the rut to get them out of the high country. Neither of those are likely to happen in general rifle season Oct 10-24. Hate to lay it out like that and wish it were different, but that has not been the case in the last 10 years. Good luck, maybe you will be 'the guy' to stumble onto a giant.

Whichever deer you find that makes you think, "This is going to make for a memorable hunt."

Thanks for that explanation of what to expect. I really appreciate it and would rather have the straight facts than for someone to be unrealistic. It will be nice to see some beautiful country and if I can get on a good three-point or four point and I will consider myself double blessed!

I like that advice. I think it’s easy to get too caught up in chasing trophies. At least for me I have to be careful that I don’t forget to have a good time regardless, and make memories along the way!

I think it was Jack O'Connor who said don't pass up on the first day what you would kill on the last day.

You might look at the area north and east of Leadore .Closed FS roads roads lead into some good country. Find places that don't attract road hunters and don't pass on an opportunity at a mature buck. Treat yourself to dinner and drinks in the bar at The Shady Nook in Salmon.


mike r

I think you are on the right track. It is an amazing place. Steep and rocky - you will earn whatever you get and it will definitely leave an impression. Don't forget your fishing pole.

Thanks Mike and Centershot. Good input

Shoot whatever makes you happy within the legal boundaries, ain’t nobody gonna laugh at you for shootin’ a dink. 😉

PS...have a great hunt 👍

P I C S

or it didn't happen.......

OP

have you met 'Flave yet ?

Haha fair enough

No I haven’t. Still pretty new to the forum. Came over here on Big Sky’s recommendation. I know him from Rokslide. So far I’m loving it.

Have a great trip and shoot a buck that makes you happy. Remember to look around and enjoy the country you're in.

Take some pictures and let us see them when you get back!

-Jake

Some of the best venison I've ever had came from a sagebrush 4x4 muley that hailed from northern Colorado.

IMHO:
Enjoy the opportunity to hunt where Bob Hagel's spirit roams. Might be worth visiting the Salmon Cemetery before you start your hunt..

I'll send him over

he always welcomes the new bees