Any personal experience with hunting big mule deer in Mexico or Canada?

[Scott CWO]

I think he fainted and fell of his chair…

Oh please! Lol. You’re just trying to get me to post some pictures of some hawgs!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Scott and team have killed far more trophy MD than CWD

Some unbelievable deer

For me the Colorado mountain MD from the 1950s and 60s had it all. Mass, size and color

 

[WAB]

Oh please! Lol. You’re just trying to get me to post some pictures of some hawgs!

LOL, you got me!

 

[Sideshow]

Compared to white tail what are they like eating wise? Mule deer

 

[gillettehunter]

In my area a whitetail will always eat better than a mule deer. I'm in the high desert. A deer is what he eats. Best deer I ever had was a 1 1/2 yr old taken in Idaho that had lived all year in a wheat field with an alfalfa field next to it.
Bruce

 

[BRICKBURN]

Compared to white tail what are they like eating wise? Mule deer

Depends where they are eating. Just like WTD. Grain fed or eating alfalfa they are great. Some folks think they have a stronger taste when they have been munching twigs and sticks. I do not really notice.
Do not chase them and shoot them. Shoot them in their bed and you will have great table fare. (This goes for any critter really)

 

[Green Chile]

I’m in discussions with a well known Alberta outfitter. Apparently trophy quality has dropped a bit and 170 is the average in good areas…some 180-200 are seen every season but not as many as in years past. I hear big numbers out of Mexico but I wonder about the average size being taken there not the top end.

 

[Scott CWO]

I’m in discussions with a well known Alberta outfitter. Apparently trophy quality has dropped a bit and 170 is the average in good areas…some 180-200 are seen every season but not as many as in years past. I hear big numbers out of Mexico but I wonder about the average size being taken there not the top end.

Yes that’s what I have heard from clients about Alberta.

Mexico can be really good or really bad, depending on the management of the ranches. Overall quality for mule deer has slipped about everywhere.

 

[Green Chile]

Scott you're supposed to have better news than that. I was sorry to hear your CO quality has dropped. You had a muley gold mine for years. I regret not booking with you back then!

 

[Manny R]

I have hunted Sonora, Mexico and must admit I am not a fan of Mexico anymore. In every direction you turn when you get of the plane the scams begin. One example when myself and my hunting buddy went going through customs declaring our guns. We had the proper paper work from our outfitter with the correct serial numbers on our guns. When we got up to the Gov't Official he said my buddy had the wrong serial number and if he wanted to go hunting instead of spending days in jail it would cost him $500.00. He showed them the serial number on the gun and paper work and all they wanted was the $500 or jail...no discussion . Naturally he paid but typical Mexican Rip Off. While we were there they pulled the same thing on other hunters.
A lot of these ranches in Mexico are using breeding pens and
netting Mule Deer from Helicopters. If a person wanting a Big Mulie and has the money to pay for it ; a few days before he gets there they will release the Mulie on one of their High Fence Ranches and let the hunter shoot .
I have been speaking with an outfitter in Alberta and just booked my hunt in November 2024 during the rut.. His references checked out and looking forward to hunting in Alberta. The outfitter told me their goal in minimum 180 but they see several in the 200+ class but luck plays a big part. I would be thrilled with a 180 Mule Deer my first hunt in Alberta.
I will write up a report when I get back from Alberta and give details the good, the bad and even the have ugly if that occurs.

 

[Green Chile]

I look forward to your hunt report Manny. I'm surprised there was a rut opening left for Nov of this year.

 

[WildWill]

Colorado still has a few big boys left. But like you said quality has gone down across the board. I have a 3rd season deer tag in SW Colorado this year hoping I can find a big guy or at least old.

 

[DTH]

Look forward to the hunt reports. Been hunting Sonora for 30 years. Love it there and can’t imagine not going down every year. If anybody has questions I’m happy to help.

 

[Manny R]

I struck out in Alberta. Didn't fire a shot. First 2 days saw bucks but nothing I wanted to shoot on the first 2 days. The next 2 days we had white outs. It was between 10-15 Below 0. Couldn't see 25-50 yards in front and the Mulies were bedded up in the Coolies . Four times I have hunted Mulies, 1 time in Sonora, 2 times in Colorado and 1 time in Alberta. I want a big one so bad !!!!! I am picky and not going to shoot one I would not be happy displaying in my Trophy Room.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Sonora Mexico this Year:

 

[Green Chile]

Some serious antler mass there. Congrats!

 

[Green Chile]

Look forward to the hunt reports. Been hunting Sonora for 30 years. Love it there and can’t imagine not going down every year. If anybody has questions I’m happy to help.

Welcome to AH. Let's see some photos from Sonora!