My buddy and I have decided to go on a do it yourself mule deer hunt (in the next year or 2). We need to narrow down a state and because we live in Wisconsin it's not going to be possible to scout. So I'm looking for some help. Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

That's why a lot of people hire a guide, they can't get out to scout the country. I tell folks they are not just paying for my time now, they are paying for all the days I spent in the past learning the area(s).

Draw in some of the desert units in Az are pretty easy for non-residents, but if you don't know what you are doing you probably won't even see a deer.

Colorado and Wyoming may be better.

I have to agree with AZ Slim,  I grew up in Wisconsin and still hunt when I can with family near Black River Falls.  I have lived hear in AZ for 6 years have only drawn one Bull Elk Tag and one Buck Tag.  I am still eating tag soup.  Do your self a favor unless you have family, friends or a Member from that state that would take you out HIRE A GUIDE.  I have hunted with a lot of locals that swear they now where to go and we still don't see near as much as my friends that are Pro's.  Start playing the state drws and build up your points.  I have always wanted a nice Muley and even hunted in one of AZ's better areas last year only to see deer smaller than we can shoot back on the farm.

Jeff

I look at east Montana there is alot of blm land.Any time around the 20 of nov should put you in the rut.You got to put in for your tags by the 15 of march

AZJaeger, truer words were never spoken. Grew up hunting in Wy, whole different ball game here. In Wy we just drove around and killed stuff, got to Az and I had to learn how to hunt.

If you start going for the desert units for mule deer you can go pretty much every year. And there are deer in the desert that rival the Kaibab bucks. In our rifle camp we had a 165 3x, 172, 4x, 178 4x and the camp in the Kofa's took a 200+ 4x that was actually the smallest one, they couldn't get into range in time for the 3 bigger ones they saw.

And the archery camp hunters all had multiple chances on 160 or better bucks.

thx for the info fellas

Headstrong, had a friend from Neenah here last Jan for archery deer. He had a whopper come in on him but no shot. Since his tag/license was good for the year he came back in Dec with a buddy. Weather didn't cooperate, too windy for the first few days, but the last couple days both had an opportunity. They really liked sleeping under the stars, especially since this was when you were having all the big storms in Wis. They are talking about doing an every-other-year type deal. Our archery deer tags are OTC, the rut goes in Jan here and the weather is nicer than there that time of the year.

You need to be able to shoot 60 yds at least. If I sit on water I am at least 40 yds off, too close and they bugger real easy. Not a lot of cover in the desert.

i currently practice up to 60 yards but i got a new bear carnage for this next hunting season. hope to extend my pactice range to 70 yards.

I've had mulie fever for about the last 5yrs. Having an outfitter in a situation like yours is always best, but not required, how much do you want to spend is the question. You can buy limited OTC archery tags in ND for mulies. Alot of grasslands in the west, but you'll have to work. I do believe there is an outfitter too in that area for archery only? SD is another good place to start looking, I'll be there next year 2011. I would say though if money/time you can do, seriously look into Utah. Thats my mulie goal.

Headstrong,  I've got the same problem as you, I live in Alabama and have been checking the states that allow OTC tags.  Are you looking to bow or gun hunt?  Look at the Nebraska Game and Fish website, their tags are fairly cheap and OTC and even though you need to go to the western part of the state the people I've talked with seem nice and seem as if they got their act together.  The Sand Hills area seems to be the safest bet for us non-resident hunters.  Just a thought for ya'll, my buddy and I hunted your great state and in two days had two doe and a nice 8pt & 9pt.  We loved it and got to hunt in the snow.  We hunted with his family and it really helps to have someone on the ground doing the preliminary work and half way guiding so I'll probably spend the extra money for a guide when I go out west.  Paid a guide in Oct 2009 in Utah and got a nice 5x5 elk, we had a great time and it was worth the money.  Good luck and as always, livin in Alabama and lov'n it!!!

I'm an Arizonan called it home for 59 yr. out of 61, and it don't bother me one bit to tell someone where the deer are. I have hunted whitetail and mule in the southern part and Elk,Deer and bear and other game in the northern part of the State. There or some big and small deer in the state. If you get to hunt Az. You will hunt!!!

still through ideas around on what we should do. we could try for a gun tag and bow hunt it instead. if the last couple days come round we would pull out our rifles. or depending on the time and weather just try for a bow tag. about how much would it be to get a guide for a week?

If you are interested I have a couple spots open for mule deer in my Little Missouri River camp. This is Private land hunt on the western edge of the Black Hills just northwest of Devils Tower in northeast WY. This is 100% draw if you put in by March 15. I will do the application process for you. This is mid Nov. rut hunt. Take a look at my website for more info. if it sounds interesting. We would love to have you.

Dennis

Old West Adventures

www.oldwesthunting.com 

thanks for the invite but i dont want to spend that much.

I understand. Good Luck.

Well don't over look Idaho.  We have lots of public land, and Idaho's fish and game website has a lot of tools for identifying productive areas of the state.  Out of State Licenses are not too expensive from what I can recall compared to other states. 

Lots of do it yourself stuff near urban areas, or you can go way out up toward Stanley, or Ketchum (like the Copper Basin Area).  

I sent you a PM, I did a self guided hunt in SD, saw tons of deer, and tagged out on day 3, and the deal was awesome

 just Pm me back if you want the info

thx for the info. i emailed you back

I hunt mule deer in nevada they are in my back yard.. The only bad part is getting a tag it's a draw system down here so it's kinda of a hit or miss every year.. I always take time off tho..

Ok thx

Headstro have the same problem here in California. I have been drawn for x 12 zone and have no idea how to find a guide or private land to hunt on. There isnt much help so I guess Im going to check maps and call the nearest ranger station and see what I can find out. Good luck and prepare for anything!