Mule Deer Hunt Steamboat Springs, CO

Close to Steamboat Springs, CO and bordering the Routt National forest, the Elk River Valley that is home to a large population of mule deer. Solitude Outfitters and Guides has access to several private ranches in the area that hold mule deer throughout the seasons and provide convenient access for a limited number of mule deer hunters looking to experience an authentic spot and stalk mule deer hunt, while still having the ability to enjoy all the amenities that Steamboat Springs has to offer.

The Game

Mule deer are remarkable animals that make their home all over the Western US and can thrive in environments from costal rainforests to high desert mountains. In NW Colorado, mule deer spend the seasons in and around the mountains in some of the best habitat in the state, which can produce 200 inch+ bucks.

During the warmer months, mule deer can be found at high altitude browsing and grazing meadow grasses and undergrowth while taking refuge from the heat. Most of the bucks are in bachelor groups feeding hard early in archery season. Deer have a tendency to feed in the mornings and evenings and as November arrives, deer activity increases. November progresses and peak rut keeps deer on their feet all day, and multiple bucks may be seen chasing does. As the rut winds down and winter sets in, deer migrate to their wintering grounds and sage prairies to weather the cold and snow.

The Chase

Hunting mule deer is arguably one of the greatest sight and stalk hunts that exists. Getting close to a big mule deer buck is difficult and a lot of things have to go right for it to happen. In archery season, bucks have a tendency to be grouped together, meaning they are less likely to be spread out and concentrated in specific areas. Locating bucks usually involves a lot of hiking and glassing. Spotting bucks can be tricky and the best chances for finding them is in the mornings and evenings as they are on their feet feeding and moving.

Mule deer will spend the day bedding in some type of cover in a place they can keep a keen eye on their surroundings. When spotted on their way to or in their beds, a big mule deer buck can give hunters the opportunity to slip in close.

Later in the season, when the temperatures drop and the snow starts flying, is when most deer hunters want to be in NW Colorado. Mule deer are on their feet more frequently as the rut approaches. Big bucks are on the move looking for love, and the hunting is as good as it gets. Being a strong hiker that can cover ground quietly and efficiently are good skills to have as sight and stalk is still the main game with a rifle and days with multiple stalk opportunities are not uncommon.

Solitude Outfitters and Guides offers hunts throughout archery (Draw), muzzleloader (Draw), second rifle (Draw), third rifle (Draw), and fourth rifle (Draw) seasons for mule deer. For current regulations, seasons, and dates, please click here.

BE AWARE: All hunters born after January 1, 1949 are required to complete an approved hunter education course and have the physical card in their possession while hunting. Everyone hunting with Solitude Outfitters and Guides is required to sign a release waiver.