Written by the Pros

Let’s Go West Part II: What Species Should You Hunt?

As you start to plan your first trip out west, there are many questions that need to be answered. I covered those in the intro, and naturally, we are going to start with the first one. What species do you want to hunt? We are going to break this down to mule deer and elk, as that is what most people are looking for when they plan a western hunt.  The species is also tied to weapon type, so we will consider both archery and rifle options. Elk and mule deer are so different and typically live in very different environments. Now, I know that you can find big bucks and bulls in the same spot. What I’m referring to is the fact that the experience of each hunt will likely be much different.

When most people talk about elk, they imagine an old Primos film: a beautiful six-point working through some aspens, tipping his head back and ripping a deep, raspy bugle, letting everyone in the area know who’s boss.  Reality is that those experiences are not as common as you’d like to believe.  While a good archery elk hunt can be full of bugles and close encounters, it can also be hot with very little rut action during most of the day.  I’ve had days of incredible bugling and action where I barely had time to think, and other days where I am sitting on a bull waiting for him to do something that allows me to make a play.  Both of those are different mental grinds, and you need to be prepared for each.  There is also the option of rifle elk hunting. Most of the time, this is going to take place in late October and into November.  These bulls will be tired and hiding out in the thickest, nastiest country they can find. Rifle hunting elk can be a very difficult challenge, but also very rewarding.

Mule deer offer a unique experience of their own.  If you are thinking of hunting mule deer, then you need to once again consider what experience you want to have.  There are early-season opportunities with a bow that offer the chance to chase bucks in their summer patterns. Many times, this is before they shed their velvet, and they can be much easier to find and hunt.  If you are a rifle hunter and want to pursue mule deer, then you are likely limited to October or November seasons. October hunts are some of the most challenging for mule deer. Often, the bucks are nocturnal and don’t leave the thick cover in the daylight.  The challenge of finding a mature buck in October can’t be understated. That may be one of the most difficult hunts available.  November mule deer is a lot of fun.  The bucks will be on their feet and cruising, looking for does or tending their doe herd. November opportunities are typically more limited and tougher to draw. However, they offer an enjoyable experience and the opportunity to see multiple bucks in a day. 

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each species and try to determine what best fits you.

Elk

Archery Elk Pros: 

• Bugling
• Mild weather 
• Easier to spot than mule deer
• Long days.

Archery Elk Cons: 

• Hot weather limits activity
• Elk bugling attracts more hunters
• Low success rates

Rifle Elk Pros: 

• Higher success rates
• Cold weather keeps them more active in feeding areas at times
• Bulls will be in bachelor herds away from cows

Rifle Elk Cons: 

• Cold weather
• More gear is necessary
• Bulls will often be in thick country trying to recover from the rut
• Crunchy snow or leaves make stalking difficult
• Mild weather makes finding post-rut bulls very difficult

Mule Deer

Archery Mule Deer Pros:

• Bucks are typically still in velvet and more active
• Enjoyable weather
• Long Days
• Bucks are more patternable
• Typically, fewer tags are available and therefore less hunter pressure

Archery Mule Deer Cons:

• Low Success Rates
• Hot days can mean short windows to hunt daylight and dark
• It can be physically demanding to get into the summer range

Rifle Mule Deer Pros:

• Many tags offer the chance to hunt during some portion of the rut or pre-rut
• If you locate a buck you want to harvest, the odds of killing it are better with a rifle
• Bucks will often be traveling in search of does, making them easier to find

Rifle Mule Deer Cons:

• The weather can be cold and miserable at times
• Some units can feel busy with a lot of tags or elk hunting pressure
• Obtaining a tag may be more difficult in areas with more mature bucks


There are a few outliers, such as rifle rut elk hunts in Utah and Arizona or late archery deer hunts in Nevada, but generally, those pros and cons are what most people need to consider. If you are strictly a bow hunter, your question really becomes whether you want the early spot-and-stalk experience of a mule deer hunt or an elk hunt during the rut. For rifle hunters, it gets a little bit trickier.  If you really want to be successful, it’s hard to argue with a November mule deer hunt. A rifle in your hand provides a better chance of success. With that being said, a lot of mature mule deer bucks are killed in archery season when they are easier to pattern.  Consider the pros and cons we just laid out and decide which species fits you best. The reality is, we are planning your first hunt out west…you’ll likely be back!