When do mule deer rut in idaho. We at Ridgerunner Outfitters are in Zone 10, so our mule deer dates are typically the month of September for archery, and the month of October for rifle. Consensus says Nov 15 -25 for a 10 day diy whitetail hunt in North Idaho. Please Note: Mailed-in controlled hunt applications are no longer accepted beginning 2019. Oct 7, 2023 · The gestation time for deer is around 6. The Idaho Fish and Game limited the number of hunters in this unit in 2017. 7-Day Guided. Diet. I spent 3 days hunting the archery in 39 and ended up shooting a tiny forky just to put meat in the freezer. Check with your hunting regulation lawyer. "My favorite days to have hunters out in Kentucky are normally November 11, 12 and 13. During migration, mule deer use a series of ‘stopovers,’ which allows them to maximize energy intake along their migration route 10. At the squeeze of the trigger, the hammer falls on the cap igniting the SHARE: Research the latest Idaho Mule Deer Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data. Of course all I saw were mule deer bucks, some pretty big. Despite that management plan, they have still managed to enter the third most amount of bucks in the B&C record book since 2010. Lifespan. 775-304-2774. Mule deer also have striking pelage markings, large antlers, and scent glands. In 2022, hunters harvested 20,952 elk, 23,588 mule deer and 19,182 white-tailed deer. They were hanging with does in south facing draws above creeks flowing west to the Salmon River. This is extremely rugged country and you need to be in good shape. It is suspected the deer were dumped on October 16 or October 17. Females do not have antlers. As with most LE hunts, draw odds for Idaho mule deer tend to be tough, but in this case, worth the wait. The rutting season occurs during late fall. #5. Jul 2, 2017 · 99. Aug 21, 2022 · Hunting mule deer in the rut in mid November isn't even remotely comparable to hunting them in mid October. 406-363-0403. Our rifle rut hunts are in high demand as well and provide the opportunity to take a monster buck that has come out of his little hiding spot to spread his genes. Plan your Idaho big game hunt with an interactive unit boundary map. The MDI has three basic goals: Protect and Improve Habitat Improve Mule Deer Numbers Increase Hunter Satisfaction While these three goals are listed separately, they are not Nov 5, 2018 · Brownish gray in color, with white rump patch and a small white tail which is tipped black. This yearly tradition is so important, hunter surveys consistently tell Fish and Game they are willing to forgo larger bucks for Apr 8, 2024 · Although the current winter (2023-2024) has been favorable to mule deer, Fish and Game expects the 2024 fall to again be challenging for hunters in southeastern Idaho. Plus 6% Idaho Sales Tax. Gestation is defined as the length of time a bred doe carries a fawn before giving birth. 9 to 6. 7-Day Late Season Guided; This is a fly in, tent camp, wilderness, horseback, rut hunt for Mule Deer in November. Down from 514,000 deer in 2021 including 282,000 mule deer and 232,000 whitetails. I grew up hunting October for does just by walking around and finding them to fill the freezer. 9 ft). The nearly 30 bucks I saw were either seeking, chasing, or Dec 1, 2021 · Idaho Deer Population: An estimated 466,000 deer in 2022 with 253,000 mule deer and 213,000 whitetails. The rut can start as early as late October and run through late December. They are also sometimes known as the Burro Deer. Good to go…. For A More Deep Dive Into Idaho’s Top Mule Deer Hunting Click Here! Boulder Creek Outfitters PO Box 119 - Peck, Idaho 83545 208-486-6232 - 208-486-7280 (Fax) bcomatt@live. Muzzleloader is traditional rules; please check Idaho regulations. For instance, in 2022, our hunting dates for mule deer were Nov 15, 2015 · In the far north reaches of the mule deer’s range the rut can start as early as mid-October and run all the way into December. Widely dispersed throughout Yellowstone National Park during the summer, mule deer migrate seasonally and most of the population winters outside of the park. Estimated peak mule deer rut dates. Those were also the least treed areas. Southeast Idaho is seeing a notable downtrend due to several severe winters. Moose, sheep and goat hunter numbers and success rates based on permits issued. 11-17. In Alberta Fish and Game Association (Ed. 10-16) but may only harvest antlered deer during the second half of the season (Oct. Mule deer respond well to decoys, and if your pack doesn’t hold a simple cloth fake, you’re doing yourself a serious disservice. We offer a late season mule deer hunt hosted from our backcountry lodge on the Salmon River for the following dates: October 22nd to October 26th; October 27th to October 31st Feb 1, 2023 · Here are five of the biggest mule deer bucks taken during the 2022 season. Challis, ID 83226. Deer numbers depend on the rut heavily. October 10th is the general elk season opener in the Elk City zone, so there will be that pressure to think about. Mule deer have a thinner “ropelike” tail that is white with a black tip. Some of it may come from vegetation, but mule deer ingest most of their liquid from surface water: creeks, seeps, reservoirs, or stock tanks. Instead, they use a roar to attract females, with lower roars gain the female’s affection. Sheep Units 5026, 5027, 5020A - Outfitter Steve Zettel. Antler Gathering Closures. A lot of hunters only hunt or glass in the early mornings and evenings. Just looking for info on basic mule deer rut hunting. Aug 8, 2020 · White-tailed deer and mule deer. In Units 22 and 32, youth may harvest antlered or antlerless animals during the first week of the season (Oct. For the bucks this also means attracting females and mating during the rut from Gestation is about 7 months in the mule deer. Fawns normally give birth in the spring, between April and June. Please apply at a vendor, a regional office, online, or over the phone. Apr 2, 2024 · Seasons and rules information for big game hunting in Idaho for 2024. I talked to a guy on horses one day thats been hunting it for over 40 years. No lottery. The deer’s scientific name reflects one of the animal’s most recognizable features – its large ears. Deer breed throughout this season, ensuring the continuation of their species. Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey. Mature bucks will start gathering harems by the second week in November. Location. Mule deer may migrate 50 to 75 miles between their summer and winter habitats. Bucks average about 250 pounds and develop antlers that grow in a branching Jun 17, 2014 · Mule deer have large ears and along with the black tipped tail distinguishes them from the white-tailed deer. Hunt#. The longest documented mule deer migration is over 240 miles from winter range in the Red Desert of Wyoming to summer range near Island Park, Idaho. Id venture to say from 8 years ago to 2018 that well over half the deer were killed. Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River - Fall Big Game Hunting and Summer Multi Day Rafting - Outfitter Steve We recommend purchasing a deer tag; you won’t want to be caught without it! In our area, 90% of the deer taken are mule deer. Of this, the tail may comprise 11. the further south you go the later the rut starts mexico starts in jan,as for the doe pee they wont react to it like a whitetail, they will be more cautious, hope this An Idaho Mule Deer hunt can be a stand-alone hunt or one of many animals you are able to pursue with our Rut Mule Deer Hunt $4950 Book Now. Hamilton MT 59840. Colorado is a top state for mule deer, in large part, because of the size of the deer population there. com RUT Mule Deer Hunt $4950. May 27, 2020 · Sep 13, 2016. Mule deer live up to 9-11 years in the wild and 20 or more years in What Size are Mule Deer? Head & Body Length – 100 to 190 cm; Shoulder Height – 90 to 105 cm; Tail Length – 10 to 25 cm; Weight – 50 to 215 kg; What do Mule Deer Look Like? The Mule Deer is so named because of its large prominent ears, which are reminiscent of those seen in mules. Moose, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat. Oct 2, 2023 · But outside of there, it was a fairly average winter in the remainder of Idaho’s mule deer country, and hunting should be similar to last year. Cow Creek. Oct 10, 2011 · Wilderness. You can also use a credit card to apply online* or by phone* at 1-800-554-8685. The techniques we’ll be utilizing are basically the same, whether you’re rifle hunting Aug 19, 2022 · Also, mule deer hunters in 2021 recovered Idaho’s top deer harvest after whitetail hunters claimed that spot in 2020. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mule deer are selecting for slope quadratically where selection increases from 0 to 10º, and then decreases to 25º, where selection for steeper The mule deer is the larger of the three Odocoileus species on average, with a height of 80–106 cm (31–42 in) at the shoulders and a nose-to-tail length ranging from 1. I was fortunate to draw the Unit 11 tag but didn't shoot anything. Most of these deer have beautiful black antlers, often with a few kickers and some trash by the eye-guards. Mule Deer Rut Behavior. Both of these senses give mule deer an advantage in detecting predators (and us) from far distances, even up to 1km away! 4 Lingle, S. 0. They are usually 4x4 or 5x5, and average about 20-24 inches wide. Mule deer have very good night vision and can detect the movement of predators as far away as 600 meters. During this time period male mule deer can often be seen fighting over territories or chasing after females in an effort to mate with them. You can apply online here, in person at any Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) office or license vendor, or by phone by calling 1-800-554-8685. As I am sure most of you know, that’s the point where the rest of the Oct 25, 2023 · Two mule deer were left to waste near Hagerman, in Game Management Unit 46. We saw a few real nice bucks and plenty of smaller ones and some rutting activity but nothing crazy. 2 to 2. It’s tough country and I have plenty of scouting time setup for October but its a large area and I’m looking to get a head start. Colorado, Utah,Wyoming,Montana, Idaho first week of november and winding down around thanksgiving to the end of nov. They lock antlers and will fight until exhaustion. Oct 17, 2023 · For Whitetail Heaven Outfitters’ Tevis McCauley, early to mid-November seems to be a good window. DISPLAY HISTORY FOR: Research the latest Idaho Mule Deer Hunting Draw Odds and Harvest Data for Unit 45. “That has helped us understand where animals are distributed during hunting seasons because it’s often not where we counted them during winter. Mature bucks weigh up to 300 pounds; does average around 150. More information about the Game Management Unit (s) in this hunt: 40. Land Use data source: IDWR. A total of 79,825 mule deer hunters in 2021 harvested 26,086 mule deer. Mule deer average 202 to 210 days for gestation. Mule deer are widespread in the central mountains and southern deserts of Idaho, while white-tailed deer dominate the northern forested areas of Idaho. (2001). Migratory Birds. arizona new mexico starts later more dec. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Senior Conservation Officer Kayla Brauer at Deadline Outfitters is the exclusive outfitter in unit 54 of Southern Idaho! Idaho is home to some of the best Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Moose, and Mountain lion hunting grounds in the United States, and unit 54 is among Idaho's best! Unit 54 is extremely large, spanning over 900 square Miles. Nov 16, 2021 · 1. Mule deer are largely in central and southern Idaho, while white-tailed deer populate central and northern Idaho. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Fish and Game Association. ), Alberta wildlife trophies (pp. May 15, 2019 · Idaho is a strong mule deer state that offers hunts with high quality and high harvest success. Bitterroot Outfitters. The Idaho Hunt Planner provides all information the hunter needs for a successful Idaho hunt: regulations, seasons, drawing odds, harvest statistics, and hunt boundaries in one location. Oct 12, 2022 · “In the last seven years, we’ve exponentially grown our understanding of mule deer and elk movements. deep, and food is easier to find. Jun 19, 2014 · Idaho DIY Backcountry Mule Deer Hunt. Our best hunting season is from the months of September through December. 184. If you have limited time, it’s nice to get out when the bucks are still a little more visible and you still have an opportunity to kill one if they give you the chance. For GPS, Phone or Google Earth. A regular deer license allows hunters to pursue both, but Idaho also has white-tailed ONLY hunts. No hassles. Seeking Phase – Beginning of the rut when does start entering estrus. 2,113. 134-143). Hunter participation and buck mule deer harvest trends in GMU 76 since 1980. Male mule deer, called bucks, have forked antlers which they use as weapons to fight off competitors for mates during the breeding season or "rut". After spending all summer fattening up and avoiding predators, the deer begin to gear up for winter. , [ 15, 16, 222 ]). Hello I finally drew an amazing mule deer tag in Idahos unit 11 nov 10-25. Sep 15, 2016 · Four Phases Of The Antelope Rut! Mike Eastman September 15, 2016 Antelope Leave a comment 11,475 Views Mike Eastman, shares his many years of pronghorn antelope hunting insight in this short video about the four phases of the antelope rut. Thus, a 250-pound buck needs 1. During my time on this forum and other places I have heard stories of mule deer being farther north, like in Unit 1, 2, 3, 4. All of Unit 40. "Some of our older does in Kentucky and Ohio tend to come into heat in early November, which kicks everything off," he says. Mule deer lack front teeth; they just have a hard palate. My phone navigation tells me I have a day’s worth of seat time ahead to dream about the upcoming hunt. For guidelines on all hunting contact Gary Robson. Plus License and Tags. 25 gallons of water on a daily basis. Do a bit of searching online and you will find what areas are talked about the most. Large doe groups are easy to spot, and when you find the does, a good buck will be close by Nov 9, 2023 · The mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ), also called blacktail deer, is an exclusively western species commonly seen in open-brush country throughout the western states. Oct 8, 2021 · There are several phases of the deer rut including: Pre Rut Phase – Early season before does enter estrus. Your chances of finding mature deer and having success are probably 10X better during the rut. Jul 6, 2017 · I am a new mule deer hunter and drew a tag for November Rut Buck hunt in Unit 48 in Idaho. mule deer, ( Odocoileus hemionus ), a medium-sized, gregarious deer of western North America that derives its name from its large ears. Chasing Phase – Peak rut when does are in estrus and bucks are actively seeking them for breeding. Also curious if anyone has experience in this unit Oct 9, 2019 · In their study they had collared dozens of mule deer bucks and monitored their travel activities for an entire year. Make your own map of Unit 18. 15 %. That’s an average of 20 record mule deer per year over the last 11 seasons, and the World’s record typical was taken in 1972, scoring a 226 4/8. #3. NOTE: Seasons for 2023 are available below through June 2023. We specialize in quality archery, and guided rifle hunts for trophy deer, elk, bear, grouse, duck and geese. Jun 13, 2017. Book Now. Mule deer are the largest of the two deer species in Idaho. Plan your Idaho big game hunt with interactive unit boundary maps before you apply. A mule deer buck grazes among grasses, forbs and shrubs. Edible portions of both deer were left to waste and the antlers were removed from the buck. Controlled Hunt Drawing Results. . Oct 30, 2014 · Scouting/hunting with a bow in September is also a great opportunity in Idaho. 907 W. Nov 30, 2014 · I have spent quite abit of time in that unit with deer tags and elk tags. Oct 31, 2021 · Mule deer need around half a gallon of water each day per 100 pounds of body weight. IAMike304 and ManUpNorth. Like their whitetail cousins, females usually do not have Features: Mule deer are larger and lighter in color than black-tails. Aug 5, 2020. Harvest Statistics. Going back from June 1-7, that would mean the breeding peak would be Nov. Area Size: 1,447,543 acres. Mule Deer Rut. 7-Day Late Season Guided. Dec 15, 2020 · Adults weigh anywhere from about 100 lbs for a female up to about 300 lbs for a male. Open Map Center. Hemionus means half-mule. Idaho deer hunts are not for everyone. tall at the shoulder. Aug 24, 2020 · Biologists have used remote cameras in a similar manner before, including during the winter of 2018-19 when they generated population estimates and sex ratios of mule deer and elk in three areas of the state, but this will be the first time the method has been used for white-tailed deer. 6 to 9. And as their name implies, they have large ears, like a mule, that stand at an angle. Big Game Seasons and Rules. Fool a Muley Buck with a Decoy. Hunters can pursue both mule deer and white-tailed deer in Idaho. 1 in). 453. The rut, though, may also be risky for deer. Jun 8, 2021. Dec 7, 2018 · Mule deer densities are much lower so the bucks travel long distances to find does. 1 m (3. Fawns are born spotted and scentless. Mule Deer typically have two fawns during the early summer. Beginning in 2016 calculations for %4+Pts are based on mule deer and %5+pts are based on white-tailed deer. 17 Idaho | Unit 39: Boise River - Custer, Blaine, deer Hunting Information. but some individuals have reached up to 460 lbs. The digital 2023-24 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure is now available and the printed brochures will arrive at Fish and Game offices and license vendors later in April and before May 1 to June 5 application period for big game controlled hunts. Enter your first choice controlled hunt number. TakeMethod. I slammed my tailgate, got a couple more clicks out of the ratchet straps on our gear & checked the trailer lights. This hunt allows you to hunt in the center of the Frank Church Wilderness on horseback. This unit got hit hard in 16,17 winter. Mule deer are intermediate feeders that predominantly browse but also eat fords, small amounts of grasses, and when available fruits, nuts, and berries. Average to above average deer survival through the winters of 2019-20 and 2020-21. Nov 18, 2014 · I filled my Idaho tags for 2014 with small 5×4 and 4×4 bucks, but what’s most memorable is rut behavior I got to watch first hand. In some cases rain checks from previous years may result in harvest greater than the number of tags displayed. I have, however, observed bucks in Utah and Wyoming breeding does well into January. They are also much more nomadic than whitetails, and the mule deer rut often coincides with their winter migration. ” said Fish and Game Wildlife Research Manager Shane Roberts. Touch or click on the state in the graphic above for peak rut dates. Large, mule-like ears. Nov 3, 2021 · Let your optics do the work. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, meaning they fork as they grow. Drawing Odds. When planning a rut-hunt for mule deer or blacktail in new country, it will pay to call area biologists to determine when the rut generally occurs and when the Mule are selecting for elevation quadratically, with a step increase in selection from 800 m to 1250 m elevations, where then selection decreases to 2250 m, after which mule deer selection is minimal. Jun 28, 2019 · Jun 26, 2019. Large bucks rarely exceed 95 kg (210 pounds); does weigh about a third less. Their antlers are forked, as opposed to having a main beam. Mule deer stand about 3. Fees do apply to online and phone purchases. Sep 3, 2021. View a High Resolution Adobe PDF Map of Hunt Area Regular Tag. No drawing. May 5, 2023 · By Nahid May 5, 2023. Idaho. Famously red deer males do not use antlers to battle during the rut. Their 36 percent success rate (general and controlled hunts combined) was the third highest in the last 11 years for mule deer. Oct 31, 2011 · Nov 2, 2011. Feb 26, 2023 · Idaho mule deer can be hunted during their rutting season and beyond. Post Rut Phase – After does leave estrus and bucks return to Feb 24, 2015 · The mule deer is named for its large mule-like ears which act like a satellite dish to collect the smallest of noises and alert the deer of possible danger. ID. Also about 10% or so of the deer are mulies which takes a different tag. Aug 23, 2023 · Hunters pursuing mule deer on the regular deer tag are reminded that youth are restricted to harvesting antlered deer only in Units 23, 31 and 32A. 1. Areas that had tons of deer were almost void. 5 Full Days of Hunting. Males and females will live separate from each Aug 31, 2015 · Deer - Hunting Information. Mid October is fine though. 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Every fall hunters eagerly look forward to the annual deer hunt. Females will give birth usually to a single fawn the first year she gives birth and will often produce twins in the following years (Desert USA). Idaho guided hunts and drop camps with Bitterroot Outfitters. The hunting season dates depend on which zone/unit you are in. Jun 9, 2022 · When combined with non-typical harvests, Colorado stands at 222 records. May 2, 2022 · Joined. 5 to 4. Most weigh no more than 331 lbs. This species is quite large, and some individuals can stand over 42 in. Unit 40. Muzzleloader (Mule or Whitetail) Season: November 25th – December 9th $4,500/person. Jaydee Houston Tags One of the Biggest Velvet Mule Deer Bucks Ever. Mule Deer. Mule Deer roam the western parts of the United States, including some of the most arid desert regions Since 2015, winter conditions for mule deer in southeast Idaho have been extremely variable with severe conditions (2016-2017 and 2018-2019), average (2017-2018, 2019-2020), and mild (2015-2016). Mule Deer Initiative Idaho Big Game Hunting On the Middle Fork of the Salmon River - The Best Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Bear and Wolf Hunts in Idaho. g. And in the evening, glass until it’s too dark to see, you’ll understand and appreciate the term “coming out of the woodwork”. Keep in mind that southwest Idaho is also trending lower than usual. This is when male mule deer will start to compete for the opportunity to mate with female deer. Last Year’s Harvest. I hunted it for a few days during the November heat wave last year for whitetail during the rut. Big game season setting was the culmination of months of An "intense" prescribed fire in Douglas-fir forest in Idaho improved forage for mule deer and elk; the improvement was expected to last >20 years [ 208 ]. Deer move throughout the day, typically to change beds as the shade transitions. Idaho has some of the best mule deer genetics anywhere, but for the most part, they manage for large quantities of hunters rather than large quantities of mature bucks. Trophy quality is also top notch, 160-180 class deer are achievable. 3. Weather can play a key roll in this hunt, as does the timing of the rut. Dec 11, 2022 · Smoked Out - when on a muzzleloader hunt with the wind in your face as you take aim. Males grow forked antlers that have 8 to 10 points and spread as much as 4 feet (1. Jul 29, 2022 · 311. The Idaho Mule Deer Initiative was created in 2004 and is a statewide effort, but particular effort will be made across eastern, southeastern, and south-central Idaho. NPS. Jun 4, 2020 · Draw odds are par for the course, harvest success is holding steady and percentage of bucks harvested 4 points or better is about as good as it gets. But your chances of actually drawing a rut tag are 100X worse lol. Irrigated-Sprinkler. ” More year-round information Hunt Type: Research the latest Idaho Mule Deer Hunting Draw Odds and Harvest Data for Unit 55. The average buck in the study traveled nearly seven miles from their summer range to their rut range. 2 m). I guess I should have clarified if you have a regular deer tag or whitetail tag ( both are otc). Damascus, OR. Nov 26, 2013. May 10, 2024 · The deadline to apply for Idaho deer, elk, and antelope is June 5, 2024, at 11:59 p. We use a 4x4 truck to access the country we wish to Jun 8, 2021 · Anywhere west of the river has Mule Deer. We hunt in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Idaho’s Hunting Unit 17. 52. m MT. Elk harvest was up 3% over 2021, while combined deer harvest saw about a 10% drop. I have always been a whitetail hunter and have hunted in many of the units in Clearwater, Nez Perce, Latah, and Shoshone. But for both species, by Be ready to glass all day. In the lower Rocky Mountains where mule deer are most plentiful the breeding season will start the beginning of November. Red Deer Red deer are most often found in western Europe, northwest Africa, Asia and northwestern America. Change basemap, overlays and print Download KMZ. 12-year-old hunter Jaydee Houston turned a lot of Oct 3, 2022 · Also, mule deer hunters in 2021 recovered Idaho’s top deer harvest after whitetail hunters claimed that spot in 2020. Description of the Mule Deer. #11. Per Person For 2 on 1. Mule deer and whitetail both have highly advanced sensory capabilities when it comes to predator and hunter avoidance. Idaho Mule Deer hunts during the rut . Mule deer does that survive harsh winters are typically in poor body condition, resulting in lower reproductive rates and survival of fawns the Robson Outfitters, LLC, would like to invite you to come join us on one of Idaho's finest hunting trips. Fun Facts for Kids. If you’re May 18, 2017 · This late hunt doesn’t exist in very many places, which makes it a highly sought after hunt for adventure bound hunters desiring to kill a big mule deer during the rut. During this time, males will fight for the right to mate with female deer. Apr 5, 2023 · Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - 2:50 PM MDT. They do sell out, so book early! With your general deer tag, you can have your choice of either a mule deer or a white-tail deer. * Fees do apply to online and phone purchases. 5 months, or 200 days, after a buck and doe have mated. There were plenty of deer and hunters. Note: This is a late season Muzzleloader Draw hunt, which can produce 140-170+ mule deer and 130-150+ whitetails. Hunting Units 20A, 26 & (27L for Sheep only). Habitat: Mule deer occupy a wide range of habitat Determining the Peak Days of the Rut in Your Area. 6 to 23 cm (4. I'm more of an archery elk hunter than deer, and want to give this 100% effort and attitude for this tag. That way you will know where everyone goes so you know places to avoid, which is pretty much the two backup plans you mentioned. Sep 4, 2018 · Mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) are the most common large mammal in Idaho. Big Game Hunting. 775-625-0140. Messages. White-Tailed Deer Hunting Mule Deer bucks (male deer) grow antlers each year that fall off after the “rut,” or mating season. Add $1250 For 1 on 1. Since then, our Mule Deer have made a come back. Fawns conceived during breeding season will be born in late spring. North Idaho. Elk and deer populations in 2021 are about the same as in 2020. The 2023 harvest estimate was the lowest observed, being quite similar to the early 90s when another chronic wasting disease. Mule Deer Photo: CC-BY Idaho Fish and Game Staff Mule deer are beautiful and lots of fun to watch, especially when they are bouncing away from danger! Sagebrush and bitterbrush are important foods for mule deer, especially in the winter. Jace Bauserman. 38 %. In Montana, mule deer rut generally runs from late October to mid-November. Idaho Deer Outfitter, Miles Hatter, takes many Pope and Young class Whitetail Deer Annually. There are 10 different subspecies, some of which vary greatly in size of color. - The peak of the rut for whitetails comes about a week later than for mule deer. Mule deer may benefit from the development of shrubfields resulting from fire in forests of the Rocky Mountains and elsewhere (e. Depending on the latitude of the deer, this can be anywhere from early November to late December and into January. mbaymsqjwahyaokjjpsz