2013 montana deer

[174in]

Hey guys my good hunting buddy and I are planning to take my dad on a mule deer hunt in eastern montana if we can draw tags.I wanted to go out during the opener but it is the week of my anniversary so I thought the next best choice would be rut.Is the opener alot better time to hunt if hunting public ground out there or is it still a good hunt if I wait to come during rut?I know around home here the public gets pounded hard during the opener and the deer dont come back in there until spring or they are mostly nocturnal but I dont know what to expect in montana. Our deer season is the week before thanksging so I would like to be back before then. I am looking to come out around the 5th of november is that a bad choice?

 

[mdunc8]

Hunt the rut, which is usually the secondary or third week of November.

 

[putm2sleep]

Yeah - make it before Thanksgiving I would say. Your at home (177) success should have you focusing on a great mule deer & hunt in MT. Your deer season will always be there, along with that pig you shot hangin' in your den! Get your kid out and hammer a doe that week before Thanksgiving

 

[EasternMTHunter]

Based on my own experience here I wouldn't worry about the opener. Growing up in Western NY the opener was always a big deal, but I've learned from friends and personally that the huting is much better during the rut here and many times we don't even go out hunting the first 2 weeks for deer. The bucks are there opening weekend, but IMO are a bit harder to find. Once the rut is on just need to find the does and be patient. Good luck!