They shot all of the 3x3s and 2x2s no 4xs mule deer, go figure

[jimh406]

Sure, a small sample size. I live in an area where I can see quite a bit of landscape. A couple of years ago, we picked up more hunters/shooters. I can't say I saw all of the mule deer bucks shot, but noticed the rapid decline of bigger bucks and also medium bucks. I passed on the only 3x3 that I was regularly seeing last year. My neighbor didn't.

In any case, this year 2x2s are the big bucks for this year. I guess I don't need to bother hunting unless something changes. It's ok. I've shot enough bucks for me in previous years. Kind of a shame, and it only took a very few years.

Just an observation ...

 

[Wildabeest]

I’ve been in the MT woods for the past 3 days and seen lots of deer. But they’ve all been does and 1-1/2 yr old spikes and small forkies. Not sure if that’s because the bigger bucks don’t exist, or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point.

 

[Addicting]

or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point

That would be my thought at least for the week or so. The small bucks here are just starting to chase. The bigger bucks are just working on neck muscles in the background.

 

[jimh406]

Not sure if that’s because the bigger bucks don’t exist, or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point.

I'd think that too except I used to see bigger bucks all year long.

 

[Wyomufhunter]

Having your general season during the rut sure doesn't help the population of mature bucks. I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and use to love it. Now, I'm not a fan. I think controlled hunts should be in the rut, but general should flow through October. My 1/2 cents.

 

[mtmuley]

Having your general season during the rut sure doesn't help the population of mature bucks. I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and use to love it. Now, I'm not a fan. I think controlled hunts should be in the rut, but general should flow through October. My 1/2 cents.

Not sure how long you were in the Root, or when, but there was a very brief window where mule deer hunting was good here. Now, tough deal even in the LE units. mtmuley

 

[Mustangs Rule]

The book, "Visions of San Francisco Bay" was written in 1969. In it the author suggested that if want to what is "coming" elsewhere, look at California

 

[DFS]

I look at mule deer in Montana and you would see evidence of big bucks if they existed in any number by finding sheds of them. Every year people find big elk sheds and whitetail sheds. Mule deer not so much very few big sheds are hitting the ground and very few big mule deer exist. 100% a product of our season structure.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Have a general mule deer season overlapping the rut. What could possibly go wrong?

Just look at all of that opportunity!