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!

 

[Wyomufhunter]

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

Last year was 08 before I left for the military. Been a bit.

 

[mtmuley]

Last year was 08 before I left for the military. Been a bit.

Took my last mule deer here in 2004. mtmuley

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

I very much dislike the season structure. Rifle general tags running through pre rut and rut is silly to me. I'd like to see an early general archery season that ends earlier than october 18th, then an October general rifle season, followed by a 2nd general archery season that coincides with the rut. No general rifle late season as once migration starts people know where to go and pick them off.

 

[elkduds]

Last year was 08 before I left for the military. Been a bit.

Grateful to you and your family for your service and sacrifice. CO has mature bucks because of antler point restrictions during hunting seasons.

 

[warmer]

Isn't there a 4 year old thread containing 3600 posts on this topic?

 

[Wyomufhunter]

Grateful to you and your family for your service and sacrifice. CO has mature bucks because of antler point restrictions during hunting seasons.

Thank you. Colorado is great with their draw units that take 10-15years, pretty tag heavy for low point/general. I've seen mixed results on point restriction units here in Wyo. I actually like how idaho does some of it where they break down archery/rifle to 2 different tags. They need to abolish the 2 point hunts, though. No state does it perfectly.

 

[Southern Elk]

 

[Wyomufhunter]

View attachment 420496

This applies to a good portion of conversations on here

 

[Roadgoat]

Hello, my name is Chad. I paid 760.00 for a non-res Montana deer tag. I drove 1000 miles to Terry from Minneapolis and thought it was best to set my wall tent up right where all the deer live so I was out of the wind. I missed a big 3pt on opening day and then shot this big framed 2pt off a state section as I drove by the last night ( I even got a shoutout on the IG page @trophybucksandbullsofmontana). My wife will be thrilled and I can justify the 1500.00 I spent. The locals hate me, and even dedicated a 3600 post thread on HT dedicated to me and my comrades from WI and WA. But man, I can't wait to come back and do it again. In the meantime, I'm excited to get back home, sit in my box blind next to my buddy heater, and stack up another 2yo 46" whitey. I'm 48 now and have been doing it since I was 12 yo. All about the tradition. The mule deer will get freezer burnt cause it tastes like shit but at least my wife is proud of me. Big framed buck from MT. Nothing better.

 

[Hunt West]

Grateful to you and your family for your service and sacrifice. CO has mature bucks because of antler point restrictions during hunting seasons.

Colorado doesn’t have antler point restrictions for mule deer……