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A hunter kneels next to his big trophy mule deer

Mule Deer

The Best Texas Mule Deer Hunts

Starting at $8,000

A smiling hunter on a hillside next to his trophy mule deer

OVERVIEW

Mule Deer hunts have always been a favorite amongst hunters, but in the past few years, they have become one of the most popular hunts in North America. And, that is certainly the case in West Texas. They are one of my most popular hunts, and they sell out every year.


All Mule Deer tags in Texas are over the counter, and the ranch where we hunt has a special state-issued permit -- a Managed Land Deer Permit, or MLDP. With this permit, we’re able to hunt from the first Saturday in November through the last Sunday in January. That ranch, located between Marfa and Valentine, is 96 sections (61,440 acres). I limit the number of hunters each year on all of my ranches, and I limit the number of Mule Deer we’ll harvest each year. Historically there has been a 100% shot opportunity.


Because my Texas Mule Deer hunts always sell out, plan to book your hunt at least year in advance to secure a spot!

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Everything you need to know

WHO, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

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WHO ARE THESE HUNTS FOR?

My West Texas Mule Deer hunts are done out of my Jeep Scrambler, which has a seat in the bed of the vehicle. The roads around the ranch are usually in decent condition, so it's not difficult to get around. We spend the majority of our time hunting out of the vehicle, which makes this a good choice for the beginner, or the experienced hunter who may not be as agile as before.


This hunt is a really good choice for anyone!

HOW WE HUNT TEXAS MULE DEER

Because my Mule Deer hunts are on a very large working cattle ranch, all of them are done out of a vehicle. Without the vehicle, it would be almost impossible to hunt in such big country.


West Texas Mule Deer are much more accustomed to seeing vehicles, than they are to seeing people, so we even take most of the shots right from the vehicle (or in very close proximity to it). Mature West Texas Mule Deer are huge, so I recommend a 7mm, or larger, caliber rifle.


A typical hunting day starts before daylight with a quick breakfast, and then we’re off to start the hunt. Late morning we’ll break for brunch/lunch, after which we’ll hunt until late afternoon or early evening. After getting back to camp for the night, we’ll have a hearty, hot-off-the grill dinner and a relaxing evening before heading to bed.


It’s worth noting that I don’t have a big camp where you will be in a lodge with a bunch of people you don’t know. When you hunt with me, you or your group have exclusive rights to the ranch for lodging and hunting.

ABOUT TEXAS MULE DEER

West Texas Mule Deer (or desert mule deer) are a crooki sub-species. They got their name because they have big ears, like a mule. They are grey with a white tail that has a black tip. Mule Deer have a nickname -- Grey Ghost -- because of their grey color, and their tendency to hunker down and hide when spotted or spooked.


Mature West Texas Mule Deer bucks usually weigh between 200 and 250 pounds, and typically sport forked four-by-four racks that are 22 to 26 inches wide. 


West Texas Mule Deer can be found from about 4,000 feet — the desert floor — to over 6,500 feet — the tops of the mountains. The rut usually starts in mid to late December and lasts until mid to late January.

WHEN AND WHERE WE HUNT TEXAS MULE DEER

The best time to hunt West Texas Mule Deer is during the rut, from late December through late January.


The 96-section ranch where we do these hunts is located between Marfa and Valentine in West Texas. If you are traveling by air, fly into El Paso or Midland / Odessa and rent a car to drive to the ranch.

A hunter kneels next to the trophy mule deer he has just taken

PACKING LIST

To prepare for your hunt, take a look at my packing lists. Some of the links on those lists are affiliate links — that means that I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Note, however, that I only recommend products that I use myself. In addition, take a look at my recommendations for hunting gear.


The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, and change quickly and abruptly. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.


Generally, summers are very hot, winters can get quite raw (especially in West Texas), and summer and fall days often have huge temperature swings with cold evenings, nights and mornings, and warm or hot afternoons.


For most hunts, prepare to dress in layers so you can add or take off clothing as temperatures shift throughout the day. For warm weather hunts, pack clothes that breathe, are well ventilated, and keep the sun off of you. For mountain hunts, avoid cotton — wool or synthetic works best.


For hunts in the late spring, summer and early fall, Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is invaluable. We do a lot of walking through tall grass, and chiggers and ticks can be a problem. With Sawyer Permethrin you don’t have to worry about them. It's sprayed on your clothing and once it dries it’s odorless and colorless. I LOVE this product, and literally never leave home without it!


And one last - but very important - note: Do NOT wear new boots! Make sure your boots are well broken in!

PACKING DETAILS

PRICING FOR TEXAS MULE DEER HUNTS

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5 days / 4 nights

Days

$9,000 per hunter

Flat Fee

Mule Deer Hunts

$4,000 per hunter

Deposit

    • 5 days/4 nights

    • 1 Mule Deer Buck

    • Guide

    • Meals

    • Lodging

    • Transportation around the ranch

    • Field care of your trophy

    • Predator hunting – no cost

    • Javelina hunting (after harvesting West Texas Mule Deer) – $600/each (limit 2 per TPWD regulations)

    • Aoudad hunting (after harvesting West Texas Mule Deer) – $5450/each

PRICING DETAILS

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