3 Rules to Follow When Glassing for Mule Deer

There’s no doubt that interest in western mule deer hunting has grown steadily over the past decade. From the high plains to alpine basins above timberline, mule deer continue to capture the imagination of big game hunters across North America.

At SNS Outfitter & Guides, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. With Wyoming offering some of the best and most accessible mule deer hunting in the West—from the rugged peaks of the Greys River to the open prairies—we’ve guided hunters through nearly every terrain mule deer call home.

This is the first article in a multi-part series on mule deer hunting, and we’re starting with one of the most important elements: glassing. Like antelope and other western species, hunting mule deer requires time and discipline behind optics.

Here are our top three rules to follow when glassing for mule deer:

1. Glass Until Your Eyes Bleed… Then Glass Some More

If you’re not behind your binoculars, you’re probably missing deer.

Sure, glassing at long range comes naturally, but don’t forget to thoroughly scan those closer hillsides too—even inside 100 yards. Mule deer can bed in the most unassuming places, using clumps of sagebrush or small terrain dips for cover. You might only catch a glimpse of an ear flick or the tip of an antler.

🔭 Tip: Use a tripod-mounted spotting scope or binoculars for long glassing sessions to reduce eye fatigue and improve stability.

2. Mule Deer Can Hide Anywhere—Don’t Give Up

Just because you don’t see anything doesn’t mean nothing is there.

You may glass the same hillside dozens of times with no results—then on the 101st scan, a buck magically appears. Mule deer are experts at staying hidden, especially once they’ve bedded down.

🔁 Reminder: Keep checking shadows, rocky outcrops, sage pockets, and timber edges repeatedly throughout the day.

3. Glass Early and Late

Mornings and evenings are gold when it comes to spotting mule deer. These animals tend to travel long distances at night between food, bedding, and water. Your best opportunity to catch them moving is during those first and last few hours of light.

That means:

• Be set up before sunrise

• Stay until after sunset

• Avoid wasting prime glassing time hiking or making camp coffee

🗣 Pro tip from our guides: “If you're hiking when the deer are moving, you're doing it backwards.”

Start Your Hunt Behind the Glass

When it comes to hunting mule deer in Wyoming, glassing isn’t just a tactic—it’s the backbone of success. The more time you spend behind quality optics in the right place, the better your chances of finding that mature buck of a lifetime.

Ready to Plan Your Mule Deer Hunt?

SNS Outfitters & Guides offers exceptional guided mule deer hunts in Wyoming’s top country. From high-elevation glassing in the Greys River to low-country prairie stalks, we’ve got you covered.

📞 Call us at 307-266-4229
🌐 Visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page
📬 Request a Free Brochure

Stay tuned for the next part of our mule deer series—covering stalking tactics and how to approach mature bucks.