This is the second installment in our mule deer hunting series, and today we’re diving into one of the biggest questions our guides get each season:
“Where do I even start when looking for mule deer?”
Whether you’re high above timberline or hunting the sagebrush flats, knowing where to look is critical. And in a place like Wyoming—where mule deer country is vast and varied—a solid strategy can make all the difference.
1. Mule Deer Are Browsers—Find the Right Food and Cover
Unlike elk, which are primarily grazers, mule deer are browsers. They rely on shrubs, forbs, and woody plants rather than open grass. This means they often frequent open brushy areas, especially those that also offer some cover.
Where to Look:
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High alpine basins with willows, cinquefoil, mountain avens, and seasonal forbs
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Aspen groves that offer filtered light and lush browsing beneath the canopy
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Lower elevations with gambel oak, serviceberry, mature sage, or berry patches
🔭 Tip: Even late in the season, bucks can be seen stripping the last leaves or dried berries from shrubs. Keep an eye on patches of brush that still hold leaves or berries—especially near draws, ridgelines, or feeding routes.
2. Look in Steep, Isolated, Hard-to-Reach Terrain
Mature mule deer bucks prefer secluded bedding spots. These often include:
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Steep hillsides
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Hidden canyons
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Rock outcrops or cliff edges
Why? These features offer both security and scent advantage, especially during midday when thermals rise.
Morning Strategy:
Look for bucks moving uphill from feeding areas into secure bedding zones.
Afternoon Strategy:
Focus your glass on steep, shaded terrain and tight pockets where bucks can rest with minimal disturbance.
🔁 Remember: Patience and persistence are key. Use your glass more than your boots. That flick of an ear or glint off an antler could be your only clue.
3. Deer Are Lazy Too—They Use the Path of Least Resistance
Like most wildlife, mule deer are energy conservers. When traveling between feeding, bedding, and watering zones, they prefer the easiest routes—unless spooked.
Look for:
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Well-worn game trails
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Saddles between ridgelines
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Natural funnels through terrain features
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South-facing slopes that offer warmth and accessible forage
❄️ Weather Warning: Mule deer are also among the first animals to move out ahead of a snowstorm. While elk may tolerate deep snow for longer, deer tend to shift lower with early storms. Keep this in mind during mid-October hunts, where conditions can change fast.
Putting It All Together
Locating mule deer requires a combination of knowledge, observation, and adaptability. Focus on food and cover, hard-to-reach spots, and efficient travel routes—and be ready to pivot with changing weather.
Pair these location tips with our glassing strategies from Part 1 of this series, and you’ll be far ahead of the curve on your next mule deer adventure.
Plan Your Hunt with SNS Outfitters
SNS has decades of experience guiding hunters across 700,000+ acres of private land in Wyoming. From the alpine slopes of the Greys River to the rolling prairies, we specialize in helping you locate and harvest mature bucks.
📞 Call us at 307-266-4229
🌐 Visit our Mule Deer Hunting Page
📬 Request a Free Color Brochure