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First time mule deer hunter
#6372956
07/18/16 02:46 PM
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2
@jacob
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2 |
Hey everyone I'm new to the forum. I'm a long time whitetail hunter and recently got the opportunity to hunt mule deer this upcoming fall. The land is in terlingua, Tx.( just 30 miles north of the border, west of Big Bend NP) It's only 20 acres but the owner says there's definitely mule deer out there. First off: what're some tips in stalking them? It's undeveloped land, so no blinds Second: how/what can I bait them [with], before hand ( starting 2-3 months in advance) Third: what're some general tips for mule deer? Fourth: what kind of animals would I run into besides them? Anyone know anything about the weather out in that area during winter times?
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6372967
07/18/16 02:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,544
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,544 |
Never hunted them either. I see people bait them with corn like white tail. Water may be a good as bait as any.
Good luck!
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6372977
07/18/16 03:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,063
Wilhunt
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,063 |
I have not had the pleasure either.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6372994
07/18/16 03:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 950
YellowDog
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 950 |
Get on high ground and start glassing. Mule deer like alfalfa
Born to Hunt/Fish
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373016
07/18/16 03:31 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 24,355
dkershen
Rev Dave
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Rev Dave
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 24,355 |
20 acres is a tiny plot. Will have to be careful not to be shooting across onto neighbors land. Mule deer dont take to corn as readily as whitetail, but will hit it. Might be better off planting a food plot like winter wheat if you get some moisture. If not, some bales of alfalfa might work. Any water tanks? That would be critical. Most mule deer taken in that country are done by driving thousands of acres and glassing. You are gonna need to get real lucky and have one come through at the right time.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.www.NewHopeEquine.com - Health and Healing through Horses.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373034
07/18/16 03:39 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,166
westtexaswatkins
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,166 |
20 acres in that area is next to nothing. Hope you have something there that they really really want. Best of luck to you. Hope you are able to bag one.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373079
07/18/16 04:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
I wouldn't drive all the way to Terlingua to hunt on 20 acres. But I live in north Tx.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373108
07/18/16 04:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,948
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,948 |
If your restricted to the 20 acres save your gas money.
Mule deer densities are usually quite low and that area is about as rough as it comes. There may be only a deer or two per section (640 acres) in that region.
Trust me, don't waste your time
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373118
07/18/16 05:02 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 650
jmh004
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 650 |
Hunting 20 acres out there would really scare me.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6373215
07/18/16 06:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,816
Bigfoot
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,816 |
That is desert. So you can see for miles in every direction. No trees just creosote brush, lecheguila and yuccas. Expect cold nights and warm days because it is desert terrain. Look for peccaries, coyotes and jackrabbits. I see them and hear them all the time around terlingua. Ive never seen a deer except in the Park itself and you can see for miles. tons of coyotes!
Oh yeah and it is probably the most beautiful place in Texas which is why I go there all the time to camp.
Last edited by Bigfoot; 07/18/16 06:12 PM.
GO TRUMP!
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6374041
07/19/16 02:53 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,652
Pitchfork Predator
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,652 |
As was just mentioned, a very cool and beautiful piece of Texas that all should see. 20 acres in that country is like hunting a small back yard. Mule deer travel much greater distances than white tail so it will take some luck to have them show up while your hunting unless you have a food or water source they rely on. I wish you good success with your hunt.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6374048
07/19/16 02:59 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,016
Texas buckeye
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,016 |
I am really hoping the OP has 20 acres as a typo and it is missing about 2 zeros....
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6375048
07/19/16 10:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,879
sbushee
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,879 |
Just go and have fun. Wouldn't wxpect much on a postage stamp size piece of property.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6375709
07/20/16 01:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474
rex47
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 474 |
I hunted 13 sections near Balmorhea for several years, had lots of muleys and some crosses. Shot all of mine or spotted them from wind mill tower. 20 acres is going to be hard. you will be able to see every thing on it with bios. pay close attention to the biggest bushes or any shade in heat of day. get ready for possible 200yd + shots. good luck.
when the going gets really tough, I sit down and rest
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6375831
07/20/16 03:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,788
Mr. T.
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,788 |
I have hunted in Terlingua before. If you don't have water on your place you are wasting your time, especially with only 20 acres to hunt. My best guess is that there might be one mule deer per 640 acres. When I was there the locals shot most of the deer.....and a lot was at night. Go, have fun, don't expect to see any deer, but maybe you will get to see a coyote or hog..I made the trip twice from Fort Worth and never saw a mule or white tail deer. I was hunting in Terlingua next to Big Bend park and had a large tank on my place. I got two hogs the first trip and nothing at all the second.
Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co. Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6377687
07/21/16 08:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,111
Red Cloud
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,111 |
Jacop, I agree 20 ac. is pretty small however you have an opportunity to hunt. Food plot is a good option and alfalfa is also mule deer love the stuff but they have to know it is there and that will take some time 1st to find it 2cd to learn to depend on it being there.
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Re: First time mule deer hunter
[Re: @jacob]
#6382872
07/26/16 06:00 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,910
mulie_mike
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,910 |
If you are inside Terlingua ranch you will be surrounded by many other hunters. You need food and water and remote location to make it work.
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