Any Mule Deer or elk hunters on here?

[WaSouthPaw]

Just curious if there are any mule deer hunters on here.
Obviously western hunters aren't going to be hanging a saddle on a sage brush bush . Typically I'm staking out routes and edges to bedding areas and traditional migration routes.
Just wondering if other western hunters are using spot and stock in conjunction with saddle hunting tactics?

 

[Jtaylor]

The mulies in the western half of the state like corn just as much as the whitetails. I'll set up near bedding in trees or on the edge of fields in trees after mulies or whitetail with my saddle set up. I've actually been seeing mulies in historic whitetail habitat and vice versa especially this year with the drier conditions.

 

[Camelcluch]

I hunt mostly mulies and and elk. I have to travel for whitetail. Hanging from a tree is new and hope to have a system dialed in for elk over wallows by next September. I also have no problem stalking around for whitetail. I have taken the vast majority of my animals from the ground.

 

[Wirrex]

I love it. We take a trip annually somewhere but it seems like so does everyone else now. The amount of people and pressure has increased a lot.

 

[MAVinWA]

A little intro: I'm a western hunter focus on deer, elk and resident WA State. Rain-bird to Gilbert AZ in those cold, wet months of Jan>April. Hunt OTC archery as non-resident in states of AZ, CO, OR and if drawn NM or UT.
62-yr old, retired guy here, 50+ years hunting experience...but an old dog can still learn new tricks...

Added a saddle (Aero) option for my hunts. Used LW tree stands, Assault HC, Alpha fixed-sticks for years hunting WA blacktails. Last 3 years, use the saddle system about 90% of the time if in a tree, via one sticking-rappelling. In my younger years having been a rock climber, mountaineer (summit Mt Rainer 2x), using ropes & rappelling nothing new.
Always have the saddle in my truck/camp, add to my pack if I think there is a situation for it's use. My total system (Aero, Predator, 1 stick-aider, rope) adds just under 10-lbs to my Kifaru pack-day gear weight of 16-lbs. During scouting/hunting, if I pattern bucks or bulls, the saddle can become an option to gain an off the ground, shot opportunity.

I have even packed it into backcountry hunts. That extra10-lbs can be murder coupled with 35-lb backcountry gear/pack. But 2 years, saddle resulted in UT muley bucks along a timberline trail to their bedding area that otherwise a shot opportunity would not be possible.

Last year CO-OTC, headed out of camp with my saddle system in pack. I saddled in pines on a ridgeline. Where days before, observed several bulls running, rutting along these trails. Used cow call to bring in a curious raghorn bull. 30 yard shot and bull went down <40yards away. Being a heavy pressured unit, 2 hunters came along as I rappelled down 25'. They stopped, looked at me like I was crazy. I then walked over and tagged the bull, which fell in some small aspen trees. Those 2 hunters were amazed!

Western blacktails, muleys and especially elk....don't look up like those educated, eastern, midwest whitetails!

 

[WaSouthPaw]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. Sounds like we have a lot in common.
I am transitioning over to bow hunting because of my familiarity with the migration routes for mule deer. Using a 270 at 12 yds is a bit overkill...
There are a lot of timbered patches along the north facing slopes and ridge lines where I hunt. I really like the ultra-light benefits of saddle hunting

 

[JoyRyd]

I live in NW Colorado. I grew up chasing both Mulies and Elk.....antelope, moose, bear, and mountain lion! Both of these are saddle kills. Both under 18 yds. Both with trad bow. It’s fun to spot and stalk western game, but saddle hunting is absolutely awesome. I try to post a video of two little guys I had directly under me this year.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[7mmremmag]

I've hunted archery elk in NM and CO. I really want to saddle hunt an active wallow, I am just always trying to carry less stuff instead of more at 11,000 feet.

 

[MAVinWA]

I've hunted archery elk in NM and CO. I really want to saddle hunt an active wallow, I am just always trying to carry less stuff instead of more at 11,000 feet.

I do this, for the past 5 seasons. Saddle, single stick climbing, rappel/tether rope.
Avg 18-20' to bottom of platform, depends on tree & area around wallow. Sometimes go 25'.
2019 upgraded to new saddle, single stick method. Big improvements!

Converted LW Mini Stick. Changed lower step to a DoubleStep. added 2 step aider, Upper step changed to Artesian Outdoor "platform step". Use Versa Strap instead of buckle strap, stick surface is quieted down with Stealthstrip.
weight of stick-mini platform: 2.25 lbs
weight 30' 9.5mm rope, including Madrock Safeguard, carabiners: 2.25 lbs (40' rope opt, adds 13oz>1 lb)
Aero Flex saddle (buckles Stealthstrip) w/necessary gear: 5.5 lbs.
Total saddle system weight: 10.0 -lbs

hiking in mile or 2 so my saddle run-n-gun system goes in my Kifaru pack, until I arrive at base of tree. This is as real time, light weight as I can get to...safely.
if longer sit >3 hours, I add Predator platform, use stick-platform as additional sideXside to Predator. But this adds 4 lbs to total pack in weight.

 

[JoyRyd]

I do this, for the past 5 seasons. Saddle, single stick climbing, rappel/tether rope.
Avg 18-20' to bottom of platform, depends on tree & area around wallow. Sometimes go 25'.
2019 upgraded to new saddle, single stick method. Big improvements!

Converted LW Mini Stick. Changed lower step to a DoubleStep. added 2 step aider, Upper step changed to Artesian Outdoor "platform step". Use Versa Strap instead of buckle strap, stick surface is quieted down with Stealthstrip.
weight of stick-mini platform: 2.25 lbs
weight 30' rope, including Madrock Safeguard, carabiners: 2.25 lbs (40' rope opt, adds 13oz>1 lb)
Aero Flex saddle (buckles Stealthstrip) w/necessary gear: 5.5 lbs.
Total saddle system weight: 10.0 -lbs

hiking in mile or 2 so my saddle run-n-gun system goes in my Kifaru pack, until I arrive at base of tree. This is as real time, light weight as I can get to...safely.
if longer sit >3 hours, I add Predator platform, use stick-platform as additional sideXside to Predator. But this adds 4 lbs to total pack in weight.

I’m switching to one-stick next year.

 

[Bradyhansen345]

Yes, I am a lineman so using spikes and a ring of steps is a solid choice for early September. Bulls don’t bugle like they used to and they have a lot of education when it comes to calling.

 

[Maverick1]

Yes, I am a lineman so using spikes and a ring of steps is a solid choice for early September. Bulls don’t bugle like they used to and they have a lot of education when it comes to calling.

Three years later, the lineman shows up. Nice! LOL. Welcome!

I’ve been going “out west” for almost 20 years now. Always for elk, throw in a bear or mule deer tag when I can get one, and head into the mountains. My hunts have taken me to several western states, all solo, DIY, and on public land. Have filled many elk tags, and several bear tags too. Will be heading out again this year, planning to shoot an elk and then hunt over the carcass for a bear. Intend to use my saddle and a 2TC setup if things go according to plan. Looking forward to it. Good luck!