Zone 102 Mule Deer....
 

Hi everyone, I was just drawn for mule deer in Zone 102 (attached is Zone 102 Map). I have never hunted in this zone before for mule deer. I am just trying to gather a bit of information on this zone and was wondering if anyone might have some suggestions of some farmers or ranchers in the zone 102 area who are approachable or might be open to letting hunters onto their land. I am not looking to steal anyone's territory or hunting spots or anything like that, but just looking for a few suggestions/ ideas. Thank you in advance for any help you can spare.

Serge

90% of that zone is full of grazing leases. However its hit and miss for the private land. The grazing leases would be your best chance. If you can stick to the SW part of the zone you should find some decent bucks. Just have to do some walking.

Thanks kuthunter for getting back to me. I just sent you a PM. Thanks again.

99% might be a bit optimistic but there is a lot of leased land. Don’t dismiss the idea of hunting on deeded land though, there’s lots of good habitat on some of it.

Fuel
 

Bring lots of gas. It’s isolated.

Get iHunter and purchase the lease land information. It’s big country, so be prepared to put some miles on your boots. 10% of the land holds 90% of the deer. When you are down there check the wind forecasts. Park your truck and plan your route to have the wind in your face as much as possible. Look for creek beds and areas with some topography. If you are out there in the mornings, you can sometimes catch them on the sage flats working their way to bed. They will bed with the wind at their back and looking down wind. This way their nose protects them for danger behind them and their eyes can see danger coming at them. Trick is to see them before they see you. It is beautiful country down there! Good luck!


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Thanks Ramblinman and tbrown, just sent you PM's :)

I have family down there you should be able to get a great buck.

We hunted it last year, I don’t know what was going on but the mulies sure weren’t behaving like mulies. Spookiest ones we’d ever seen, they would spot us from over a mile away and run...run ...run.

Also to anyone hunting the coulees, dont underestimate the clay when it rains.
You’ll be lucky to get yourself out of the bottom let alone a deer. It’s seriously slippery and dangerous.

Yup bring at least a full tank of fuel in Jerry cans with you. Bring a game cart too, many of the areas to hunt there are foot access only, and they actually mean that.

LC

I've been hunting southern mulies for a couple years and thought the same thing my first year down there. I think that's the natural behaviour for them after they get pressured a bit. Really have to take this into account and set up at a good distance and glass, put them to bed and stalk in very slow. Using any terrain cover is also a key.

Fuel is not an issue in 102 if you stop by before you Stahl:sHa_shakeshout:

Head out now and start knocking on doors (May have to be a little more mindful because of Covid). Download the I hunter App like the guys are saying, buy the maps and start scouting. Guess the only thing I don't understand is why apply in a zone that you are so unsure about? I am all for trying new country but you have to put some leg work in first.

Just my 2 cents.

Gluck

Thanks for the input guys. PM's sent to Lefty and bigbuck.

A lot of walking to shoot a 150 class mulie. This zone ain't near what it used to be!

That’s true, I remember the deer I used to watch years ago there. For me it’s more about the hunt than about getting a monster mulie, I love the topography and can’t see enough.

You hear that a lot " why apply for a zone your unsure about" , well if you don't you'll end up like me with a pr. 20 , because I live in general season zone . Heading out to 102 this year with my Brother he's been researching all the lease zones , if anything it'll be an experience .

You will enjoy that part of the country used to be some really nice muley's down there having been there for 15 years but the coolies are really neat.

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Well put Dark Wing. PM sent.

For sure Whelen, it is beautiful country to hunt for sure :)

How many years does it take to draw there for rifle mule deer thanks

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Hi Whelen, I was drawn with P3 for that zone, so not too bad actually.

That's good keep us updated this fall I'm a four already I'd like to do one more hunt down there.

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You bet whalen, I would think you could get drawn there next year if you put in for zone 102. Thanks again.

Dark Wing helped me out a bunch when I drew a sheep tag in 446 back in 2013. Hopefully what goes around comes around and one of the AO locals throws him a bone.

Bring Gas.
You'll be walking on, no atvs.
CWD is a big fact down there.
Oh ya...bring gas.:)

When I was there we got gas at Milk River I believe not sure if it's still open

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