Elevation?

I think it's cooler temps and security. Plenty of feed in the lower country.
Once the temperature turns cold with heavy snows Mulies will move on.

Weather and bugs are some of the reasons......however, I'm told (biologists) that high protein foods are located in alpine terrain (alpine willow, rabbit brush, alpine lupinus) that give bucks quick nutritional value to grow antlers.

Thanks for the replies! :thumb

Agree with all answers so far, but don't kid yourself into thinking ALL big bucks prefer and live in high elevation. Depends on terrain, state, weather, where they were born, etc.

I've found, photographed, some monsters that certainly aren't/weren't/don't live in high elevations.

I also think that its quieter up there, not so much pressure.

Alot less pressure.. it takes alot to get high up there after them bucks... I agree with the food up high holds certain vitamins or something to help antler growth and health. But i also agree not all big bucks are up high. I live along the wasatch front and in front of my house every year for the past 3 years the same buck has showed up in the corn field during the hunts. There is a herd of about 20 deer or so and around 7 bucks each year. The big last year had 11 on one side and 7 on the other with about a 5 inch kicker. Well over 30". WE killed a 26 last year and this guy makes him look like a baby. So dont always look high :thumb

It's starting to feel like,they could be anywhere,you just have to find the food source or does,and they will be there..Would you say mulies tend to be herd animals,and patchy?

Down here where I live in the southeast our deer don't herd very much..They are scattered all over in groups of 1-3 pretty evenly.

Mulies seem to be in herds when feeding at good sources such as a hay field or something. Or may be in bunches during the rut. But herding animals such as Bison, cattle or sheep. No, I'd not call Mulies herding. Plenty of loners always or small family groups.

Thanks for the reply! :thumb

In velvet bucks group up and travel together in the summer, then split up more after velvet comes off. I've seen up to 40 bucks in group in summer, but commonly 2, 4, 6, 8, and 14 or so bucks is higher number.