spot and stalk, How close can you get?

I am confused, and hopeful, I keep reading on here where people with bows, stalk within 20 or 30 yards of giant mule deer, Yet I hear people all the time talking about 200 yd plus shots with a rifle. Can you stalk closer with rifle if you want to? Two weeks to go before I take my father hunting in north west utah. He is still hitting about a five inch group at a 100 yds, it is not the gun! Just as good as he can do. I am sure he could hit anything 100 or less.
5,799
CodeRED
From those distances you really need to be strategic. The wind, sounds, movement, up/down hill are going to be big factors on it. If you are careful and smart about it you can do it. I'd say though, with a rifle the stalk if far easier because you dont NEED to get in that close to make your shot (100-300 yards). I know your father shooting groups of 5 inches @ 100yds should be ok @ 100yds. Stay low, quite, dont move too fast and ALWAYS be downwind. If you can feel the wind on the back of your neck there's not much you can do but hold very still and hope the dont spook.
0
Default Avatar
Thanks
0
MuleyMadness
Deer are MORE skid-dish without velvet on or rubbed clean IMO. Plus with more pressure, they are tougher to get close to. Yes you can sneak closer during archery generally speaking. You may need to take a longer shot than 100 yards though. 250-300 yards is common with a rifle IMO.

I was just having this conversation with my brother a couple days ago, you should be able and better be prepared to make a 300 yard shot on a Mule Deer or you may loose/miss your opportunity. Just my opinion.

Best of luck!
0
Default Avatar
Personaly with bow or gun I like to get absolutely as close as possible.I have taken very few deer over 150 yards with a rifle. I like to glass and hunt midday when they are bedded and try to get as close as possible while they are bedded down. some of my best deer were taken between 11 am and 3 pm. I always try to get close but there have been a couple times when I have taken deer out to 400 yards.
0
sneekeepete
I have still never arrowed a deer. Every buck I have taken I have shot within 150 yards though. Two with Muzzle loader and 2 with a rifle. IMO they are more wary during the rifle hunt than earlier hunts but it is possible to get within range.
Good luck to you and your Dad. I really look forward to hearing a great story and seeing some great pics!
0
Default Avatar
Usually during bow season the mulies are still in summer mode and bached up and more concerned with chucking food down than hiding. They are a nice red color that stands out well against the green background so you usually see them first. During rifle season they are grayish brown and blend well. You must wear blaze orange and they can easily see the "bright spot" so it's harder to remain undiscovered and get close(unless you hunt a stand). The bachelor groups break up too because they begin to hate each other and food sources change so it's harder to find them. And being shot at with a rifle from the road at long range constantly just tends to flat out rattle them! But then there are times when this happens.
Glass alot and don't give up. Good luck on your dad's hunt.
Mark
0
Default Avatar
Arizona does not have a Blaze Orange law do they? ( I noticed you were from Mesa, AZ) Also, who said the deer cannot blaze?
0
Default Avatar
"Ragdoll" wrote:Arizona does not have a Blaze Orange law do they? ( I noticed you were from Mesa, AZ) Also, who said the deer cannot blaze?
 What does me being from Az have to do with a hunt in Utah where blaze orange is required and what does the rest of your statement even mean?
0
CodeRED
"m gardner" wrote:
Ragdoll wrote:Arizona does not have a Blaze Orange law do they? ( I noticed you were from Mesa, AZ) Also, who said the deer cannot blaze?
 What does me being from Az have to do with a hunt in Utah where blaze orange is required and what does the rest of your statement even mean?
 Heheheheh, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING m gardner....and :-k me thinks Ragdoll used a drug ref here...I have been wrong before though
0