CritterGitter Report post Posted January 13, 2012 I am curious how large of any area a mule deer uses, especially during the rut? Normally, I look for does just before the rut and soon enough, the bucks will be there. It's not the unknown places where they hang out all year long but the places and distance where they are now. The reason I'm asking is because I'm hunting a buck that I have only seen on camera. Like clockwork with rare exception, he comes to water every night between midnight and 4 am. There are does in the area and I've seen other bucks, but not this guy. Through process of elimination I have been searching areas within a few miles of the water but with no luck. Any thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunter1026 Report post Posted January 13, 2012 Lets see the pics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZJARCHER Report post Posted January 13, 2012 He'll more than likely be no further than a mile away... Let's see the pics! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CritterGitter Report post Posted January 13, 2012 He'll more than likely be no further than a mile away... Let's see the pics! Here's one from the only time he stopped by during daylight and unfortunately, not during deer season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle Eye Report post Posted January 13, 2012 I say within a mile. but which direction is the question. keep at it. you will find him. do you have recent pictures? Maybe he is dead already... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CritterGitter Report post Posted January 13, 2012 I say within a mile. but which direction is the question. keep at it. you will find him. do you have recent pictures? Maybe he is dead already... I have pictures from almost every night since January 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted January 14, 2012 I think it depends on how hard that water source gets pressured. With little human activity around the water he could be within a mile. If there's decent activity around there, a big buck like that won't mind getting further away. Big bucks are big cause they're smart. If they need to move further away they will. It doesn't take a deer anytime at all to cover a couple miles. If that's how far he needs to be he'll be that far if its the only water around. Heck might even be further. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeardownAZ Report post Posted February 2, 2012 I always heard big bucks go nocturnal, with less during the rut but I am far from an expert. Its funny to see a unit get slammed with hunters during the rifle season and not much come out but during the rut these huge ones come out of the wood work like they are all over. I always am curious if they travel or stick to cover more when pressured. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADDICT Report post Posted February 2, 2012 A mile for a deer is nothing. If he needed to bed further away he still would. Have you looked for his sheds? Im surprised he never comes in during the day though. He's got to be near and with does. He's big for a reason I guess! Looks like a smoker man--hope you figure him out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRAYLIGHT Report post Posted February 3, 2012 Once while in the Southern deserts, I had spotted a very unique 4 point with a busted eyeguard. The next morning we found him 14 miles away across the flats basin rutting different does... They travel during the rut a lot... I know they do have a core area though because I have also seen the same bucks return to the same canyons from year to year and as often as every day during peak estrous, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
db cooper Report post Posted March 13, 2012 I recognize that deer! (I think) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted March 13, 2012 I bet he is mostly nocturnal and that's why you are having such a hard time finding him again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Becker Report post Posted March 14, 2012 On the Strip this year my client killed a buck that moved a bunch. We got pictures of him at 2 AM on a water, killed him that evening right before dark, 5.5 miles away from that water!!! So like 14 hours after the picture was taken. Muleys are crazy beasts during the rut. My father loves muleys and he gets pictures on water sources where the bucks are traveling 5 to 10 miles to get there!!! Of course they don't water every night but.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted March 14, 2012 That buck could have a hidey hole 500 yards away, or 5000 yards away. Those old bucks are sneaky! I once saw a herd buck and his does during the rut and they mainly stayed in a 1/2 mile square area. I saw them just about every weekend. I never did get that big boy with my bow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
