If you’re no stranger to my writing, then you know I love first time experiences! For years the idea of predator hunting simply didn’t interest me. I see now that it was based on emotion rather than facts, because with the little time I’ve invested in researching these incredible animals, I now see the damage they can do on elk and deer herds. I suppose conservation doesn’t show favoritism and all animals need to be managed as the human population continues to increase. While I’ve hunted multiple predators to-date, I had never hunted one that would stare into your soul. It’s quite eerie actually, thinking about all the days I’ve spent on the mountain without seeing a cougar but knowing they’re there and have 100% seen me.

Other than one other attempt to hunt mule deer up in Alberta, I admit that I have zero experience or knowledge of the species. Growing up in the South meant we focused on whitetail, and it certainly wasn’t spot-and-stalk method. Each time I’ve been out West, the focus is elk, but after moving our life to Southern Utah less than a year ago and working at the oldest “hub” for Western hunting information, you could say I’ve been exposed to mule deer MUCH more. Whether I’m hiking a trail, glassing, or simply conversing in the office with the Huntin’ Fool hunt advisors, mule deer has been the new whitetail for me.