Deer Hunting Tips
A large mule deer buck can reach 400 pounds. Most range from 200 to 300 pounds. A big white-tail can reach 250 pounds.
Both species of deer are browsers, feeding mostly on woody vegetation, leaves, forbs and shrubs. They also forage on crops, especially
corn. Mule deer eat little grass. Consequently, deer favor habitat that has a heavy concentration of shrubs and low-growing plants.
On
the plains, white-tailed deer spend most of their time in the river and creek bottoms, taking protection in stands of cottonwood trees
and the thick brush of riparian areas. At dusk they'll move out of those areas to feed on the grasslands and in farmers' fields.
"Whitetails are harder to hunt than mule deer," says Marty Stratman, a terrestrial biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
"Mule deer show curiosity and will stop and look around. But with whitetails, if they see you, they're gone."
Hunting whitetails requires slow, patient stalks along the edges of riparian areas, Stratman explains. The deer can hide easily along
the river and creek bottoms. Getting a shot at a deer hiding in thick vegetation can be difficult.
Private
property provides most of the good white-tail hunting areas in eastern
In the mountains and foothills, mule deer don't spend much time in dark, heavy timber, explains Patt Dorsey, an area wildlife manager
in
Mule deer are most active at night and can often be found in meadow areas during
low-light hours. During the day, muleys will bed down in protective cover.
In warm weather look for
deer along ridgelines, Dorsey explained. They often use those areas because wind is consistent along ridges and can help to keep them
cool.