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Mexico’s Desert Mule Deer

For a trophy hunter, a large mule deer is the hardest animal in North America to obtain at this time.  The 1990s did not favor robust populations of mule deer throughout the American West.  But south of the border in Old Mexico’s Sonora Desert, hunters are finding a far different type of mule deer hunting.

Hunts in Mexico have a variety of forms.  Some of the large ranches hunted have magnificent villas that the owners of the ranches have built, making some of the most lavish deer camps.  Other areas have safari style tent camps.  Observers should be of a rugged nature on alpine deer hunts.  Prairie and desert mule deer hunts generally have nice accommodations and are a good choice for an observer.

This is all private land, and very tight regulations have led to better and better quality mule deer in recent years.  It is not uncommon to hunt a 50,000-acre ranch that may only have two to four mule deer permits available per year.  Don’t expect to see hundreds of deer, but quality is unparalleled.

The best hunting starts in early through mid-January; the peak of the rut in Old Mexico.  Cooler weather, around 30 degrees in the morning to the 60s midday, makes this one of the most pleasant deer hunting experiences available anywhere, and add the opportunity to take a truly giant mule deer.  Success is extremely high.  Odds of taking a mule deer 25 to 35 inches are better than anywhere else in North America.  One of three to four hunters will take a mule deer of a lifetime.  Book well in advance. Very limited spots and dates on the best ranches.

Seven-day mule deer hunts, privately guided.  Coues deer can be included for an additional fee upon kill.