Montana Is The Place To Hunt Mule Deer Right Now

One of my hunting partners has hunted with Cedar Breaks for 10 years and consistently takes 4 x 4 mule deer ranging from 160 to 190 B & C. In fact, Cedar Breaks has been 100 percent successful recently on 23- to 25-inch bucks and has a 70 percent rebooking rate. Located in Broadus, Montana, this outfitter leases more than 120,000 acres of prime deer habitat in Powder River country. They operate out of a lodge about 20 miles from Broadus and 90 miles from Gillette, Wyoming, the nearest airport.

Hunting is done from 4 x 4 vehicles with two hunters per guide. The terrain is not challenging, just big and steep in places. Hunters should expect to walk three to four miles per day. Accommodations are in two-man cabins with showers. A five-day trophy rifle hunt goes for $3,200, and the hunts run from November 10 to 26. In my experience, the best time to hunt mulies is during those last two weeks of the November season. The odds of seeing bucks in the 26- to 30-inch range increase dramatically at that time.

Odds of drawing a license are about one in four, but Cedar Breaks can get outfitter guaranteed licenses if you book in advance. Applications for guaranteed licenses must be submitted before March 15. License and tag costs are expected........(continued)