A Recent Report on Mule Deer in Alberta
Hunting Report subscriber Terry Phillips says he saw numerous trophy mule deer bucks each day during a hunt in southern Alberta last November. He hunted with Kelly Kerner and Mike O'Donnal of Oldman River Outfitters (403-345-2163) and reports killing a 180-class buck and missing a shot at what he estimates was a 215 B & C buck. Phillips hunted an area between Medicine Hat and the borders of Montana and Saskatchewan. He says the outfitters have access to several 100,000 acres there, and he reports seeing bucks from 150 to 170 B & C every day.
Phillips says the trophy quality is so good because it is a draw area for Alberta residents, who typically apply for six years before getting a permit. Also, coyote hunting is very popular, so the predator numbers are kept under control. Phillips has hunted there for the past three years and plans to return. In only four days of hunting this past November he says he saw 50 bucks, with four that would score from 189 to 215 B & C. Phillips says he has hunted Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico and other western states and has never seen as many mule deer or as many trophy bucks as he did in this area.
The key to taking one of the big bruisers, however, is to hike in several miles from the road. He says lots of hunters kill 160- to 170-class bucks close to the road, but the real trophies require some effort. He says he has walked up to 10 miles in one day to get on a super buck. The terrain is mostly rolling hills with some brushy ravines and light timber in the higher areas, so he says anyone in decent shape should be able to do this hunt.
Phillips gives the outfitters an excellent rating. Accommodations were in the guides' home, about an hour's drive from the hunt area. He gives a cost of $5,000 for the hunt. |
