Arizona Mule Deer Guides & Outfitters
Desert Mule Deer Hunts
We
also offer hunting packages for Arizona Mule Deer. We often hunt
mule deer from the middle of the State southward to the Mexican
border with the closest major city being Tucson. The desert sub-species
of mule deer lives only in the southern
portions of Arizona. Southern Arizona mule deer bucks do
not typically have much record book potential, but they can offer a
unique and exciting desert hunting experience. A typical mature desert mule
deer buck might have a rack sporting a spread of 18-25 inches and
have 3 to 5 points per side. The largest bucks are seen during the
January rut period when it is archery-only season.
Our guides have mastered the techniques and have done their scouting homework so that our hunters see a significant number of deer, considering it is the desert. Our hunting style is the spot and stalk method. We hike to a good vantage point where a couple square miles can be seen at one time. Most of our mule deer hunting is done with our eyes through tripod-mounted 15X binoculars and big spotting scopes. Once a good mule deer buck is spotted, we make our move from the vantage point for the final stalk. The terrain is very open, therefore rifle shots are usually over 250 yards and archery shots might exceed 50 yards. There may be a great deal of hiking involved, so hunters are encouraged to condition themselves before arriving.
Our rifle mule deer season is typically one week in late October and one week in mid November. Rifle season desert mule deer hunts are up to 4 days in duration. Rifle Season Tags are on a draw basis, but typically fair odds of drawing the tag.
Our archery mule deer hunts are conducted during January (during the peak of the rut). Since we hunt open terrain, expect archery shots to range from 30 to 60 yards. The further you can shoot with a bow accurately, the higher your chances for success. Archery hunts are 5 days and can be combined with javelina as an added bonus, provided you apply for a javelina tag. Archery deer tags are over the counter.
Opportunities have been 100% for rifle mule deer hunts and rut archery mule deer hunts!
Licenses and Seasons
Rifle tags are by a Lottery Draw System with an online application process in May through June. The Desert species has good draw odds. Archery desert deer tags are over the counter. If you are interested in a hunt, contact us as soon as possible since spaces fill fast.
Hunting license fees: $37.00(Res) and $160.00(NR)
Deer Tag Fees: $58 (Res) and $315 (NonRes)
Our Archery Season Dates: January 1-31, 2019 for Rut Archery Desert Mule Deer
Our Rifle Season Dates: November 1-7, 2019 for the 1st Rifle Desert Mule Deer Season and November 15-21, 2019 for the second rifle mule deer season.
2019 RATES
for
Desert Mule Deer Hunts
| Mule Deer Hunt Options | # Days | RATE |
| Rifle Desert Mule Deer (2 on 1) | 4* | $2,800.00/person |
| Rifle Desert Mule Deer (1 on 1) | 4* | $3,200.00/person |
| Archery Deer/Javelina Combo (2 on 1) | 5* | $2,800.00/person |
| Archery Deer/Javelina Combo (1 on 1) | 5* | $3,200.00/person |
Choose a "Hunter to Guide Ratio" of either 1-on-1 or 2-on-1. The 1 on 1 rate means one hunter per guide. The 2 on 1 rate means two hunters per guide. If choosing 2 on 1, you must bring the other hunter to share the guide with.
Description of Mule Deer Hunts
Rifle Mule Deer Hunts: Includes accommodations (tent camps), meals, transportation in field while hunting only, a guide, *up to 4 days of hunting, and many extras. Choose a "Hunter to Guide Ratio" of either 1-on-1 or 2-on-1. The 1 on 1 rate means one hunter per guide. The 2 on 1 rate means two hunters per guide. If choosing 2 on 1, you must bring the other hunter to share the guide with.
* Hunters arrive in camp the day prior to hunting and depart camp about noon on the last day of hunting. Rifle seasons are Friday morning through Monday with hunters meeting us on Thursday. Archery hunts could be any 5 days of the week, depending upon availability. So, it's best if flying hunters arrive in Arizona the evening prior to meeting us (two days before hunting), rent a car from the airport, get a hotel room and we will meet the next day about noon in the hunt area about 1 to 2 hours from the Tucson Airport or 3 to 4 hours from the Phoenix Airport. These are the closest major airports. Flying hunters can follow us to camp with their rental car. Flights should depart the morning after the hunt. More details on the general info page.
Archery Deer/Javelina Combo: This hunt allows January archery deer hunters to have the added bonus of hunting javelina while archery hunting desert mule deer and/or Coues deer. The javelina tag is by draw in September and is optional with the archery deer hunt (we don't charge extra to add on javelina). Includes accommodations (tent camps), meals, transportation in field while hunting only, a guide, and many extras. The hunt is up to 5 days in duration. Choose a "Hunter to Guide Ratio" of either 1-on-1 or 2-on-1. The 1 on 1 rate means one hunter per guide. The 2 on 1 rate means two hunters per guide. If choosing 2 on 1, you must bring the other hunter to share the guide with.
Accommodations:
We use a Southwestern Style outfitter camp which is often located many miles from
civilization. Sleeping quarters are
typically in deluxe outfitter tents. A trailer often serves as the kitchen/mess hall where hunters
gather to eat. If you are looking for a hunt with fancy lodges, this is NOT the hunt for you!
Camps are used because we stay in remote areas. The deluxe
tents consist of either large outfitter canvas tents or Alaknak
tents with heat during the colder months. The size of our tents
are tall and spacious inside; either 10X10, 10X14, or 12x12 and stand
7-9 feet tall. Cots with
thick pads are provided, but all hunters must bring their own sleeping bags. For those that own a camping trailer and would
like to bring it to camp to stay in are more than welcome to do so,
but we cannot discount the hunt any. It must be high
enough for ground clearance on rough dirt roads. Please ask for road
conditions before bringing one.
Additional Information
Archery Mule Deer Hunt Booking Info: Since Archery deer tags are over-the-counter, a minimum 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon signing for an archery deer or combo hunt. The remainder is due 21 days prior. All monies paid are nonrefundable. We recommend cancellation insurance for all of our guests. Visit our policy page for more details.
Rifle Mule Deer Hunt Booking Info: The first step for a rifle season mule deer hunt is to apply for rifle tags and licenses. Hunters must apply for timeframe choices within a given area. The Outfitter will assist in this process. Odds for drawing rifle season desert mule deer tags are good at around 50%. Once drawn, you will sign a contract and submit a 50% deposit. The remaining balance is due at least 21 days prior to the hunt. All monies paid are nonrefundable.We recommend cancellation insurance for all of our guests. Visit our policy page for more details. If you already drew a rifle season deer tag, give us a call or email. A 50% deposit is required for those that already have tags. The remainder is due 21 days prior.
Costs and Considerations that are the hunter's responsibility: Licenses and tags, rental car, butchering, shipping of meat, taxidermy, hotel stay before/after the hunt (if flying). Gratuity for your guide is gladly accepted and is customary (15% is typical).
If you already drew a mule deer tag, give us a call or email to see if we are available. We guide in many parts of southern Arizona. A 50% deposit is required for those that already have tags.
Since Archery deer tags are over the counter, a minimum 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon signing for an archery hunt.
For those that own a camping trailer and would like to bring it to camp to sleep in are more than welcome to do so, but we will not discount the hunt any. It must be high enough to be pulled on rough dirt roads. Please ask for road conditions prior to bringing one.
Space is limited, so book early!!! We usually only accomodate up to six 1-on-1 hunters per camp to keep it a quality hunt.
Non-Hunter Fee: Some hunters like to bring along a buddy to camp and share the experience while they hunt. Invite someone as a non-hunter while on your guided mule deer hunt for a fee of $750.00. Non-hunter space is limited. Based upon Availability.
Be sure you visit our general info page.
Latest Mule Deer Photos
Mike Homola from PA with a nice southern Arizona desert mule deer.
Mark Evans with his southern Arizona desert mule deer.
Eli Fleming with his first mule deer. He shot this desert buck at 258 yards!
Jim Webber from Michigan took this buck with a rifle on our Southern Arizona Desert Mule Deer hunt.
Anthony Ransom from California and Outfitter/Guide Pat Feldt with an Arizona Desert Mule Deer. It was taken during the January rut season using a bow.
Twelve year-old Bryce Hurd with his first deer. He used his Remington Youth Model 7 in .243 caliber.
John Thompson with a Southern Arizona desert mule deer.
