Greatest Mule Deer Hunter of all time?

Definitely Jason Carter who's still in his 40's. He has over 20 bucks over 200" and he's primarily DIY. I know at least one was over 250".
 
Thomas Baker is killing Monsters while dodging the Cartel, that takes balls and he’s been around a lot of big Deer.
 
Delta said:
You have all lost your damn minds. There are those who do give a **** about scores. I know 2 men, one is my dad. The other has more 30” mule deer than any man I know. These men don’t care scores. I knew Doyle when he finished concrete. He is a kind man period.
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He's solely responsible for the disease that is Utah hunting.

Kind, nice, or whatever, his business model is a cancer.
 
the story I read about the state record typical elk in montana, if I remember correctly, the antler were left behind until a friend went and got them. There was a time when the body weight was the trophy, just imagine the deer antlers tossed out over the years, just imagine the poached deer that never made it into a book or magazine. I bet the best deer hunter was a semi truck
 
wildfin said:
the story I read about the state record typical elk in montana, if I remember correctly, the antler were left behind until a friend went and got them. There was a time when the body weight was the trophy, just imagine the deer antlers tossed out over the years, just imagine the poached deer that never made it into a book or magazine. I bet the best deer hunter was a semi truck
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That semi route would be from Heber to the Basin…
 
Who was the dude that used to make those amazing videos on the pauns in Utah and Arizona border. He sat a couple diff waterholes for a month in the rut filming giant buck after giant buck. I think it was in the early 90 s he did this.
Giant after giant coming into water.
Anyone remember that dudes name.
I watched his video over and over and over , there were so many giants coming into those tanks.
 
Good question. I bet there a lot of sleepers out there that have taken some great trophies. Reading the answers some have given put an emphasis on big bucks and others talk about the guy that hunts without guides and finds his animals. I don't believe there is a correct answer as most have an opinion on what makes a great hunter. Just my thought
 
Aceman said:
Good question. I bet there a lot of sleepers out there that have taken some great trophies. Reading the answers some have given put an emphasis on big bucks and others talk about the guy that hunts without guides and finds his animals. I don't believe there is a correct answer as most have an opinion on what makes a great hunter. Just my thought
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Wouldn't the guide actually be the better hunter?

There's a lot of great muley hunters just in the town I live in that absolutely don't show off their bucks but have big collections of bucks exceeding 200". I have a nice collection, but some of these guys blow me out of the water!

The best muley hunter might be someone none of us have ever heard of!
 
I agree that the celebrity guided hunts or those who hunt only where the biggest bucks are and using fame and money to get to them is not going to buy my vote.
 
I honestly think the best mule deer hunters dont have the trophies hanging on their own walls. Think about people you know that can consistently put people on trophy class deer no matter the unit. But they themselves cannot draw, or buy these tags. But they can show up to a unit, and turn up quality deer. Now, greatest of all time, I dont know. But some of the greatest I know, have help others kill big bucks more then themselves.
 
couesmagnet said:
Who was the dude that used to make those amazing videos on the pauns in Utah and Arizona border. He sat a couple diff waterholes for a month in the rut filming giant buck after giant buck. I think it was in the early 90 s he did this.
Giant after giant coming into water.
Anyone remember that dudes name.
I watched his video over and over and over , there were so many giants coming into those tanks.
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Ryan Hatch. I used to watch his videos and was in AWWWWW. Some very cool stuff back in day.


Another one I didnt see, unless I missed it, was Dennis Winch. He killed a few giants in his day.

But one thing aside, for me, whos the best hunter on general tags on public land?
 
I think what a "great hunter" is has changed over the last 30 years.
Today, glassing (great eyes), patience and having the right equipment can make you a great hunter or lots of $$$$$$ (don't get me wrong those folks are not great deer hunters but they kill big bucks). Thirty years ago it was more about what I would call "Technical Hunting" where you had to be really good at entering where the deer live and coming out on top. (both the deer and the hunter used all of their senses to outwit each other. (I prefer 30 years ago as the baseline on who was a great hunter)
 
Robiland said:
Ryan Hatch. I used to watch his videos and was in AWWWWW. Some very cool stuff back in day.


Another one I didnt see, unless I missed it, was Dennis Winch. He killed a few giants in his day.

But one thing aside, for me, whos the best hunter on general tags on public land?
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It wasn’t ryan for sure. I can picture the dude but no name comes to memory. He had dark hair. I don’t think he was famous for killing big deer but more for his videos. They were filmed in the late late 80 ‘s on pauns and kaibab on waterholes.
Someone on here had to have watched those videos. Dude sat waterholes with an old school vhs recorder for a month filming huge bucks. Not hunting just filming.
 
couesmagnet said:
It wasn’t ryan for sure. I can picture the dude but no name comes to memory. He had dark hair. I don’t think he was famous for killing big deer but more for his videos. They were filmed in the late late 80 ‘s on pauns and kaibab on waterholes.
Someone on here had to have watched those videos. Dude sat waterholes with an old school vhs recorder for a month filming huge bucks. Not hunting just filming.
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I believe you might be talking about Sam Carpenter.
The story is he was the man that had turned in Ryan Hatch for poaching when Ryan was young, it turned out to be a great friendship and Ryan credits him for the success that Ryan had with his Muley Crazy series.
I believe there is am old post from around ten years ago that shared some of his photos, and believe you can find his photos on Instagram, but I don't have account so can't tell you forsure.
 
notdonhunting said:
I believe you might be talking about Sam Carpenter.
The story is he was the man that had turned in Ryan Hatch for poaching when Ryan was young, it turned out to be a great friendship and Ryan credits him for the success that Ryan had with his Muley Crazy series.
I believe there is am old post from around ten years ago that shared some of his photos, and believe you can find his photos on Instagram, but I don't have account so can't tell you forsure.
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I think you are right on that. That rings a bell about Sam Carpenter.
 
In my mind I would break it down like this.
1. Method of take. Archery is obviously much harder than other methods so any hunter that gets it done with archery equipment is in a different league.
2. Giant old bucks taken in general season units Do It Yourself style. Areas that have a ton of hunting pressure are much more difficult than private land, or high dollar limited entry or because they have the most money to buy top notch tags or pay high priced outfitters.
3. Harvesting huge bucks in the modern era, even with all the modern tech is probably harder in many ways than what the old timers had in the 60's because there were so many more big bucks around, maybe I'm wrong here?
4. Diversity of terrain. This one I think the guys getting it done in the high country it is just harder than on flat land plains bucks that they get multiple stalk attempts in easy to navigate terrain.

Guys like this guy Mike Hirschi, Sean Morgan, Nate Simmons, Founder, Wes Hogan, and a few others they are like the Michael Jordans mule deer hunting. Much of what they do can be learned but much of it can't, they are something special, a notch above, stuff that can't be taught, instincts, drive, competetiveness, talent, high levels of skill. I honestly marvel at how they do it sometimes, unreal.
 
FairweatherHTR said:
In my mind I would break it down like this.
1. Method of take. Archery is obviously much harder than other methods so any hunter that gets it done with archery equipment is in a different league.
2. Giant old bucks taken in general season units Do It Yourself style. Areas that have a ton of hunting pressure are much more difficult than private land, or high dollar limited entry or because they have the most money to buy top notch tags or pay high priced outfitters.
3. Harvesting huge bucks in the modern era, even with all the modern tech is probably harder in many ways than what the old timers had in the 60's because there were so many more big bucks around, maybe I'm wrong here?
4. Diversity of terrain. This one I think the guys getting it done in the high country it is just harder than on flat land plains bucks that they get multiple stalk attempts in easy to navigate terrain.

Guys like this guy Mike Hirschi, Sean Morgan, Nate Simmons, Founder, Wes Hogan, and a few others they are like the Michael Jordans mule deer hunting. Much of what they do can be learned but much of it can't, they are something special, a notch above, stuff that can't be taught, instincts, drive, competetiveness, talent, high levels of skill. I honestly marvel at how they do it sometimes, unreal.
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Regarding certain individuals being the Michael Jordan’s of mule deer hunting.

The Michael Jordan that entered MLB wasn’t the same MJ that he was 15 years later. He had the same genetics, he had the same personality, the same drive, the same natural athleticism, etc etc. What he gained over the 15 years was new muscle memory, new knowledge, greater under standing of what his body can do as well what his opponent could do.

Hunters that start early in life and commit greater and great time and continually build on experiences are almost always going to be better hunters than those of us that don’t.
 
2lumpy said:
Regarding certain individuals being the Michael Jordan’s of mule deer hunting.

The Michael Jordan that entered MLB wasn’t the same MJ that he was 15 years later. He had the same genetics, he had the same personality, the same drive, the same natural athleticism, etc etc. What he gained over the 15 years was new muscle memory, new knowledge, greater under standing of what his body can do as well what his opponent could do.

Hunters that start early in life and commit greater and great time and continually build on experiences are almost always going to be better hunters than those of us that don’t.
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100% You see the Jordans learn to be wiser players and instead of jumping over people they learn to take smarter jump shots where you won't get hurt etc. In the hunting world the wiser hunter instead of hiking more miles will spend more time behind the glass or at the water hole or setting up more cameras in the early season etc. to hunt smarter. It is fascinating at whatever the sport is in life the winners seem to find a way to succeed and there are levels to the game just like everything.
 
Definitely none of the TV personalities. I know a local guy in Meeker that kills big bucks every year with his long bow along with big bulls and bears. He gets my vote.
 
I don't think there is a way to determine who was the greatest mule deer hunter of all time. Different time periods required different skills.

Some of the old mountain men and native Americans would put any modern hunter to shame with their outdoor skills.

There were some very skilled mule deer hunters back in the glory days of the 50's and 60's that many people don't know about. Grover Browning comes to mind. He killed a 300"+ nontypical and two other giant nontypical bucks in a 4 year period about 60 years ago. I talked to his grandson about his bucks. He had to be a very skilled hunter to pull off 3 giant deer in 4 years.

If you let any number of modern hunters go back in time and hunt with modern equipment in the 50's and 60's, they would easily kill more big bucks than anyone has ever.


Currently the hunters that are most successful at tagging multiple big bucks have a few things in common.
#1 $$$ It costs money to be a modern mule deer hunter. (You are much more effective if you can afford quality optics, other quality hunting equipment, quality tags, enough extra $$$ you can take significant time off work) You don't have to be in the top 1% income but lack of $$ significantly limits many hunters from killing big bucks. In my teens and 20's I would have been much more effective at killing big bucks if I had the $$ I do now. With enough $$, it is very possible to kill 2-3 B&C mule deer every year. $$ doesn't make you a great hunter in my opinion but it can put giant antlers on your wall.
#2 Time to hunt (some substitute extra $$ for guides/helpers/premium tags)
#3 Drive - hunters that are consistently killing big bucks have a burning desire to hunt big bucks. Many hunters don't have the drive to hunt in uncomfortable conditions and make sacrifices in other areas of their lives to hunt big bucks. Robby Denning explained it well in his book, it isn't alway "fun" hunting big bucks. You need that drive to keep you going.
#4 Good physical shape (you can use $$ to assist with this but a hunter that is in poor physical shape is at a severe disadvantage)
 
BrianID said:
I don't think there is a way to determine who was the greatest mule deer hunter of all time. Different time periods required different skills.

Some of the old mountain men and native Americans would put any modern hunter to shame with their outdoor skills.

There were some very skilled mule deer hunters back in the glory days of the 50's and 60's that many people don't know about. Grover Browning comes to mind. He killed a 300"+ nontypical and two other giant nontypical bucks in a 4 year period about 60 years ago. I talked to his grandson about his bucks. He had to be a very skilled hunter to pull off 3 giant deer in 4 years.

If you let any number of modern hunters go back in time and hunt with modern equipment in the 50's and 60's, they would easily kill more big bucks than anyone has ever.


Currently the hunters that are most successful at tagging multiple big bucks have a few things in common.
#1 $$$ It costs money to be a modern mule deer hunter. (You are much more effective if you can afford quality optics, other quality hunting equipment, quality tags, enough extra $$$ you can take significant time off work) You don't have to be in the top 1% income but lack of $$ significantly limits many hunters from killing big bucks. In my teens and 20's I would have been much more effective at killing big bucks if I had the $$ I do now. With enough $$, it is very possible to kill 2-3 B&C mule deer every year. $$ doesn't make you a great hunter in my opinion but it can put giant antlers on your wall.
#2 Time to hunt (some substitute extra $$ for guides/helpers/premium tags)
#3 Drive - hunters that are consistently killing big bucks have a burning desire to hunt big bucks. Many hunters don't have the drive to hunt in uncomfortable conditions and make sacrifices in other areas of their lives to hunt big bucks. Robby Denning explained it well in his book, it isn't alway "fun" hunting big bucks. You need that drive to keep you going.
#4 Good physical shape (you can use $$ to assist with this but a hunter that is in poor physical shape is at a severe disadvantage)
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The same principles apply to the best of all disciplines. The Olympic bests are on display right now…….. and the old bests accomplishments are consciously getting bested by new bests. However new knowledge and new tools used today make the comparisons nearly impossible. It’s always a game of…….. what if’s.

Makes for good conversations around the campfire but there is never going to be an undisputed “all time best” for anything or anyone.
 
BrianID said:
I don't think there is a way to determine who was the greatest mule deer hunter of all time. Different time periods required different skills.

Some of the old mountain men and native Americans would put any modern hunter to shame with their outdoor skills.

There were some very skilled mule deer hunters back in the glory days of the 50's and 60's that many people don't know about. Grover Browning comes to mind. He killed a 300"+ nontypical and two other giant nontypical bucks in a 4 year period about 60 years ago. I talked to his grandson about his bucks. He had to be a very skilled hunter to pull off 3 giant deer in 4 years.

If you let any number of modern hunters go back in time and hunt with modern equipment in the 50's and 60's, they would easily kill more big bucks than anyone has ever.


Currently the hunters that are most successful at tagging multiple big bucks have a few things in common.
#1 $$$ It costs money to be a modern mule deer hunter. (You are much more effective if you can afford quality optics, other quality hunting equipment, quality tags, enough extra $$$ you can take significant time off work) You don't have to be in the top 1% income but lack of $$ significantly limits many hunters from killing big bucks. In my teens and 20's I would have been much more effective at killing big bucks if I had the $$ I do now. With enough $$, it is very possible to kill 2-3 B&C mule deer every year. $$ doesn't make you a great hunter in my opinion but it can put giant antlers on your wall.
#2 Time to hunt (some substitute extra $$ for guides/helpers/premium tags)
#3 Drive - hunters that are consistently killing big bucks have a burning desire to hunt big bucks. Many hunters don't have the drive to hunt in uncomfortable conditions and make sacrifices in other areas of their lives to hunt big bucks. Robby Denning explained it well in his book, it isn't alway "fun" hunting big bucks. You need that drive to keep you going.
#4 Good physical shape (you can use $$ to assist with this but a hunter that is in poor physical shape is at a severe disadvantage)
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Accurate. Money and time first and second drive 3rd I agree 100%. If we all had unlimited time and money I doubt a 200" mule deer would walk the earth
 
IMG_0883.jpeg
 
The guy that does his own scouting, hunts a lone but gets helps to get the animal out., Hunts with a standard rife with a modern scope. Doesn't own a ATV, trail cam, but does own a range finder. If you looked at his trophy room, probably doesn't keep all the antlers, but horns he keeps , probably in his garage, you will find some pretty impressive trophies. He eats what he kills. Do you know anyone like that who fits the description? I don't
 
elkhunterUT said:
JJ is living the life for sure - good for him!!

That is an awesome buck!
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I remember the first time I ever saw JJ on a video, or even hearing of the guy. He was on one of Ryan Hatch's first muley crazy videos. Killed a 200" typical in Mexico and you could tell he was overwhelmed with joy. I hope he's still like that. Of course that was many, many 200"ers ago 🤣
 
I personally think that Jason Carter is currently the best MuleDeer Hunter who’s DIY. Clay Bundy or Ryan Hatch are the guys that have guided guys to the most 200s. I think Clay Hill is the one of the best up and coming guys. There’s many ways you can look at it?
 
DeerAddiction4 said:
I personally think that Jason Carter is currently the best MuleDeer Hunter who’s DIY. Clay Bundy or Ryan Hatch are the guys that have guided guys to the most 200s. I think Clay Hill is the one of the best up and coming guys. There’s many ways you can look at it?
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Jason has undoubtedly killed some incredible mule deer… Take away fan boys who’d sell their grandma for 15 seconds of social media fame, then let’s see what he’s done… Don’t get me wrong I’m not hating on him just stating my opinion…
 
There is a guy who frequents this website who scouts more days than most guides and consistently kills big bucks. His dedication to finding deer is amazing. To me it’s the guy who doesn’t posse hunt, hunts public land, and consistently kills upper end bucks.

I think I could kill a big buck if I owned the Hill ranch. I really doesn’t think that takes the skill I see some of the DIY guys have. I am knocking Hill at all, I just think the lone wolf public land guy that consistently kills 200 is much more impressive than private land or guided hunts. That’s just my opinion and I have no problem with guides or private land hunts.

Greg Krogh is a guide I am impressed with finding some giants in NV on public land.
 
ihunt4200 said:
HUSH & Cameron Hanes? How dare you list those guys with some of the greats. That’s some major disrespect. Hopefully you find the real answers your looking for. There’s a lot of great people and points being listed- learn from this post. And know the that those idiots are not even in the top 100 of Mule Deer Hunters let alone the “best of all time” I’m going with Carter, Moss and Hatch. The decades speak for themselves.
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He threw Brandon Tyndall out there too who pays a lot of money to people to kill him big deer.
 

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