Lets say you won the mule deer supertag

T

Timberhunter

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Got a pretty special phone call this morning and won the supertag for mule deer. Obv just starting research etc but if you had this tag in your pocket what direction are you heading? is it 128 or bust or are there better choices I need to be looking at? Would rather DIY this one, I'm not the guided hunt type. Will have some helpers on hand and have western hunted a bunch. Appreciate any and all suggestions and will def update the thread afterwards.
 
Congrats!! Good thing you answered that call :ROFLMAO:

Hope you have an amazing experience and share some of it with all of us!! (y)
 
What do you want? 128 is where I would be not because it is the biggest deer, but because the later season and rut is insane. Son and I went up last year in one evening we never left the truck never even glassed and saw over 60 bucks. None were just huge but some were definitely pushing the 160-170 range. Weather was a little dry and the deer were late getting to the unit, but in the one evening we saw a ton of bucks, big horn sheep, lopes, elk, etc.

Now if you are an archery hunter and have just an insane amount of time to scout, look, etc. There are some other units that will likely turn up a bigger deer, but the concentrations are way lower and the work to find them will be significantly higher... DIY with family friends, and 128 is where I am heading. If I am retired and have the ability to hunt all archery and the full rifle and have all summer to scout I am looking at 101, 102 type of units.
 
Congrats on the draw. Yep, you either have a treasure, or a curse!! First you have to have realistic expectations and decide what you will be happy with. How much time do you have available, and how much money are you willing to spend chasing your dream? If it were me, I would concentrate on Region G or H early (149 especially along the wilderness), 130 (late in Oct) then roll right over to 128 in November. Good luck!!
 
elks96 said:
What do you want? 128 is where I would be not because it is the biggest deer, but because the later season and rut is insane. Son and I went up last year in one evening we never left the truck never even glassed and saw over 60 bucks. None were just huge but some were definitely pushing the 160-170 range. Weather was a little dry and the deer were late getting to the unit, but in the one evening we saw a ton of bucks, big horn sheep, lopes, elk, etc.

Now if you are an archery hunter and have just an insane amount of time to scout, look, etc. There are some other units that will likely turn up a bigger deer, but the concentrations are way lower and the work to find them will be significantly higher... DIY with family friends, and 128 is where I am heading. If I am retired and have the ability to hunt all archery and the full rifle and have all summer to scout I am looking at 101, 102 type of units.
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you kind of nailed it here with what I want. I still have max points for mule deer in Wyoming as well with my brother. My dad is getting up there in age and he will be coming with us on this hunt, I want to have one good mule deer hunt with him in tow so I'm leaning towards 128 late hunt. Yes I'd love to kill a 190-200" deer but would be just as happy with a stud 165-170 if he is with us. I'm not the guided type hunter so that's out too. I will have my brother, one of my best friends and my old man in on this hunt. I have a New Mexico elk landowner tag first week of october and I don't have that much time for the scouting and archery side of things with that hunt as well.
 
Blank said:
Congrats on the draw. Yep, you either have a treasure, or a curse!! First you have to have realistic expectations and decide what you will be happy with. How much time do you have available, and how much money are you willing to spend chasing your dream? If it were me, I would concentrate on Region G or H early (149 especially along the wilderness), 130 (late in Oct) then roll right over to 128 in November. Good luck!!
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I wish I had that kind of time, commission based career so that makes it tough with other hunts.
 
Sounds like you have realistic plans and goals. I would take a family experience over score anyway! G and H both will be mid-Sept and beautiful Fall camping. You don't have to go to the highest peak, or darkest canyons to find deer. If you decide to try later in the year, the recs for 130 are founded on big bucks, late season close to rut, and very few other hunters (15). 128 is the most fun you can have with clothes on, if you like looking at deer!! As it progresses thru the season, they just get dumber and dumber. With a little help, and a driver you can get away from the roads and walk the breaks and get picked up somewhere. Every year in 128 there are some solid 180" deer killed, and usually one or two that will break 200". Here's one my friend took a couple years ago.

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Blank said:
Congrats on the draw. Yep, you either have a treasure, or a curse!! First you have to have realistic expectations and decide what you will be happy with. How much time do you have available, and how much money are you willing to spend chasing your dream? If it were me, I would concentrate on Region G or H early (149 especially along the wilderness), 130 (late in Oct) then roll right over to 128 in November. Good luck!!
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I stand corrected. It does appear that he could hunt anywhere in the state for the entire time. I thought he had to pick a unit. But not on the super tag... From the website...


Raffle winners will be able to hunt any open area for the species selected except for moose (areas with 10 or fewer licenses are restricted), bighorn sheep (areas with eight or fewer licenses are restricted) and wild bison (areas with 10 or fewer licenses are restricted).
 
elks96 said:
What do you want? 128 is where I would be not because it is the biggest deer, but because the later season and rut is insane. Son and I went up last year in one evening we never left the truck never even glassed and saw over 60 bucks. None were just huge but some were definitely pushing the 160-170 range. Weather was a little dry and the deer were late getting to the unit, but in the one evening we saw a ton of bucks, big horn sheep, lopes, elk, etc.

Now if you are an archery hunter and have just an insane amount of time to scout, look, etc. There are some other units that will likely turn up a bigger deer, but the concentrations are way lower and the work to find them will be significantly higher... DIY with family friends, and 128 is where I am heading. If I am retired and have the ability to hunt all archery and the full rifle and have all summer to scout I am looking at 101, 102 type of units.
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Too bad you'll most likely never draw it because of your beloved random draw I can about guarantee you'll grow to hate it after you've been here a while. Take a seat and settle in
 
I think you'll eventually end up in a good place. Too bad it wasn't the late 90s, you'd be picken in high cotton!

Good luck!
 
Bookhead said:
Your gonna need a new credit card just for gas money on a usual day scouting 1 area in the red desert I put about 400 miles on
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While I'm no expert in Wyoming I have been there a few times, and you have nailed it. My pickup is rolling 93,000 miles and i'm thinking im gonna have 7k more just looking for a damn goat.
 
I watched the Super tag hunter shoot his deer last year in October. Didn't know it was the super tag until we talked with them later.

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Some good Threads to search and read thru on 128

128-1 Wyoming 2020 | Mule Deer

I drew the 128-1 in Dubois, WY and wondered if anyone is out there with some experience with that hunt that would be willing to point me the right direction. I live in Wyoming about 3 hours from the area and have driven through there in November enough to get excited about the number of deer...
www.monstermuleys.info www.monstermuleys.info

Robb
 
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Depends on how much time you have. There are few big mule bucks in that 101 low country not a lot of deer however, I would start there and then 128 in November. Lots of places and options for you. Congrats on the lucky draw !!!!
 
Congrats on the good fortune! Hope you can find a hammer of a buck! The Dubois area is a magical place in November, and 130 would certainly warrant a look. Area 102 is a shell of its former self.....I'd wager a guy could find better bucks hunting the HMA's in region K than what's available south of Rock Springs these days.
 
In response to S of Rock Springs. They are still out there, not nearly as easy as cruising around 128 in November however. Just when you think there is nothing but pronghorn out there, you find a 180 plus.
 
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Bookhead said:
Too bad you'll most likely never draw it because of your beloved random draw I can about guarantee you'll grow to hate it after you've been here a while. Take a seat and settle in
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HAHA. I may or may not. But yes the random is the single best method of tag allocation. You can keep your point right up next to your head. Only fools believe that points will matter. Right now there are 128 years of points in Utah, in WY, the NR have over 40 years worth of points. Ever single point system ends up in the same place. The best bet is to keep the random draw. Either way nice attempt at virtue signaling.
 
Some of my fondest memories have been created between G and H. My success rate on mature, 180+ bucks have been about 35% and good/great physical shape is a must. I definitely wouldn’t overlook them if time permits however your late hunts would still be my focus if time isn’t one your side.

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liecabucks said:
Some of my fondest memories have been created between G and H. My success rate on mature, 180+ bucks have been about 35% and good/great physical shape is a must. I definitely wouldn’t overlook them if time permits however your late hunts would still be my focus if time isn’t one your side.

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Some studs right there. My time is limited so I’m planning on dumping it all in the late season, last week of Oct in one unit (if weather materializes) and spending till the end of the season in another unit if need be. 25/27 days away from home and work is pushing it but I think that’s my best opportunity to find the one. Even with max points good chance I’ll never get drawn for those again.
 
If you were going to hunt unit 130 the last 5-7 days of the season (weather dependent) Where would you stay? Tent it or are there any hotels close with gas/food options close?
 
The real answer is it depends on weather. It can be beautiful or it could be the middle of winter at that time. I would have my camping gear with me, so I could spend a night or two if I found something interesting, and head back for a hot shower and comfy bed in town, if needed. Plenty of restaurants and lodging in Pinedale, and you are about 1-1 1/2 hours from all the unit. There is good gas and snacks at Farson, and a Sinclair gas at Eden.
 
Timberhunter said:
If you were going to hunt unit 130 the last 5-7 days of the season (weather dependent) Where would you stay? Tent it or are there any hotels close with gas/food options close?
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I think blank nailed it. The type of tent would be a big factor as well. There is a chance that late October we can get real nasty storms and a lot of cold and snow. If I recall on the hunt Randy had it was in the negative on his hunts. I would second the Idea for 130 that Pinedale is likely the best place, but also that Lander itself is not super far away either. The only problem with staying in Lander is taking south pass... IT can often be nasty and closed due to high winds and snow. For that reason I would plan on staying in Pinedale. Pinedale has everything you would need for food gas, etc. As mentioned Farson has a gas station, it also has the ice cream shop and they have some limited food options, pizza, sandwiches, usually chili or a soup, etc. Decent food but not anything to brag about. Depending on what part of the unit you hunt and where you camp it is possible that Lander would be closer, but I feel that camping in the unit in late October can be risky alot of the unit is open barren and gets wind so even a small storm can make big drifts and access really rough.

Blank is definitely an expert around Dubois.
 
If you hunt 130 do not hug the mountains like all the other hunters. Go way out in the rolling sagebrush. You’ll be surprised what you find south of the prospects. Also please respect the private land in the area. It’s not posted and many people assume it’s all public.
 
Blank said:
The real answer is it depends on weather. It can be beautiful or it could be the middle of winter at that time. I would have my camping gear with me, so I could spend a night or two if I found something interesting, and head back for a hot shower and comfy bed in town, if needed. Plenty of restaurants and lodging in Pinedale, and you are about 1-1 1/2 hours from all the unit. There is good gas and snacks at Farson, and a Sinclair gas at Eden.
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Thanks Blank
 
elks96 said:
I think blank nailed it. The type of tent would be a big factor as well. There is a chance that late October we can get real nasty storms and a lot of cold and snow. If I recall on the hunt Randy had it was in the negative on his hunts. I would second the Idea for 130 that Pinedale is likely the best place, but also that Lander itself is not super far away either. The only problem with staying in Lander is taking south pass... IT can often be nasty and closed due to high winds and snow. For that reason I would plan on staying in Pinedale. Pinedale has everything you would need for food gas, etc. As mentioned Farson has a gas station, it also has the ice cream shop and they have some limited food options, pizza, sandwiches, usually chili or a soup, etc. Decent food but not anything to brag about. Depending on what part of the unit you hunt and where you camp it is possible that Lander would be closer, but I feel that camping in the unit in late October can be risky alot of the unit is open barren and gets wind so even a small storm can make big drifts and access really rough.

Blank is definitely an expert around Dubois.
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appreciate it
 
Timberhunter said:
Some studs right there. My time is limited so I’m planning on dumping it all in the late season, last week of Oct in one unit (if weather materializes) and spending till the end of the season in another unit if need be. 25/27 days away from home and work is pushing it but I think that’s my best opportunity to find the one. Even with max points good chance I’ll never get drawn for those again.
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Leica can kill big deer anywhere.
 
liecabucks said:
Some of my fondest memories have been created between G and H. My success rate on mature, 180+ bucks have been about 35% and good/great physical shape is a must. I definitely wouldn’t overlook them if time permits however your late hunts would still be my focus if time isn’t one your side.

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Big deer killer in the house! Never gets old looking at those beautiful pictures!!
 
Lets talk boots for a minute. I don't have any late season boots. Would a pair of crispi's like the wild rock gtx suffice? I need a boot in EE or wide. Would like to keep it $500 or under. Before I knew that I won this tag I had already put a deposit down on a new custom 6.5 prc and was committed to that so I'm trying to keep buying new gear to a minimum. I have most late season clothes etc, need to get a couple things but a good pair of late season boots is what I 100% need.
 
Timberhunter said:
Lets talk boots for a minute. I don't have any late season boots. Would a pair of crispi's like the wild rock gtx suffice? I need a boot in EE or wide. Would like to keep it $500 or under. Before I knew that I won this tag I had already put a deposit down on a new custom 6.5 prc and was committed to that so I'm trying to keep buying new gear to a minimum. I have most late season clothes etc, need to get a couple things but a good pair of late season boots is what I 100% need.
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What do you use now for late season hunts? Do your feet get cold easy? 400 grams of insulation should be fine for November in Wyoming. As far as brand that’s up to you and what your feet like.

I use Lowa tibets in AK year round. Same boot whether it’s 70 out to below zero. My feet are tough though. I’m not endorsing Lowa but it was a long road for me to find the perfect boot. Boots are a tough one.

Good luck!
 
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Kenetrek Mountain Extremes are good ones, I have the 400 gram and will not wear them if it will be much above freezing because they are really warm. I would plan on two boots, cold weather 8/10 inch and then some well built hikers if its in the 40/50s Boots are such a personnel thing, fit and how your feet handle cold varies so much. You have time find a place that will let you try some on if possible and then get some miles on them, at least 50 or so to get them broke in.
 
Lowa Baffin Pro's here. My son that is the wildland firefighter spends 14 hours a day, 250 days a year in his, and made me get a pair. Amazing boot, best one I've ever had. Like SS said, the Lowa Tibet GTX is a great boot, and if your feet get cold just up your game to the Tibet SuperWarm GTX.
 
I am current running these... With a decent sock they are good down to about -10F before I start to notice them getting cold. I got them on sell and had an additional 10% off. So I paid just under $290 for the pair... 2 years and about 90 days in them and they are holding up well...

Honestly I have wore them during the summer as well and they are comfortable and not too hot when the temps are below 80.... Around 90 they get pretty hot and uncomfortable.

www.scheels.com

Men's Crispi West River 2.0 Boots

SCHEELS.com
www.scheels.com www.scheels.com
 
SS! said:
What do you use now for late season hunts? Do your feet get cold easy? 400 grams of insulation should be fine for November in Wyoming. As far as brand that’s up to you and what your feet like.

I use Lowa tibets in AK year round. Same boot whether it’s 70 out to below zero. My feet are tough though. I’m not endorsing Lowa but it was a long road for me to find the perfect boot. Boots are a tough one.

Good luck!
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I don't really hunt late season, this will be a first. I plan on doing more of it in the future though. Unfortunately Lowas do not fit my feet for nothing.
 
wweaver79 said:
Kenetrek Mountain Extremes are good ones, I have the 400 gram and will not wear them if it will be much above freezing because they are really warm. I would plan on two boots, cold weather 8/10 inch and then some well built hikers if its in the 40/50s Boots are such a personnel thing, fit and how your feet handle cold varies so much. You have time find a place that will let you try some on if possible and then get some miles on them, at least 50 or so to get them broke in.
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Same deal with Kennetreks when I tried them in the past, they don't fit me well at all. I have a mid height pair of hikers if the weather isn't too bad . Down here in south east Tx, there isn't many places to go to get good mountain boots or try them on, the selection is dismal, I need to get some online and return if they don't fit. Starting the process early. I may not be able to afford the fuel to get to Wyoming at the current rate though.
 
elks96 said:
I am current running these... With a decent sock they are good down to about -10F before I start to notice them getting cold. I got them on sell and had an additional 10% off. So I paid just under $290 for the pair... 2 years and about 90 days in them and they are holding up well...

Honestly I have wore them during the summer as well and they are comfortable and not too hot when the temps are below 80.... Around 90 they get pretty hot and uncomfortable.

www.scheels.com

Men's Crispi West River 2.0 Boots

SCHEELS.com
www.scheels.com www.scheels.com
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Wish they came in EE. don't understand why they don't make wide sizes in some boots.
 
Timberhunter said:
Wish they came in EE. don't understand why they don't make wide sizes in some boots.
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Crispi boots are built a little wider then most from what I've gathered I have a pair of wyoming gtx 2's un insulated and I've been wearing them all winter with gaiters I've been wearing them all year for 2 years but I've worn them out finally I've had kennetreks their good but shrink up pretty bad if you don't keep them oiled. Either way I'd get a good pair of gaiters to go with whatever boot you choose I like outdoor research gaiters but their are a few good brands
 
Asolo are hard to beat and they have a wide in a couple styles. I wear good socks and my feet don't get cold. Here is a link to wide styles and you can get $100 off ---
https://www.sierra.com/mens-boots~d~137/asolo~b~1120/sizefamily~width!w/

As for the deer- Wyoming Limited areas are more there to protect fragile deer herds or to hunt deer not very accessible during the general seasons. I'd not put too many eggs in the 128 basket.
 
Packout said:
Asolo are hard to beat and they have a wide in a couple styles. I wear good socks and my feet don't get cold. Here is a link to wide styles and you can get $100 off ---
https://www.sierra.com/mens-boots~d~137/asolo~b~1120/sizefamily~width!w/

As for the deer- Wyoming Limited areas are more there to protect fragile deer herds or to hunt deer not very accessible during the general seasons. I'd not put too many eggs in the 128 basket.
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128 is going to be my back up plan if needed unless there is no early weather for 15-31st season. If that’s the case all my eggs will be in one basket. Is what it is, I’d be up there the whole season starting in September if I could but that’s not possible for me.
 
Timberhunter said:
Does anyone live around the Greybull/Worland/ten Sleep area? Would like to talk to someone to see if I'm missing something.
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I've spent quite a bit of time in that country, I don't live there. You're not missing anything in that part of the state with the tag you have, and yes I know about the new seasons
 
Of course that's opinion you may find differing ones that's just from what I've seen being up there that time of year
 
128 here you come. That will be a thrill that will be hard to beat. Good luck and share your success
 
Seems like a couple guys here on MM have 128 tags. Wish you all luck and don’t forget pictures. I would like to have a preview before Blank does his photo write up. ??
 

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