Public vs. Private Land Hunting Opportunities
By: Trevor J. Hubbs, Mule Deer Foundation
Hunting mule deer is never just about the hunt. it’s about terrain, weather, and, increasingly, land access. Anyone who has spent time chasing mule deer knows that the difference between public and private land can be night and day. Each offers unique challenges and opportunities, and understanding both is critical if you want to find success every season.
Public Land
Public lands are the backbone of Western hunting. They offer vast landscapes, dramatic scenery, and the chance to chase deer without a neighbor’s permission slip. But with these opportunities comes competition. In popular areas, it’s not uncommon to bump into several other hunters in a single morning. That pressure can push deer deeper into rough terrain or alter their daily movements.
The key to success on public lands is strategy. Scouting using OnX maps, satellite imagery, and even early-season glassing trips can give you a sense of where deer are concentrated. Hunting during low-pressure windows, such as weekday mornings or midweek afternoons, can make a huge difference. And don’t underestimate the value of “edge habitat” or transitional zones between open country and timber, where deer feel secure but still have access to forage.
Public land hunting also teaches patience. The terrain is often more rugged, weather can be less forgiving, and the deer are more wary. But it also develops skills that make you a better hunter overall: spotting subtle sign, reading wind and terrain, and understanding deer behavior under pressure.
Private Land
Private lands, on the other hand, often offer a different kind of advantage. Deer on private ranches tend to follow familiar patterns, and hunters can spend more time learning those patterns without the same level of pressure from other hunters.
At the Mule Deer Foundation, we partner with ranchers and landowners across the West to improve habitat, secure winter range, and even provide regulated access for hunters. These partnerships create a win-win: deer populations benefit from improved forage and safe travel corridors, and hunters gain opportunities they might never find otherwise.
Navigating the Differences
Most hunters today find themselves balancing both worlds. Public lands teach resilience, patience, and adaptability. Private lands offer structure, opportunity, and the chance to see deer thrive in well-managed habitats. For those willing to put in the time and effort, a blended approach works best: scout public land early, understand pressure patterns, and supplement your season with access to private lands where possible.
Mule deer populations don’t recognize property lines, and healthy herds depend on access to both public and private lands. By supporting habitat initiatives, winter range protections, and private land partnerships, hunters are helping ensure that mule deer numbers and hunting opportunities continue to grow. The next time you’re on a ridge glassing for a buck, remember that behind every successful hunt is a combination of strategy, skill, and conservation-minded land stewardship.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of public land pressure or enjoying the controlled access of a private ranch, the ultimate reward is the same: seeing mule deer thrive and knowing you played a small part in their future.
Good Luck!
As always, good luck this fall everyone and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected] and you could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, consider becoming a member of the Mule Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
Trevor Hubbs
Trevor is the Communications Manager and Editor for the Mule Deer Foundation and Blacktail Deer Foundation. He grew up hunting and fishing the Ozark Mountains for quail, ducks, and bucks. Now he goes west for mule deer as often as he can draw a tag.
