There’s something timeless about a do-it-yourself mule deer hunt. It’s you, a map (or OnX), a tag in your pocket, and a wide sweep of Western horizon that seems to promise both possibility and humility in equal measure. No outfitter, no extraneous comforts, just boot leather, glass, and personal durability. For most of us staffers here, Public land is the only way we get to chase these deer and we take pride in our ability to try somewhere new and find a way to a notched tag. What follows is our line of logic and reasoning behind where we plan to hunt this year culminating in a list of five of the best options for public land, DIY opportunity, and accessible adventure