Why Eastern Hunters Should Drive Out West for a Mule Deer Hunt
by: Cody Fongemie
For many of us who call the Eastern United States home, hunting often means heading out to familiar spots each fall. Whether to deer woods, duck blinds, or locations passed down through generations. We’ve honed our techniques, know the right time to be there, and have the right gear for the job. But occasionally, while scrolling through photos of impressive animals tagged out west, you may wonder, “Why don’t I do that?”
So, what’s holding you back? Is it the distance or the fear that you won’t have the technical expertise to succeed? In truth, these aren’t great reasons to miss out on an entirely different hunting experience that could provide lifelong memories. Here are some reasons to load up the truck and head out west.
You Can Start Preparing from Your Phone!
One of the main reasons many hunters hesitate to head west is the complexity of applying for tags and drawing a permit. Thankfully, today, numerous websites and resources make it easier than ever to figure out how to apply for tags and buy points for future hunts. These tools provide strategies for maximizing your chances of drawing a coveted tag in the years ahead.
Beyond the logistics of securing a tag, many YouTube videos and online guides can help you learn about the gear you’ll need. Using tools like OnX for e-scouting, you can plan your hunt with detailed maps and know where to go when you arrive. These digital resources have significantly lowered the barrier to entry, giving you more information and making you better prepared when it’s time to load up and head west.
The Beauty and Majesty of the West
Once you’ve researched, secured your tag, and loaded the truck, the journey west is an experience. No matter where you’re coming from, the drive is one of the best parts of the entire adventure. The West offers landscapes that Eastern hunters rarely experience—sweeping mountain views, expansive plains, and unique desert terrain. These diverse landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop for your hunt, making the experience feel like more than just a trip to bag a trophy.
The West is known for its wide-open spaces, offering a sense of isolation and wilderness that is hard to find in the more densely populated East. From Montana’s towering peaks to Arizona’s arid deserts, the region’s natural beauty will leave you in awe, making the hunt feel like just one piece of the larger adventure.
A Different Challenge: Mule Deer vs. Whitetail
One of the most apparent differences between mule deer and their Eastern counterparts, whitetail deer, is their size. Mule deer are larger and often sport impressive antlers that present a thrilling challenge for hunters. While whitetail bucks are masters at hiding in thick woods, mule deer are typically found in more rugged, open terrain, requiring different hunting strategies.
Instead of sitting in a tree stand or blind, mule deer hunting often involves spot-and-stalk techniques—scanning vast landscapes through binoculars and carefully stalking closer to your quarry. This style of hunting requires more stamina and patience. The terrain, with deep canyons and vast prairies, presents challenges, including long hikes and the need to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions.
For Eastern hunters, this tactic shift offers an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and grow as a hunter. You might even find that leaving your bow behind and picking up a bolt-action rifle to sharpen your long-range shooting abilities adds new excitement to the hunt. The challenge of adapting to new terrain and hunting strategies can be a rewarding experience, leading to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.
The Experience as a Whole
Hunting in the West isn’t just about filling a tag but the experience itself. The combination of new strategies, diverse landscapes, and the sheer grandeur of the surroundings makes for an unforgettable adventure. Sure, we head out to hunt to fill the freezer, but it’s the experience, the thrill of the hunt, and the stories shared afterward that we’ll remember most.
It’s not the meat but the memories that stand out. So, gather a few buddies, plan a Western hunt for a few years down the road, and head out for an experience you simply can’t have from your tree stand in Maine. The adventure will be worth it. Load up the truck and drive out west!
Good Luck!
Good luck this Spring and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected]. 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, become a member of the Mule Deer Foundation or Blacktail Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
Cody Fongemie @Fongeinthefield
Born and raised in New England, Cody developed a deep appreciation for American history and adventure from a young age. His love for the outdoors led him to become both an avid outdoorsman and a dedicated writer on related topics. After studying in South Carolina, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he is currently serving. Outside of his military duties, Cody enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and sharing his experiences through his writing. He also works to connect the military community with the outdoors through non-profit initiatives.
