The rugged mountains of Colorado hold some of the finest mule deer hunting in North America. With crisp fall air and golden aspens lining the ridges, the 2024 season had finally arrived. This hunt was about more than just filling a tag—it was about the challenge, the pursuit, and the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.
At first light, we glassed the high country, scanning the steep slopes for movement. The mule deer were there, blending perfectly with the rocky terrain. Hours passed before we spotted him—a big-bodied buck feeding on a windswept ridge, his antlers dark and wide.
The stalk began. Carefully, we moved along the ridgeline, staying low to avoid detection. The mountain wind worked in our favor, carrying our scent away from the deer. After a grueling hour-long approach, we were finally within range. I steadied my rifle, heart pounding, and settled the crosshairs.
Boom! The shot echoed through the mountains. The buck kicked, stumbled, and disappeared into the brush. My pulse raced as we made our way toward the last spot we saw him. After a short track, we found him lying among the sage—an absolute Colorado monarch.
As I knelt beside him, taking in the moment, I felt deep respect for the animal and the land. Colorado’s high country had tested us, but in the end, patience and persistence had paid off.
Back at camp, we celebrated under the starlit sky, sharing stories and reliving the adventure. Mule deer hunting in Colorado isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about the experience, the pursuit, and the wild places that make it all possible. This was a hunt I would never forget.
