Wyoming’s mule deer tags offer flexibility in some units, allowing hunters to pursue either mule deer or whitetails. Peyton Spires of 157 Outfitters explained that Wyoming categorizes tags into “general” and “limited entry” types.
“In a lot of units, the general tag, if offered, usually can be used for a shorter season that can take either a whitetail or mule deer buck,” he said. “In our unit, the season is October 1-14 for the general season. That’s the only season we can hunt antlered mule deer. But that tag is also good for whitetails.”
For hunters targeting areas with creeks, mule deer might be the primary focus, but whitetail bucks are also present. This dual-use option allows hunters to decide which species to pursue during the hunt.
Alternatively, there are whitetail-specific tags, which are only valid for whitetails. In areas where 157 Outfitters operates, hunters can pursue Wyoming mule deer from October 1-14 and whitetails from October 1 through November 30. However, these dates vary by unit, so confirming specific regulations is essential.
Mule Deer Hunting: What to Expect
Wyoming mule deer hunting with 157 Outfitters is a spot-and-stalk adventure. Unlike whitetails, which can often be patterned around food sources, mule deer require a more active approach.
“They aren’t really like whitetails, where you can pattern them to a food source as reliably,” Spires said. “We’ll sometimes hunt crops where the deer are feeding into. But our style is to go to an area where we’ve scouted and seen that deer are present. Then, they go to a higher glassing point and sit there and watch.”
In the mornings, mule deer typically leave feeding areas and transition toward bedding locations. The goal is to intercept them along these travel routes or catch them moving.
Afternoon tactics shift to targeting deer as they rise from bedding and move toward feeding areas.
Spires noted that treestand hunting is uncommon. Instead, hunters often use elevated vantage points to glass and spot deer in their surroundings.
“Sometimes, we hunt areas where deer move a lot, but we know there are bucks on these ranches,” Spires said. “They just might be a mile from where they were the previous day. We’ll glass them up.”
If a target deer isn’t spotted within 15-20 minutes, the team moves to another location.
“Before the season begins, we’ll know general areas deer will be,” Spires said. “Then, you’ll go out and ‘kick up’ those big bucks they’ve glassed all summer.”
Spires explained that deer are predictable from summer to early October because the rut hasn’t started yet. Bucks remain in bachelor groups and stay within their summer ranges.
A Stress-Free Hunt
Planning a western hunt can be daunting, but 157 Outfitters removes much of the stress by handling logistics, scouting, and tag applications.
“Securing a tag in our area is easy,” Spires said. “We get your basic information, apply for the tag fee, and we’ll draw you out. Historically, for the past 15 years, our area has been a 100% draw rate with zero points. That means, if you apply before the May 31 deadline, we can have you a tag to come hunting the next year.”
This turnkey experience ensures hunters can focus on enjoying the adventure. Spires and his team take care of the tag application process, ensuring hunters receive the appropriate tag for their goals while staying compliant with Wyoming regulations.
“Wyoming Fish and Game is not the easiest website to navigate,” Spires noted. “But we’re experienced in doing that.”
For many hunters, private land access, insider knowledge, and quality accommodations are significant benefits of partnering with 157 Outfitters.
“If you’re wanting to hunt a different part of Wyoming, some tags take north of 15 to 20 years to draw a license for,” Spires said. “The ease of drawing the tag is not the same across the entire state. The reason our area is easier to draw a tag is because it’s [mostly] private land.”
Spires cautioned that hunters seeking public land opportunities in these units will likely be disappointed.
“If you’re an out-of-stater who tries to get that tag, most of the public areas [in our units] are cow pastures,” Spires said. “These areas do not have good populations of Wyoming mule deer.”
Conclusion
The Wyoming mule deer experience offered by 157 Outfitters goes beyond the hunt itself.
“I think one of the best things about the experience is experiencing this part of Wyoming for the first time,” Spires said. “If you’re trying to do it on your own, or booking with someone where you have to navigate the logistics of hotel lodging, and figuring out what and where to eat, it gets harder to enjoy the experience.
“With us, guides pick you up, take you to the lodge, and we take you to the hunting areas,” Spires continued. “We can even provide guns and ammo, if you don’t want to fly with these. Show up with your clothes, and that’s really all you need. We’ll already have your tag here (if we draw it out for you).”
With scouting, preparation, and logistical planning handled by 157 Outfitters, hunters enjoy a higher chance of success and a seamless experience. For more information, contact 157 Outfitters.
