Canyon mule deer... my first mulie

[4th_point]

Thought I'd share my experience hunting the canyons and breaks near the Snake. I was expecting and prepared to shoot 400+ yards, but this 4x4 typical gave me a shot at 50 yards so I took it. Nice buck with 11pts total, 20". Not a huge one, but I'm still happy with him.

Sorry for the crappy cellphone pics. I forgot my camera that day! You can see how steep the hillside was where I got him. Luckily it wasn't too far to pack the meat.

Jason

[Derek M.]

Congratulations! Nice buck. I really like the antler color!

[SBruce]

Congratulations!

Very nice for your first Muley! My first muley buck was just a spike!

[Big_Red]

Great buck... can't wait to go on my first Mulie hunt next year (I hope!)

What rifle were you toting around and what does it weigh?

[4th_point]

Thanks guys.

I used a blued Tikka T3 in 300 Win Mag. I got it as a budget rifle for "medium ranges", or 600+/- yards on game (longer on targets). With an EGW 20moa rail, Warne rings, Bushnell 6-24x50 tactical, ACI, USO level, and Karsten cheekpiece the total weight without sling is 9 pounds. Its definitely more that I would want for a dedicated mountain/canyon rifle if doing a lot of hiking, but it seems manageable. Its my only big game rifle and plays double duty as my practice rifle too.

I think I could reduce the weight by 1/2 pound with a different scope and aluminum rings, but the scope on it right now is "only" 22 ounces. Most scopes with turrets in the 14x to 16x range are 17-20 ounces, so I don't think I can get much lower in weight without going to a 7x or 9x on the top end. The Warne rings are steel so there would be some weight savings there.

I'd like to get another rifle and keep it simple... T3 with 2-7x32, or 3-9x40. Should be able to keep it under 7.5 pounds.

Oh, load was 200gr Accubond with Hodgdon's max load of Retumbo at SAAMI OAL. Shoots 1/2" groups at 100 yards.

[HUAINAMACHERO]

+1, I like those antlers, dark-red brownish color with white tips. Nice!!!