I have never taken mule deer hunting very serious. I did find that if you are choosy about the size of the deer it is far more challenging than elk hunting.
I ended up hiking several miles and it was all up hill. I came across a small herd of does and the 5x4. I crawled through the brush for about 100 to 150 yds to get with in 200 yds. I sure buggered up the wood on the fore stock of the 45-70. I had to wait for the does to clear away from the buck I did not want to blow through the buck and hit a doe. The buck was running from one doe to the next. He finally turned broad side and I ranged him at 178yds. I put the penny on him and touched off. RDNCKs 542 gr. 30:1 did their job (as if I had any doubt).
I at least caught a break dragging him out, it was all down hill. There was not much hair left on his side as the drag was across shale and rock face.
A friend came over and helped me skin the buck. He could not believe the size of the exit hole. He thought I shot him 2 or 3 times. There was a hole the size of my fist. He searched that carcass and only found one entrance.
Well I have a buffalo to go get next month.
This gun has put a whole new perspectve on hunting. Anybody want to buy a 300 win mag?
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)