Mule Deer: Tips and Techniques with Nebraska Hunting Company

© 2010 Albert A Rasch™ and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
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"Nebraska mule deer hunting has been overlooked by mule deer hunters for altogether too long." Says Nebraska resident and well known guide Scott Croner of Nebraska Hunting Company.

Believe it or not, Nebraska is one of a few states where a hunter can buy a hunting license and mule deer tag over-the-counter. Whereas almost every other mule deer hunting state has a draw system or lottery, where it may take years to finally draw the chance at a trophy Mule deer, Nebraska hunters get to purchase theirs without issue.

By the way, the specific unit tag and statewide buck tags can be used for either a Whitetail or Mule deer buck. The required Nebraska State Habitat Stamp is only $16.

• Nonresident specific game management unit deer permits are $178.
• Nonresident firearm statewide buck permits are $443.50.
• Nonresident antler less-only permit are $55.

Compared to other Mid West and Western States where Mule deer are pursued, these tags prices are very, very reasonable. Scott mentions that, "You can't beat the fact that you can go to the local gun shop or outfitter's store and purchase them on the spot." Remember that these permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. And due to the wonders of modern communications, your permits and tags can be purchased online and printed out through www.outdoornebraska.org.

Though Scott specializes in trophy Merriam's Turkey and Snow Goose, Nebraska Hunting Company has some great opportunities for the individual looking to get a crack at quality mule deer. "I only have a limited number of available hunts, and most of those are after the Nebraska Whitetails, and many of my customers are repeat customers of previous years." Adds Scott, "But there are always a couple of Mule Deer opening each season." So it is a good idea to book as early as is convenient for you to do so.

All of Nebraska Hunting Company's leases are wide open. You'll be hunting cultivated field edges, river bottoms, or prairie sand hills. Nebraska is known for its varied terrain. There will be no feeders or fencelines to contend with. When you get your Mulie you will have worked for it! Scott recommends that you be in good shape, as some of the areas a mule deer may require a several miles of careful stalking to get within your shooting zone. Mule deer hunting is predominantly a game of spotting the deer, and then stalking to within shooting distance. They are cagey, and they move. Nebraska Hunting Company can tailor a hunt though, to accommodate you.

I spoke with Scott and asked what he recomended with respect to rifles. "Albert," he said, "Bring what you know you can shoot. Shots can be anywhere from 30 yards away to 200 or more yards." Croner feels that if you can honestly shoot minute of deer at 100 yards with a 45-70, then he will do his best to get you withinn 100 yards. If you are comfortable shooting at 300 yards with your 300 WSM, then he will put you in the position to do so if need be. "I want my clients to be as close as possible." Scott emphasizes. "Close in means better shot placement and an ethical take. Both are very important to me." He adds, "I personally prefer 6.5mm or larger, with the flat shooting 7mms being a great choice. The .300 magnums, if you can shoot them well, are probably the most versatile of them all."

That immediately brought us to a discussion on the choice of ammo. "I would rather see everyone show up with one of the premium ammos. I lean towards the Failsafes from Winchester, though I know that you prefer the Remington Premier with the Swift A-Frame. Both will do the job regardless of conditions." Scott favors a bullet that will hold it together for an unexpected close in shot, as well as one that performs at extended ranges.

A good scope on your rifle is a definate plus, especially when shots present themselves at dawn or dusk. Practice with your rifle at the maximum range that you are comfortable shooting at. Then study the trajectory charts so you know what range to sight in at. You want your point of aim to vary no more than 3 inches below the arc of the trajectory. That way, as long as your quarry is within your maximum range you will only have to place the crosshairs where you want to hit. My Weatherby 30/06 with 180gr Swift A-Frames, spot on at my maximum range of 200 yards, is 2 inches high at 100 meters. So anything inside of 200 will get a heart shot if I do my part.

If you are a muzzleloading fan, Nebraska Hunting Company and Scott can help you fill that tag too. Muzzleloading season is during the month of December, so the odds of getting that trophy are even better! You'll have to work extra hard to get that Mulie, but it is the time of year to do it in. The new magnum inline muzzleloaders have the capabilities to make those longer shots, and with the availability of good bullets, you are much more likely to hammer that big one when he comes into view. The December muzzleloader season is almost unknown outside of Nebraska, so take advantage of it! Call Scott for further details on hunting Nebraska's Muzzleloader season.

With some luck and a good dose of fortune, I may finally get to go up to Nebraska with Scott and hunt Merriam'sTurkey. But if I ever have the opportunity to make time for Mule deer and Monster Whitetail, Scott Croner and Nebraska Hunting Company will be my outfitter of choice. When it comes to shelling out hard earned dollars for an adventure of a lifetime, you need to choose wisely. The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and I personally endorse Nebraska Hunting Company.

Nebraska Hunting Company
Phone: 402 304 1192
Email: scott@nebraskahunting.net

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Kandahar Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

Nebraska Hunting Company, Scott Croner