Durango Hunting Trips | Fishing Trips and Horseback Trips

Mule Deer Hunting in Southwest Colorado

Mule Deer Hunts

Colorado Mule Deer Hunting Outfitters

Colorado Wilderness Outfitters offers guided wilderness mule deer hunting trips on public land in Southwest Colorado. All mule deer hunts are accessed by horseback and operate from established backcountry camps located in designated wilderness areas of the San Juan Mountains.

These hunts are structured as multi-day trips and take place in rugged, high-country terrain. Mule deer hunting in wilderness settings requires physical effort, patience, and realistic expectations shaped by public-land conditions and state-regulated seasons.

Overview


Mule Deer Hunting Trips Southern Colorado

We offer guided hunts using the following legal methods, depending on season and license availability:

Mule deer hunting in Southwest Colorado

Mule deer hunting in Southwest Colorado often takes place at higher elevations and in more open terrain than many elk hunts. Hunts may involve long periods of glassing, spot-and-stalk approaches, and covering ground across ridgelines, basins, and timbered areas.

Because these hunts occur on public land, success depends on weather, seasonal movement patterns, and hunting pressure rather than controlled conditions.

Colorado Wilderness
Outfitters manages:

Clients should be prepared for physically demanding days and changing conditions.

seasons

Mule Deer Hunting 
Seasons & Methods

Hunting Methods

Archery mule deer hunts 
(draw required)

Muzzleloader mule deer hunts (draw required)

Rifle mule deer hunts
(draw required)

Unlike some elk seasons, mule deer licenses in Colorado are typically issued through the draw system and require advance planning.

Common characteristics of wilderness mule deer hunts include:

Long periods of glassing from vantage points

Spot-and-stalk hunting in open or broken terrain

Variable daily mileage depending on deer location

Changing weather conditions, especially at elevation

These hunts reward patience, persistence, and the ability to adapt to conditions.

Expectations

What to Expect on a Mule Deer Hunt

Mule deer hunts are often slower-paced but physically demanding. Daily strategies typically involve extensive glassing followed by careful stalks when opportunities arise.

planning

Licensing & Tag Planning

Mule deer licenses in Colorado are issued through the draw system and require advance planning. Preference points are often needed depending on unit and season.

Colorado Wilderness Outfitters 
helps clients understand

Draw-only licensing requirements

Preference point considerations

Application deadlines

Realistic timelines for planning a hunt

This guidance is provided before booking to ensure expectations align with availability.

camps

Camps, Access & Daily Flow

All mule deer hunts operate from established wilderness camps accessed by horseback. Camps are designed for function and comfort within wilderness regulations and typically include communal areas and separate guest sleeping tents.

A typical day may include:

Horseback travel is planned to balance access with reasonable ride times for guests.

Expectations

Physical Effort and Expectations

Mule deer hunts in wilderness terrain are physically demanding. Terrain may include steep slopes, rocky footing, and long climbs at elevation.

These hunts are best suited for hunters who:

Clear expectations are discussed prior to booking to ensure the hunt is a good fit.

pricing

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for mule deer hunts varies by season, method, and trip length. Final pricing and availability are confirmed through direct conversation.

Contact

Start Planning Your Mule Deer Hunt

If you’re considering a wilderness mule deer hunt and want to understand logistics, licensing, and physical expectations, we encourage you to reach out.