June 3rd, 2024

6minute read

Mule deer hunting is one of my favorite big game pursuits.

I grew up hunting whitetail with my bow back east and moved to Utah just over 10 years ago.

In Utah, I was initially obsessed with getting big velvet mule deer with my bow.

In this photo, the author is photographed kneeling next to the large mature buck mule deer she hunted with a Springfield Armory bolt action rifle chambered for the 6.5 PRC cartridge. She shows us how to hunt mule deer in this article.

The author demonstrates how to hunt mule deer using her Springfield Model 2020 chambered in 6.5 PRC.

Im happy to say that Ive harvested a few of which Im very proud.

In recent years I started expanding my hunting season and added rifle hunts to the line-up.

Rifle hunts offer a new set of challenges, including later seasons and different skills and tactics.

In this photo, the author shows us the results of sighting in her bolt-action rifle for an upcoming mule deer hunt. She stands next to a steel target on the shooting range. It shows two impacts in the bullseye — impressive considering the high winds she was dealing with.

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 line of rifles has proved to be quite accurate and reliable in the field.

And lets face it: rifle shooting is a fun skill to exercise leading up to your hunt.

It also provides low recoil, repeatable accuracy and long-range performance.

Living and hunting in Utah, we have a ton of vast mountain ranges and wide open spaces.

In this photo, the author shows us the impact points of here 1000 yard shots with Springfield Model 2020 rifle. The steel shows all rounds landed very close to center of the target with a group size of about 5". For a long range target, this is extremely good — roughly 1/2 MOA.

With a Leupold 4-24x scope mounted to her Model 2020 in 6.5 PRC, the author was able to get this 5″ group at 1,000 yards — even with significant crosswinds.

It is not uncommon to have to take a long-range shot at an elk or a deer.

I zeroed my 6.5 PRC at 300 yards.

For my optic, I picked the Leupold 4-24x scope with the FireDot duplex reticle.

Here we see a spectacular landscape photo from the author’s mule deer hunt in Utah. A red and orange sky creates a warm glow over the land.

Bridget can attest to the fact that a mule deer hunt in Utah offers breathtaking views and vistas.

I was really impressed with how accurate the Waypoint was right out of the box.

[Dont miss Wayne Van Zwolls article on selecting thebest scope for deer hunting.]

Being able to trust your firearm is worth everything when you take it out on a hunt.

A steady shot is always important when hunting. Here we see the author’s shooting position on here mule deer hunting with the Springfield Model 2020.

Accuracy helps ensure the ethical harvesting of a game animal. The use of a bipod and a berm helped the author make a perfect shot on a buck.

Most of us hunters spend a ton of time and money prepping for a big game hunt.

[Be sure to read Sean UtleysSpringfield Waypoint reviewfor more information on these bolt-action rifles.]

I had to guide elk hunts for my outfitter service throughout different parts of the season.

Here we see the successful conclusion to a mule deer hunt. The Springfield Model 2020 rifle is shown in front of a large buck the author shot and killed. It will feed her for many weeks to come.

The result of the author’s hard work was this buck. It will stock the freezer with many nutritious — and tasty — meals.

Scattered in between, I had an out-of-state archery elk tag and a Utah rifle deer tag.

I went to sight my Waypoint during the summer and practiced consistently leading up to my deer hunt.

I was watching a couple giant bucks that I really wanted to harvest this year.

Model 2020 Waypoint, Adjustable w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

Unfortunately, the one that I wanted most disappeared in September.

That left a couple up-and-comer bucks that I wanted to let grow and save for future clients.

The goal is to not take young bucks who havent reached their prime yet.

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This buck had a large mature body and mature frame to his antlers.

Because of this and mainly wanting a mature buck, I decided to put a stalk on him.

I used the red rock terrain and bushes to sneak and stalk from 1,000 yards to 286 yards.

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I placed my rifle on a dirt mound and made it steady with its bipod.

I laid down and set up for the shot.

The buck turned broadside and I was able to make the perfect shot.

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[Want to improve your deer stalks?

Read Wayne Van Zwolls article onhow to hunt the wind.]

This was my first kill with my Waypoint, and hopefully the first of many!

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I couldnt be happier with how the gun performed in the field.

Its so lightweight and easy to carry.

Besides big game, I am really excited to take it on some predator hunts as well.

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Model 2020Waypoint, Adjustable w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

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