High Country Mule Deer Hunting: How, Where, and When to Glass

Though you may have reasons to suspect that a buck may be inhabiting a particular gully or dry riverbed, it's another thing to put eyes on the deer. Quality optics can help you confirm deer presence, establish the target species, read the environment, and develop an approach that utilizes the landscape and wind conditions to your advantage. 

Let's look at some glassing techniques and strategies you can implement to maximize your hunting outcomes. 

What Is Glassing?

Glassing means using optics, such as binoculars or spotting scopes, to systematically search the landscape for deer. This strategy lets you cover large areas from a distance without spooking the mule deer in the mountains. It's essential for high country mule deer hunting, which involves covering ground at different elevations. 

Once you've confirmed deer presence, you can begin stalking and bringing in the range, locating an effective shooting position. 

What Are the Best Glassing Techniques?

Effective glassing starts early. Before you search for the best optics for mule deer hunting, grab your binoculars, and scan the landscape from a ridgeline or gulley with a wide field of view, consider scouting for mule deer on your phone or laptop.

To get started, download the HuntWise app to begin mule deer e-scouting in prime areas. Use map layers and HuntCast to learn where animals move through an area and identify areas for glassing, such as edges, transition zones, and shaded zones where deer bed.

Always glass these high-potential zones first and last during your glassing session. It's crucial to choose a location with a clear field of vision and a high vantage point.

HuntWise can also help you pre-mark glassing locations that offer differing vantage points. This way, you're not burning up boot leather and navigating inclines in the hope of finding a decent glassing location. By pre-establishing these zones, you can start glassing for mule deer immediately. 

Sit Down

It's best to glass in a seated position, ideally with your hands on your knees. Doing this creates a point of stability and contact, especially when using binoculars or a tripod (if available).

Some hunters prefer to stand or kneel when the glassing starts to pick up. Being comfortable and maintaining concentration is more important than positioning. 

Work the landscape in a grid pattern by slowly panning left to right, then moving up and down. Alternate between fast scans to locate movement and slow, detailed scans to examine brush shadow and changes to the landscape.

If mule deer are up and feeding, you should glass a little quicker to compensate for movements. Conversely, if the temperature drops or the mule deer are still resting, you can slow it down. 

One of the best mule deer hunting tips is to be thorough with your glassing and cover the entire landscape, even in areas where you think they might not be. Mule deer behavior is full of surprises!

How Do You Find Mule Deer in High Country?

The weather, time of year, and deer pattern will inform your glassing strategy and positioning.

Focus on alpine basins, ridges, and subalpine meadows, especially if a weather change and drop in pressure are on the way, as this may trigger more intense feeding. Look near cooler, well-drained areas such as water sources and north-facing slopes. In the early season, mule deer will be high above the treeline; later, they'll move down into cover.

Watch for movement at first and last light, then glass-shaded timber pockets during the day. Hunting during this high-activity period means tracking for color and movement, which, when combined, will stand out more than a muley at rest. 

Remain patient and don't give up! You can concentrate and maintain focus longer if you wear comfortable clothes, prepare for weather changes, stay hydrated, and consume enough nutrition. 

If you are hunting with a group, spread out and cover different vantage points. To alter your angles and vision, consider changing your elevation or making adjustments around the edge of a ridge. Keep your fellow hunters within eyesight and earshot to execute this approach safely. 

What Is the Best Time to Glass for Deer?

Prime glassing times will typically be early morning and late evening, when deer are most active and feed in the open. Overcast skies often extend deer activity, as they prefer to move in semi-open country. 

Midday glassing is more challenging, and you'll need to focus on shady slopes, timber edges, and bedding cover. This lower-percentage scoping strategy can still yield great results, especially if the weather changes.

What Are the Best Binoculars for High Country Mule Deer Hunting?

You'll frequently work with binoculars when high country mule deer hunting. Investing in a quality pair will pay massive dividends in terms of your hunting outcomes and appreciation for the sport. 

Magnification of 10x42 is a versatile choice for most hunters, and a 12x50 can provide the extra depth required for long-range open country. 

With a HuntWise Pro or Elite subscription, you can save money on some of our favorite binoculars, including: 

• The Maven C.1 is an award-winning option and a great mid-level entry binocular. Its balance and lightweight frame make it the perfect choice for high-country scanning, as you can spend long sessions behind the glass without getting fatigued.

• The Steiner Predator 10x42 is hard to beat for long-distance or low-light conditions. Its specialized diamond-coated boost offers enhanced low-light visibility, providing next-level light transmission capabilities. 

Quality glass matters more than magnification (especially when hunting mule deer); look for options that offer clarity and low-light performance as a central feature. Quick access and comfort are also important, so consider a chest harness for long hikes. 

How Do You Pack for a High-Country Hunt?

Weather patterns can change rapidly when hunting mule deer in the mountains, affecting what you choose to pack. Pack light enough for hiking at elevation or deep into the backcountry while including the right safety gear and clothing to be prepared (aim to carry 35–50 lbs on a multi-day trip). Bring the essentials of a lightweight shelter, a sleeping bag, a pad, a stove, food, and a water filter.

A well-thought-out clothing system will help regulate your body temperature, allowing you to stay in the field longer. Build a base layer of moisture-wicking clothing, then add insulation and a water-resistant outer layer. Wear wool or synthetic clothing, not cotton. 

Don't forget your optics (your binoculars and a spotting scope), tripod, rangefinder, weapon, and extra ammunition. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit, maps or tools with GPS capabilities, a headlamp, and an emergency beacon to improve your safety. 

Focus on calorie-dense meals and plan to consume 3,000–4,000 calories per day. You can obtain significant calories through liquids; mix weight-gainer protein with water for a quick, high-calorie, protein-rich drink. 

HuntWise Is the Ultimate Tool for High Country Hunting

Whether you're breaking in a new set of binoculars or using the same trusted pair that you've had strapped to your chest since your first hunt, following a strategic glassing strategy can set you up for success.

If you're ready to take on the challenge of a high country mule deer hunt, start your mule deer e-scouting today with HuntWise. You'll be able to pre-select high-potential scouting zones, allowing you to focus your attention on spotting and stalking. Plus, you'll have access to cutting-edge weather insights and forecasting through the HuntCast feature, and additional mapping overlays to unlock the full potential of a high country hunt. 

Download HuntWise and try seven days on us to tag out during peak season! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about high country mule deer hunting! 

Q: What are the best glassing techniques?

A: Use a tripod-mounted binocular for stability, grid the terrain systematically, and glass slowly. Focus on shady spots, edges, and movement rather than shapes. Scan close first, then far, using natural breaks like ridgelines or basins to guide your search.

Q: How do you find mule deer in high country?

A: To find mule deer, look for north- and east-facing slopes near alpine basins, feed-rich meadows, and water sources. Focus on early mornings and evenings when deer are active. Midday, check shaded timber pockets or rock outcroppings where bucks bed down.

Q: What is the best time to glass for deer?

A: Early morning and late evening are prime times to glass for deer as they feed in the open during low light. Midday glassing can still be productive if you target bedding areas with shade or cooler north slopes.

Q: How do you pack for a high-country hunt?

A: Keep your pack light but complete. Include quality optics, layers for variable weather, high-calorie food, a reliable shelter, and a first-aid kit. Prioritize weight savings with compact gear, and plan for a pack-out by leaving extra space or using a meat-hauling frame.