Show Notes
If you care about Western hunting, public-land strategy, or want to understand what makes mule deer so different from whitetails, this conversation is packed with insights.
Dan J. talks with Trevor Hubbs, editor-in-chief of Mule Deer magazine for the Mule Deer and Blacktail Deer Foundation. They discuss deer genetics and hybrid zones, and the challenges of hunting animals that can migrate hundreds of miles and rely on suitable habitat to survive.
Trevor explains why mule deer are sensitive to environmental change, why they can’t simply be managed like whitetails, and why their numbers are lower today than decades ago.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Where mule deer and whitetails overlap—and how to spot hybrids in the field
- How antlers, gait, and behavior can help identify different deer
- How fire, drought, agriculture, and human expansion affect mule deer country
- Why mule deer need native vegetation
- Hunting seasons, migration, draw strategy, and the realities of pursuing mature bucks in the West
Trevor also shares stories from his work as an editor and his experiences hunting in Montana and Wyoming, including a hunt affected by wildfire. Along the way, he and Dan discuss public-land access, muzzleloader opportunities, decoy tactics, and why longer hunts can help when you’re looking for a mature buck.
The conversation also explores the bigger conservation picture: why some wildlife adapts to human-shaped landscapes while other species struggle, and how habitat changes can reshape mule deer populations and hunting opportunities.
If you love Western hunting, want to learn more about mule deer, or are interested in the challenges facing this iconic species, add this episode to your queue.
