Mule Deer Hunting

Our mule deer hunting takes place on a large private property in far West Texas.    Texas mule deer are considered desert mule deer, which is the subspecies Odocoileus hemoinus crooki. The crooki subspecies of mule deer is recognized in its own category by Safari Club International and is one of the required deer categories in completing the SCI North American Deer Slam. Mature Mule Deer bucks will typically weigh approximately 200 pounds on the hoof and will generally sport classic dichotomous forked 4 x 4 racks with average spreads ranging from 22" to 27", but wider spreads do occasionally show up on our Texas mule deer hunts.

Location of Mule Deer Hunts

Our Mule Deer hunts take place on the famous Catto-Gage Ranch, which comprises almost 200,000 acres. The main body of this property is located a few miles southwest of Marathon, Texas, but there are two other parcels located near Alpine and Marfa. This property had never been operated under a commercial hunting program prior to 2003, and mule deer hunting has been limited to family and guests only.

There have been some huge Texas mule deer bucks taken on this lease in recent years and very light hunting pressure has yielded good maturity on the Mule Deer buck herd. Facilities are very comfortable in a well-appointed hunting lodge that is nestled at the base of a mountain. Large plate glass windows in the living/dining area provide a beautiful view of the desert-like landscape below the lodge.

Huge, 191 inch desert mule deer taken by Justin Trail in 2007. With approximately 250,000 animals, Texas mule deer hunting is an untapped mule deer hunting destination.

This area of the Texas Trans Pecos is literally right on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, whichprovides for classic spot and stalk Texas mule deer hunting.

Classic, beautiful desert mountains envelope this area and landscape features include typical arid type plants with a wide variety of cacti. Surprisingly, a diverse plant community is hidden in remote canyons and includes pinon pine, maple, several types of oak, and other brush and tree species. Beautiful mule deer hunting country.

What is Included?

Our Texas mule deer hunting is set up as a 4 day hunting package and includes guide (2x1), meals, lodging, and game care. Hunters are allowed to harvest one mature mule deer buck and one collared peccary (javelina) at a $250 add on fee.

Free ranging aoudad sheep hunting is also located on this property and may possibly be added to your mule deer hunts on a trophy fee basis. Airport shuttle is not provided on this hunt, and hunters who are flying should schedule their flights into Midland, Texas and rent a car so that they can make the 2.5 hour trek to this property. These hunts are in short supply as we only conduct hunts for a few groups each year. Come see why Texas mule deer hunting is a sleeper good hunt.