http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/season/county_listing/details/?county=Gaines

Gaines County has a 9 day mule deer season this year. I was thinking about going out there (grandparents have some land there), but I have some questions:

1.) The TPWD website says the bag limit is 2, up to 1 buck, and antlerless by permit only. How do you get an antlerless permit for mule deer?

2.) Mule deer tend to be a little larger than whitetail. Could I take one with a .223, or do I need some with a little more punch?

3.) I'm not used to hunting in such open country (miles of open farmland). Is there anything else I need to be thinking about besides the longer bullet travel (be more conscious of what's behind my target)?

Thanks guys.

[This message has been edited by MEAg09 (edited 11/24/2008 12:18p).]

You typically have to have a management program in place with the TPWD to get antlerless permits. Call the local office (to that area) to confirm.

I'd use something with a little more punch than a .223. My main deer rifle is a .270, and it has performed well on mule deer. I'd say .243 with 100 grain bullets minimum. You'd be better off with a 7mm, .270, or .30 caliber slinging 130+ grain bullets.

If you are zeroed at 200 yards, and you aim at a deer that's at 200 yards and 3 feet tall, your bullet will hit the ground at approximately 500 yards. Sight you rifle in 3 inches high at 100 yards, and you should be able to hold dead on and hit out to 300 without holdover.

[This message has been edited by Log (edited 11/24/2008 12:09a).]

Thanks Log.

For the day crowd, any more advice for me?

Good optics and pracice out to 2-300 yards at a range before going...good luck.

DVM

Be prepared to drive/walk, then glass for a long time. Drive/walk, then glass for a long time.....repeat.

Mulies tend to hide very well so have to really look hard to see them.

I think your best bet would be to scout out the trails that the deer use to move into the fields. When you figure out where the deer come into the field to feed, pick a spot to set up downwind. Get a bipod, lay on your belly and wait. If you're hunting the sandhills, you're probably going to be in a spot and stalk situation. Flat-land mulies seem a lot more skittish than mountain mulies.