Guns and Gear for a Mule Deer Hunt

by
posted on September 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
browning_mule_deer_hunt.jpg

Editor's Note: Contributor Brad Fenson recently had the opportunity to put the following gear to the test on a Colorado mule deer hunt. You can catch up on that story here.

Browning X-Bolt
In Colorado, I used a Browning X-Bolt Long Range Hunter rifle that has since been replaced with the Hell’s Canyon Long Range. The new-for-2017 bolt-action features a fluted, heavy-sporter barrel that is free-floated, hand-chambered and finished with a target crown and threaded muzzle brake. Additional selling points include: a short-throw, 60-degree bolt lift; detachable rotary magazine with inline cartridge feed; an A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) camouflage-covered stock; Cerakote Burnt Bronze metal finish; Inflex recoil pad; and an adjustable Feather trigger. The grip and feel of Hell’s Canyon rifles gets your mind racing with adventure. They are durable and weatherproof, making them ideal for any weather and the toughest terrain.

Browning Ammo
The Leupold VX-6HD scope used on the hunt had two turrets burned, giving me the option to use Browning’s 155-grain BXR or 190-grain Big Game bullet. The BXR rapid-expansion bullets have a matrix tip designed specifically for all kinds of deer hunting, which made the choice easy. The tip allows for high downrange velocities and energy retention while providing rapid expansion on impact. The massive expansion means quick knockdown power, so deer go nowhere after the shot. My buck collapsed in his tracks, making retrieval easy.

Latest

Ledenew World Screwworm A
Ledenew World Screwworm A

No Agreement in Texas Screwworm Response Plan

A response plan in Texas, for implementation if the New World Screwworm parasite crosses the border, was unveiled by U.S. officials late last year and some ranchers are not on board with all the requirements.

Downsize for End of Season Ducks

If you slog through just one frustrating morning of hunting off the “X,” you’ll learn the biggest spreads and best calling this time of year won’t do a thing to pull ducks toward you.

Mossberg Adds 940 Pro Waterfowl Shotgun in Realtree Legacy

For 2025 Mossberg's 940 Pro Waterfowl is continuing on with an optic-ready receiver cut to accept direct mounting of micro-dot optics (RMSc-pattern), while also becoming available fully finished in Realtree's Legacy pattern.

New for 2026: Bergara Premier Series CIMA Pro

Bergara has introduced its latest model of Premier Series rifles, the Cima Pro.

New for 2026: Millennium Dinner Bell 350 Feeder

Millennium Treestands has announced its Dinner Bell 350 Feeder.

First Look: ScentLok BE:1 Revenant Jacket and Bib

ScentLok has introduced the upgraded BE:1 Revenant Jacket and Bib, designed to be a trusted companion through the last minute, of the last day of the season.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.