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

Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers
Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition has launched a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry's American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, .30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case's unique geometry promotes smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

A Rabbit Hunting How-To

Rabbit hunting can be a wonderful social affair that the entire family can enjoy. If you know anyone with a few rabbit beagles do yourself a favor and ask to be part of a hunt!

First Look: Millennium Treestands Antler Shak Ground Blind

Millennium Treestands has launched its new Antler Shak Series, headlined by the Antler Shak 7 Mag and Antler Shak 30/30 ground blinds. Built with a 600D brushed shell in Mossy Oak Country Roots, each blind is designed to disappear into the landscape while providing a spacious, tactically superior shelter for the modern hunter.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.