Will Mule Deer jump the string like WT's do?

[rvd]

I can't add anything about killing mature md bucks with a bow, not from a lack of trying... I do have experience with md does and I haven't ever seen them jump the string like a whitetail. Good luck! One of my favorite hunts.

[Cropduster]

Mule deer are wired differently than white tail deer. They are not as nervous as a whitetail, but at the same time those ole big ears are very good at doing what they were designed to do. A mature mule deer buck is definitely a challenge and if they have a few years of learning under their belt become a very good challenge to hunt. Having hunted them in New Mexico and Texas for over forth years, I can say that mature mule deer are very much a challenge. Probably the terrain in; which they live has a great deal to do wit their attitude and disposition. They depend somewhat more on their eyes than a whitetail.
When they are young, say around a year old, yes they do seem to very laid back and tend to seem pretty stupid. However give them a few years to learn the ropes and I will guarantee you that they are a challenge to get. They are simply a different breed of cat that the whitetail. I really enjoy hunting them as well as whitetail. Don't be misled by their casual, or less fractious disposition, they are a real challenge with a longbow or recurve.

[bamabob]

This one wasn't stupid, he didn't jump the string either but I shot him at 89 yards

89 Yards! What? Your last name must be Bear... LOL nice deer anyway.

[Russ]

I take it most of you say they will not jump the string. Russ, you say they will. At 50 where would you aim on a mule deer?

At 50 just shoot at the heart every time. They will flinch half the time and if they do you get lungs. I do this with all critters and it seem s to have worked pretty well. I'm no expert but I have killed 5 mule deer bucks with my bow. Going for #6 next week for high country muleys!!!

[Head Hunter]

The only time a big mule deer lets his guard down is during the rut. If he is on a hot doe he won't leave her. To a degree he won't even care about what's going on around him unless you are another buck. But then the problem becomes the skittish does he's around and they are skittish and spooky. Just so you know all critters can jump a string I've see elk do it too. Aim just below mid way up (heart shot like Russ said) and you'll be fine. Chances are there will be a little wind and the big ears are great for hearing but they can also hinder them in the wind. I grew up in NM and have killed a few with my bow spot and stalk. They are not dumb as some have said, at least not free range ones that don't have feeders going off every in every 50 acres.

[tex4k]

I used to think they were stupid, walked up 40-50 yds of them several times, took my once, walked up to a young buck drew back and shot, he wasn't there when the arrow arrived, tried 4 more times, still haven't killed that deer. They will move out of the way but they don't get all matrix moving, they just kinda jump forward doesn't look like much but they'll move a body length or two. Like has been said aim where you want to hit them, if they don't know your there you'll likely get them.