The Rocky Mountain mule deer is one of the most sought-after big-game trophies. For centuries, hunters have pursued the mule deer in its range across the western U.S.

This 180-inch desert mule deer buck taken during the challenging but rewarding late archery season. Photo by Travis Scott, Southwest Hunting Adventures.

In Arizona, trophy-seeking hunters congregate in the Kaibab and Strip country of northern Arizona each year in pursuit of trophy-caliber mule deer bucks.

But in addition to the northern deer herds, Arizona is home to some big desert mule deer, too. And in recent years, the desert mule deer has gained popularity among hunters.

CHALLENGES OF THE DESERT
In his book, Deer of the Southwest, Jim Heffelfinger defines the desert mule deer as inhabiting west Texas, the southern portions of New Mexico, Arizona, California and south into Mexico.

In contrast to their Rocky Mountain cousins, desert mule deer have adapted to the harsh climate of the desert southwest.

In Arizona specifically, desert mule deer inhabit the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts south of the Mogollon Rim. These arid environments reach extreme temperatures in the summer and sub-freezing temperatures in the winter. Yet, the desert mule deer thrives in this inhospitable environment. Desert mule deer are partially nomadic and meander through the desert to find the most plentiful forage available.

Deer can be found in the foothills of desert mountain ranges, which are dominated by saguaro and other cactus species. However, the majority of Arizona's desert mule deer are found on the desert floor, referred to as "the flats" by local hunters.

Wise, mature bucks prefer the thick cover of the desert floor and are almost invisible to the untrained hunter for most of the year.

The idiosyncratic patterns of desert mule deer -- partially because of their changing desert habitat -- make them a challenge to scout and hunt.

Travis Scott, owner of Southwest Hunting Adventures in Salome, grew up hunting these desert-dwelling deer, and makes a living of it now.

"The differences in habitat, behavior, weather and populations can and will test the ability of any hunter," Scott said.

The desert is hot and dry, especially during the fall hunts. Glassing for deer in the heat of the day can be futile. "It's an uphill battle, but well worth it," Scott said.

While hunting desert mule deer, Scott offers this advice:

• Don't get frustrated when the hunting is difficult.
• Look where you least expect deer to be.
• Be patient and persistent.

The keys to finding big bucks are patience and luck. If the hunter is patient, the rut may provide the luck.

Mature bucks can be spotted throughout the year, but it requires that the hunter is perched behind quality optics in the right spot at the right time.

Paramount to glassing for desert mule deer is gaining enough elevation into the cover of the desert floor. To improve your chances during the hunt, glass all day long. Though it's hotter than blazes, deer will travel to water during the middle of the day, especially during the rifle hunt.

When glassing in the heat (which means heat waves), quality optics are a must. Higher magnification is good: Use at least 10X. But quality is the most important factor.