MeatEater Season 7: Steve and Brody Hunt Colorado Mule Deer

On this hunt, Steve heads to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains with his friend Brody Henderson to track down their favorite big game animal, mule deer. To reach the best hunting, they use a raft to gain access to some public land hidey holes. The November mule deer rut is beginning but unseasonably warm, dry conditions make for a challenging hunt. Steve and Brody are both hoping for a mature, big-racked shooter buck, but there’s only so much time in the season, and a young meat buck is better than no buck at all. After the hunt, Steve sets up a taste test of raw venison to determine what’s better eating- mature shooter bucks, or young meat bucks.

Gear Used on this Hunt

Backpacks: Stone Glacier Solo 3300

Rifle: Savage 116 .30-06, .270 Win

Ammo: Federal Trophy Copper, Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw

Optics: Vortex Viper HD 10×42 Binoculars

Clothing: First Lite Uncompahgre Vest, First Lite Aerowool Neck Gaiter, First Lite Fingerless Gloves

Headlamps: Black Diamond Storm, Surefire Minimus

Fluorescent Orange: Orange Aglow

Knife: Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner

Specialty Gear

Boats: Rocky Mountain Rafts 13.5, Aire Tomcat Inflatable Kayak

Gremolata Recipe:

• 1 lemon-peel minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Mix all ingredients and sprinkle over steaks, stews, or venison carpaccio

Podcast: Episode 49: Off the I-70 Corridor

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