At Crazy Creek Outfitters, we’re often asked about the timing of the rut for mule deer versus whitetail deer. Understanding these rut phases is critical for planning a successful hunt, especially here in western Montana’s Unit 240, where our operations are centered. Here’s what you need to know about mule deer behavior, season closures, and unique opportunities in this area.

Mule Deer Rut Timing in Western Montana

One important distinction to note: mule deer begin their rut earlier than whitetail deer. This difference impacts how we plan our hunts and manage wildlife in our area.

  • Mule Deer Pre-Rut: Begins late October
  • Mule Deer Peak Rut: Around November 5th, lasting through Thanksgiving
  • Whitetail Rut: Starts later, typically 3rd week of November, with peak rut in the last week of November

Because mule deer rut earlier, hunting strategies and season closures are designed with their biology and conservation in mind.

Unit 240 Mule Deer Season – A Focus on Sustainability

In Hunting District 240, mule deer season closes in mid-November, often right at the start of the peak rut. This is intentional, and part of Montana’s broader wildlife conservation efforts. By avoiding harvest during the full rut, we help protect mule deer populations during their most vulnerable and critical breeding period. The result? A stronger, healthier population and higher quality bucks for future generations.

In contrast, whitetail deer season in Unit 240 remains open through the Sunday after Thanksgiving, offering a longer window to hunt these later-rutting animals.

Elk and Mule Deer in Special Permit Areas

Crazy Creek Outfitters also operates in a special permit area for elk and mule deer. Here’s what makes it unique:

  • Elk Hunting:
    This is a guaranteed draw unit for elk. If you apply, you’re in.
    • Archery Season: Either sex elk can be harvested
    • Rifle (General) Season: Only brow-tined bulls are legal
    • Cow Elk Tags: 800 available in Unit 270, applied for separately and valid during rifle season
  • Mule Deer Hunting:
    This is a trophy unit, and drawing a tag is extremely rare. But if you’re one of the lucky few, it’s like winning a golden ticket—the hunting opportunity of a lifetime.
  • Whitetail Deer in the Special Permit Unit:
    Open until the last Sunday following Thanksgiving, offering plenty of time to pursue mature bucks.

December Hunts – Traditional Muzzleloader Season

Although most hunting seasons close by the end of November, there’s still a unique opportunity in December:

  • Muzzleloader Season:
    • Starts mid-December
    • Lasts 10 days
    • No special tag required — Just use your general season deer or elk tag if unfilled

This traditional hunt is a quieter, more primitive way to close out the season and offers a rare experience for those looking to extend their time in the field.

Additional Opportunities and Future Plans

While we currently do not offer antelope hunts, we do have private land use days and anticipate launching private land antelope hunts in the future. We’ve paused advertising for these hunts while we finalize logistics, but we’re excited to bring this option to our hunters soon.

As for moose and bighorn sheep, they’re worth a mention but not a focus of our services. Only two moose tags are issued for the Bitterroot, and bighorn tags are just as rare.

Plan Your Hunt With Crazy Creek Outfitters

Whether you’re targeting rutting mule deer in early November, seeking a whitetail during the late season, or dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime draw for a trophy muley, Crazy Creek Outfitters has the experience, access, and local knowledge to help you succeed.

Contact us today to plan your Montana adventure!