Idaho Mule Deer | MeatEater Season 12

Steve and Jason Phelps hunt for mule deer in Idaho. Presented by @onxmaps.
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[@fwijffels]

I love how his buddy just drove in with a 2-stroke dirtbike and now they're whispering not to scare off the deer 😂 @15:36

[@mattyoder1448]

I mean at some point you gotta start being quiet again

[@brycehall4995]

@@mattyoder1448well played. And simply true. 10 points good sir.

[@HayWoodsandWetlands]

@@mattyoder1448 Not right there you don't. There's no deer within a mile of that 2 smoke. It's gonna be a hike before you start seeing mules again.

[@Idaho_Hunter]

Pretty funny observation, but most likely, those deer are used to that sound all summer long, and wouldn't even care.

[@spin-xdesignstackle6765]

The amount of content the MeatEater team puts out is mind boggling. Thank you M.E Team!! 🙏

[@christhomas5937]

Quality content at that.

[@David-pj3kn]

@@christhomas5937 for real

[@jeremiahwattenburger6614]

Steve broke his 400 yard rule. You could tell he wasn't happy with it but he knew he had too right at 23:28 where he said "I guess I gotta , ahhh". With the added stress of knowing that decision and shot was going to make the episode either as a great shot or a bad decision, he showed his nerves of steel. That was a great shot.

[@zap2747]

“I guess I got a” probably meaning he had line of sight. Steve wouldn’t shoot an animal based on pressure to shoot it.

[@FVPS904]

What caliber does he shoot these days? Guessing a Weatherby, he used to be all 7mm

[@Michaeldpress14]

How does a professional hunter have a 400 Yard rule in 2023 ? That’s a chip shot

[@johnbonamigo5696]

@@Michaeldpress14 because he has a huge platform and 95% of the hunting population cant kill at that yardage. He most likely wants to promote good hunting techniques and making good decisions

[@gottafly125]

@@johnbonamigo5696 Yep. Exactly!!!

[@isaacjamesbaker]

The mule deer vs. elk banter in the opening scene is great stuff

[@Nathan-zw7nq]

I can’t decide which I would rather hunt.

[@SuperReviews4you]

"I'd be a lot cooler if they did." That was a perfect response.

[@67loowit_scarab57]

Alright alright alright

[@nattygains4104]

The editing on this video is really really good. The highlights on the deer to help people pick them out, and the overall feel of the video is just super good, applause to the editing team at meat eater, great job yall!

[@gottafly125]

Agree'd. Great editing.

[@dlow5110]

I have found a ton of comments from members of the hunting community who love this show. I have also seen comments from people who are completely anti hunting and therefore hate this show. I feel like I'm from a weird niche that has no hunting experience and no intention of ever going hunting but finds this show incredibly interesting and have watched every episode

[@milo8425]

Thankful as hell to have amazing high desert mule deer hunting with 95% draw odds each year right behind my house.

[@xwhogafx815]

Steve's hunting buddy on this trip is awesome. Love the banter

[@galinswigart]

2:04 Steve's perspective on Mule Deer vs. Elk is exactly why experienced birders start appreciating the simpler birds as they gain experience. Anyone can experience a Bald Eagle, but the more experienced you get, the more you appreciate and develop an affinity for small songbirds that aren't as large, majestic, and obvious.

[@brospeakable]

honestly I think whitetails are just as good as mule deer

[@jchristopher2031]

Another great one! So cool. I’m so jealous. I love you go the extra mile and film cooking if you harvest game. That looks so good to an Eastern whitetail hunter.

[@perraultbruce]

it's the most wonderful time of the week...thanks for the amazing content.

[@MuayThaiDreadlock]

"theyd be alot cooler if they did" ahahah, great comeback to steves rant about muledeer meat

[@kaptainkechup91]

I’ve always hunted, but never found a hunting show I love like meateater.

[@TyrelRoberge]

Look up Randy Newberg he is great too... Meat Eater and Randy Newberg are the two best hunting shows out there... Hushin and born And raised are right up there too

[@hoax2]

4 min intro of hunting banter was time well spent. Brilliant

[@kalikardebrum1585]

I just came off the episode of hunting Elk in the Gila National forest in NM and the first thing he said in the episode was "if I could only hunt 1 animal for the rest of my life, it would be elk". Haha I think the real answer to that question is whatever the next tag is because steve is so damn excited for literally every hunt

[@MainlineIodine]

That elk vs muley debate to kick things off was great

[@dustinpyne1815]

I used to live in this region of Idaho and I hunted mule deer a lot. But now I live in Alaska and I am exited to hunt here. The awesome thing is that both Idaho and Alaska are frequently visited by meat eater,especially Steve.

[@mumfi3400]

Awesome hunt. I've been struggling for 10 mornings and 10 evenings now and the deer here are just out of reach, so this gives me great motivation to keep going.

[@Verlisify]

Steve's smile took up half his face from the joy of getting such a difficult shot

[@samuelorozco255]

God I love this show. I was JUST on my first successful Mule deer hunt. This hit right at the right time .

[@markwest8960]

Congrats! Hope you cooked it up in some nice bacon grease like this too

[@laramccune7097]

Steve, you and your buddies make me laugh 😂. Good job on the video

[@ggmanatee]

The discussions you have with your buddies like their elk vs mule deer one are really the ones that you remember and miss. Buddy banter is the best.

[@JessieB21]

I'm probably one of the few people who can say they saw meateater's crew while hunting. Awesome video and love the Idaho content!

[@jessecaswell6573]

Where is this? I want to say it was where I was hunting only I know that’s not true because where I was had NO deer.

[@willroland7153]

@@jessecaswell6573 kinda looks like unit 22 towards hells canyon and under the seven devils. Fits the description as well.

[@justinbeach7297]

I'm a diabetic and been sick last 4 years now..I love watching your hunts..I've never been..but you take me out there every time I watch your show..thank you for this program sir

[@kylestrayer8356]

Mule deer are my favorite animal in the world.

[@mbj__]

That was one hell of a shot! Impressed!

[@hunthealthy1018]

As always Steve and crew, great video! Mule deer are amazing.

[@Basics_of_Pain]

Really enjoy this entire series. Every season. Keep up the content.

[@andrewsessions7731]

That was a crazy shot. 440 yards snaked through the timber uphill like that and a DRT shot. Impressive

[@danteborgese]

Today I had a hunting experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life. A true lesson in ethics. I am a self taught bowhunter on my 2nd season (thanks to shows like this!) and found myself face to face with the buck of my dreams. 10 pointer, maybe 200 pounds, 2 small does following. In a 90min pursuit, I came to full draw 5 times on this deer. The first two times I sighted him in at 47 yards, but the lane was incredibly narrow, with leaves and small branches makingthe shot a bit tricky. Normally I wouldn't shoot anything past 40 yards. My last draw on him was around 25 yards (15 min left of shooting legal shooting light) but when I pulled back and shut one eye, light was really scarce. I could make out the deer, but I knew I wouldn't see where the arrow landed and I couldn't be 100% sure I was set on the vitals. In each instance I estimated a 70% chance of success. I didn't take the shot. I wish I had someone like Steve with me, either assuring me that it wasn't an ethical shot or encouraging me to take it. I'm afraid this will haunt me for years, but I know taking a bad shot would have haunted me even more. Can anyone share any wisdom or a similar experience?

[@cephalonaural6854]

sometimes, you gotta take that risk, but in this instance, i wouldnt have taken that shot, my first buck, shot a few days ago, i had a real lucky encounter, using whats probably an underpowered rifle for mulies, its LEGAL here in canada, but alot of hunters shit on you for using it, a .22 mag, a buck i could only ever dream of, stepped out at around 20 yards, and the .22 mag is rated for up to 150 yards, but i was never in a million years going to attempt a 150 yard shot with what i had for a rifle, it was almsot end of legal shooting light and i couldnt quite see, but i took the shot and he ran maybe 10 yards before dropping. I only took that shot because i didnt want to go home empty handed knowing i cant really afford meat at the moment so i do commend you for not taking that shot and risking just injuring the deer and it living in pain, dont let it haunt you, bask in the fact that someday you may find a bigger buck, and the fact that the deer you didnt shoot isnt suffering from a bad shot.

[@ggmanatee]

If you weren't 100% confident you could get a clean shot, you made the right call. Ensuring an ethical shot is the most important thing, you don't want to injure it with a nonfatal hit. You did the right thing. There are always future seasons.

[@jeffw6224]

Another example of great Meateater content. I really enjoy these stories!

[@Justin-pq3rq]

Everyone of your episodes. “Limited draw”😂😂😂. Bro ur the luckiest guy in the world apparently

[@de.velop519]

I’ve been watching all the episodes on Netflix and I had no idea until right now you have full episodes on YT!! Thank you Steven!

[@jacksonfromm8365]

Great shot! Great buck, great hunt thanks for the video!

[@seanwood3309]

I absolutely love and look forward to these videos. I’m a novice hunter from Michigan. You do a great job capturing the excitement and downtime and how to cook the meat while hunting. Thanks for these videos!

[@gwhunt1023]

Just so good…guys you could easily (and happily) spend time with in the woods/mtns. Appreciate all these episodes very much!

[@shaneburt1230]

Idahome!! Great buck! Good times! Great company. Thanks for sharing the experience. And the cut of meat idea.

[@ehtikhet]

What an incredible landscape to track and hunt in!

[@AMF59]

It's funny how they're whispering while glassing, and then they relocate in a side by side😂😂😂😂😂😂. Love it!

[@Desmondt813]

This show is INCREDIBLE! One of my favorites!

[@rbljackson]

Really good episode. Enjoyed the banter of Elk vs Deer followed by steve's commentary overriding Phelps "incorrect opinions"...LOL. great stuff. Congrats on a successful hunt.

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Great video and it’s impressive how many times Steve says thank you

[@rabooey]

That's one helluva poke, great shot Steve.👍

[@toddmauer9284]

I love the banter between Steve and Jason.

[@deanvanderhoof5916]

Great video Steve, I'm with you I love Elk but there is something special about Mule deer. Congrats aon a great hunt.

[@LittleRayOfSnshine69]

I saw a giant mule deer buck run up out of a cottonwood thicket and down the side of the highway just outside Durango, CO a couple years ago. Biggest deer I've ever seen. Definite B&C. I was way more impressed and intrigued by that deer than I ever was with any elk.

[@P51DFreak25]

I love their little internal competition between elk and mule deer that spans the video.

[@charlesbrown4483]

Great episode, great deer, great shot.

[@jakedavid8187]

Nice shot steve! I agree the way they disappear over hills is magical and saddening. I'm a novice hunting mullies for sure but I live in wyoming so I've definitely had chances at good deer in my life and taken a couple. Such an awesome and formidable animal

[@johndyer9232]

Good shot, Steve!!!

[@KraZbmx]

Favorite series on KZbin Steve is such a knowledgeable and badass hunter. He is the hunter you want to be in my book😎🙏🏼

[@brianjohnson8918]

That opening was great, with Steve waxing philosophical about the relative merits of elk vs. mule deer. 😂😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@KootsD]

Awesome hunt, epic location. Kudos fellas.

[@j.t.patton7820]

Great shot, Rinella.

[@user-xk2zn6rk8q]

Well done Steve and Phelps,,, Your great talent with your team is such a inspiration being unfortunately stuck in Florida during this season,,, And those Mule chops Made me start drooling,, Aloha hui Ho Capt Mark

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Great hunt 👏 Congratulations Steve

[@mtemp208]

I love how they are whispering with a 2 stroke in the background that was clearly just ridden up 😂

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Yesssir. Lets goooo!!! Meat eater pumping em out!!

[@benjaminbrown1179]

Great shot Stevo! Excellent video!!

[@like2hunt]

Agree with Steve on this one 100%

[@Hammsolo77]

Getting me stoked for my yearly muley trip with my bro!

[@brospeakable]

hey Steve my name is James this year I got my first whitetail deer in Idaho up the east fork of the salmon river I think next season you guys should hunt some whitetails up there.

[@AndrewLane87]

Great shot Steve! Nice episode!

[@camovlog1922]

Nice shot stev, good job Meat eater team 👌👍🍻

[@elkdeerfish]

Beautiful Buck and great shot. Even better company, congrats!

[@patienthands]

Great shot, Steve!

[@donaldmcgregor8152]

Congrats Steve! Finally got that narly ole Buck!

[@joshua.wolfe1]

Great Episode as always! Keep it up!

[@zacharysmith2166]

Great episode, good work.

[@zzz7zzz9]

i'm with steve. muley are the absolute best. and nothing beats some fresh snow and getting on a hot track.

[@smilespergallon1989]

Great buck Steve.

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Awesome video thanks for sharing

[@markwilliamson660]

Absolutely love these videos ❤

[@tim42310]

Great shot Steve! Dang!

[@matttoderick7112]

So hyped your back with some new episodes..

[@acierowen8718]

I just really loved this.

[@Zombiemma88]

In 2020 I got my 1st mule deer buck n I loved the experience! Lookin forward to doin it again!

[@Ty-fs9tp]

I'm convinced Steve loves the sound of his own vo

[@MR.PANCHOSGV626]

I love this show so much 😊

[@JL-xn3zy]

Another awesome hunt!

[@RnBAdventures]

I can't believe I just found this channel.. great work!

[@whatchanobouitdem]

Fantastic shot!

[@fitimkadriaj8813]

Amazing episode and Great Shot from Steven. You know it was a tough shot in all of that grey and bush

[@huntinginaust.6463]

Man that’s a cool hunt Steve and a ripper shot nice one 🤙

[@kaleoariola]

Great hunt as always, mahalo for sharing

[@pricedives]

I really enjoyed this video, very entertaining.

[@ggentile146]

Easily my favorite show.

[@DustinSilva]

One thing Id like the show to cover, even if only a 30 second blip is the caliber and rifle/scope used on each hunt... if u have an issue with naming brands, just tell us the length, magnification, etc

[@SAvoltage]

Amazing country. I hunted the Elk City unit last year. Absolutely beautiful and challenging terrain.

[@snakeriverscotto]

Loved the “Believer” black panther hat!

[@ridgelinehunting]

Great video and I’m going to try those chops

[@makapa2u]

Hunted Mule deer with rifle for couple years back in early 1990s now only hunt Archery Eastern Washington Solo and I'll never stop!!!

[@skeetermalcolm1655]

Damn brother what a beautiful buck, congrats man

[@DaceH]

Anyone else have to eat while he starts cooking??? 😂 Steve you make everything look so damn tasty!

[@bradandonian626]

And I think of the wine pairing…

[@thedirtygot9570]

Was a helluva shot! Thought I was right there with you! This filming is Oscar worthy!

[@fishduckdog]

Deer taste so good! Minnesota gun season deer 🦌 opener this weekend!

[@TheDreamsical]

Awesome hunt!

[@halhudson7815]

The real meat eater historian re run gooroos like me will tell you dialing the clocks back to season 4 episode 15 the Gila monster, steve said then if he had to pick one game animal to hunt it would be elk lol To be fair however that episode of elk hunting was much more like a mule deer spot and stalk hunt. Very very thankful for season 12 And all the spin off content as well. Especially duck camp dinners. Shout out to JPB and the gang Can’t tell you enough how much it is appreciated

[@clintdyson5765]

Nice buck Steve. Also very cool of you for not telling the world where you were at.