Backcountry Muzzleloader Mule Deer Hunt

Erik heads five miles into the backcountry to his old stomping grounds in hopes of finding Mule Deer with his muzzleloader.
Be sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment on your favorite part!
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THE GRIND PODCAST
EPISODE 028: Behind the Scenes Discussion of Erik's General Season Muzzleloader Hunt "Five Miles"
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Gear We Use
Leupold Performance Eyewear: bit.ly/3skfdAG
Bino Harness: bit.ly/3p4i6DF
Snap Release Bow Cover: bit.ly/3IVfXSZ
Snap Release Rifle Cover: bit.ly/3F7GD0t
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20% OFF BASEMAP PRO: bit.ly/MFBaseMap
30% OFF RimRok Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3e0tYR5
30% OFF RimRok Stalkers: bit.ly/32aNLuf
Muzzle Loader SETUP:
TS Customs Custom Muzzle Loader
.45 Caliber
Lone Peak Rzr Long Action
Trigger Tech Special Trigger
Leupold Mark 3-18x44 MRAD PR2 Reticle
McMillan A3 Edge Fill
Socials:
Erik's IG: / muleyfreak_erik
Muley Freak Instagram: / muley_freak
Muley Freak Facebook: / muleyfreak
#MuleyFreak #Fivemile #Muzzleloader #Muledeer
Musicbed SyncID:
MB01GHRBKAUEUTL

[@sharlahuseman2464]

favorite part was that perfect shot on that great buck.

[@miguelsoto3054]

Congrats on the late season buck. Best part is when ur kids are waiting for u in the driveway.

[@MuleyFreak]

I agree!!!

[@philipmedlin8902]

I liked it all. But the excitement of the children was priceless. Good shot by the way.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Phil!

[@jacklee5722]

Congratulations. That was hard work for the reward in the end.

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik put in 100 on the effort scale on this hunt. Thanks for watching, Jack!

[@bigbuckdown1234]

Best part was definitely seeing the smiles on your little girls faces.

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

My two year old’s reaction was priceless.

[@adamlove321]

I love how y’all show everything that goes into a hunt. From the hike in, the shot/kill, and breaking/packing the animal out!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching Adam, we try to bring you on the whole adventure!

[@robertmonte4965]

This a true hunt there . hiking way out there in back country. Congratulations and great shot ..

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Robert!

[@johnerwin3004]

The kids running for there dads truck and all wanting to take pictures with there dad and his hard earned trophy. Is totally priceless. They are the future of hunting.

[@MuleyFreak]

Absolutely. Thanks, John!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Definitely my favorite part as well. I love those little girls more than anything!

[@danielthomson5353]

Best part was the last minute with the girls being so excited! Priceless.

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik's girls are so darn cute. Thanks for watching, Dan! Catch you on the next video!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

I can’t wait to bring them along on a few backcountry mule deer hunts!

[@matthewbasteen3375]

My favorite is the backcountry!

[@MuleyFreak]

The backcountry is where you go to lose yourself, but find yourself at the same time!

[@TheDROB3]

That’s some wholesome stuff, right there. Man I’d love to hunt that aspen country someday.

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

It’s beautiful country. Thanks for watching the video!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@carlstubbs8414]

The excitement of your girls made the work worth it, loved that part. 500 yards is a pretty long shot for any hunt if you asked me and doing it with a muzzleloader is awesome. Great buck and great work.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Carl. We appreciate the feedback. Don't forget to subscribe!

[@belaireoutdoors3164]

Definitely gotta be the shot with the kids watching, those kids will remember that forever!!!

[@MuleyFreak]

100%. Thanks for watching!

[@randycole4056]

Best part is the 500 yard shot with a muzzle loader. Must have taken some practicing and some DOPE records.

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik put in some work to make that shot. Thanks for watching!

[@westonjenkins9347]

It’s cool how excited the kiddos were for you.

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

For sure!

[@tjorchard2592]

The amazing shot!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching! 💯

[@ripnbst]

Favorite part was how excited your girls were when you got back home. I travel a bunch for work and man there is no better feeling than that right there.

[@MuleyFreak]

No better feeling that being able to share the hunt with our families, thanks for watching!

[@coryhampton5433]

Favorite part was you sharing the excitement with the kiddos! Keep it up!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

They were too cute.

[@DevinPierce520]

Favorite part was when you show the bags that got destroyed by a bear!

[@MuleyFreak]

😡

[@nodakoutdoors1354]

My favorite part was seeing that vapor trail from that insane shot with a muzzle loader!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@vtrujillo2569]

Favorite part was the kill shot and you struggling putting the pack on!! Lol

[@MuleyFreak]

The pack out was brutal. Thanks for watching!

[@josephparsons8177]

Kids of course. But “pound of extra moisture” was pretty awesome.

[@MuleyFreak]

LOL. Thanks for tuning in!

[@kwil6648]

The best part was Erik came home to a stellar reception!!! Shared to FB as well. All the best, Kevin.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Kevin!!!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Amen to that!

[@jeffboothe2102]

The last 30 seconds of the video, with the kids was, by far, the best!!!

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik's girls are cute little stinks. Thanks for watching!

[@brettferrin8482]

Love the work that goes into the hunt. It's never easy. For me I love the primitive nature of the muzzleloader hunt. 500 yards would spoil that for me. I like to sneak in close and look them in the eyes. I've never shot over 150. Nice work Erik!

[@MuleyFreak]

I think we all like to sneak in close, but I think this shot speaks to Erik's skill and ability to accomplish the task at end and in this case a long range shot.

[@joshuastumbaugh3358]

Best part was you getting home and your girls reaction. Priceless

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@MuleyFreak]

100%!

[@Rastcao1984]

Impressed at the 500 plus yard shot with a muzzleloader. Well done.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks David!

[@elijahdodd520]

My favorite part of any hunt is the hiking into new country. Getting into a new spot and seeing what I’ve been missing the entire time while I was going to my basic spots. Seeing other animals that I’m not hunting only adds to it. Successfully tagging an animal or not. The new hike is always worth the energy.

[@MuleyFreak]

For sure, buddy. Thanks for commenting and watching "Five Mile".

[@beaustrain90]

Best part of the video was going from not seeing hardly any deer and putting the smack down on a well earned buck! Congrats Erik!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, man!!

[@TheFaithfulSportsman]

I love that you guys are real and don't hold anything back. My favorite part was Erik sharing with his girls. Just awesome!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, buddy!!

[@racerbeckett9522]

Best part is the kiddos will remember that for a life time

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

100%!

[@Geoffreys-adventures]

My favorite part was when you finally found good buck to shoot and how you involved your kids. Cool video

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Thanks, man! Means a lot.

[@Bigdanthetireman]

Have to love the advancements in hunting gear with that muzzleloader

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik's muzzle loader is a sweet rig!

[@hd-outdoors8297]

Nice to see Eric in Episode 4!!!! Never even conceived we would be able to shoot a muzzleloader that far with confidence!!! Nice work Eric!!

[@MuleyFreak]

He's backkkkkk!! Ha. You'll be seeing more of Erik over the next few weeks!

[@robgrassmid9908]

Sharing your kids excitement was the coolest part of this video!

[@MuleyFreak]

Nothing like involving the youth!!

[@jaredcoleman5401]

Watching that buck do the big mule kick! What a shot!!

[@zacmiller6741]

Getting the little ones involved is always the best part

[@MuleyFreak]

You got that right. Thanks for watching!

[@TrueLineOutdoors]

Love seeing the bullet trace. Nothing like watching that arc!

[@MuleyFreak]

It was a heck of a vapor trail. Thanks for watching!

[@michaeldallager5223]

Always love the smoke clearing after the shot. Favorite part of the video for sure.

[@MuleyFreak]

Muzzle loaders are awesome!

[@michaelhughes6553]

500 yards with the muzzle loader. What a banger!

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik made one heck of a shot. Thanks for watching!

[@hunterpayton7080]

Favorite part is when all the preparations and hard work works out in your favor giving you a story that will last forever

[@MuleyFreak]

We live for this! Thanks for watching, Hunter!

[@ryanpatterson4425]

Lots of things to love from this video from how excited the kids get, to all the hard work put into this hunt, too shooting a TS Customs rifle. Travis makes some of the best rifles out there!

[@MuleyFreak]

Amen, Ryan. Thanks for watching!

[@lancecantrell9847]

Have to say that the kids being excited your home and have an animal in the truck was my favorite part. My kids get excited when I get home with a filled tag. Hopefully they can fill their first tag this year. Congrats on a long shot and nice buck.

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik always loves bringing home his trophies to show his kids!

[@ecoutdoors2004]

Awesome video!

[@MuleyFreak]

💪

[@matthewneha562]

Favorite part was seeing how excited the kids were! That’s what it’s all about! Amazement part was how todays muzzleloaders preform! Awesome shot, great footage of the bullet traveling 500yards out!

[@tgriffith45]

Awesome video! That shot at 500 yards with that muzzleloader was very impressive. My favorite part was seeing how excited you are your girls were to see each other. Nothing better than sharing the hunt with your family. Great work!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

I love bringing my adventures home to my little ones to enjoy! For being girly girls they aren’t scared to grab those bloody antlers. Thanks for watching, man!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, Todd!

[@tgriffith45]

That echo of your shot in the canyon was pretty awesome.

[@shaunlaird1099]

500 yards with a muzzleloader is crazy to think about! Awesome stuff right there

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Shaun. Erik made a heckuva shot.

[@ZippyZippy12345]

The best part of the video is the see the power of a muzzleloader being able to harvest an animal at 500 yards! Really nice set up!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Ben!

[@craigbrandon6382]

Love the excitement of your children when you get home. It makes me miss the time when my kids were that age.

[@MuleyFreak]

For sure the best part of this video!

[@chrisnakos215]

Favorite part is that gun and how the sound just keeps echoing after the shot in the mountains! Can’t wait to do a trip like that sometime

[@MuleyFreak]

That’s some next level sound echoing through that box canyon! 💯

[@justincampbell8342]

My fav part is coming home to my kids seeing what I've harvested. Now they are getting old enough I get to be the one seeing what they harvest. Great film

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik loves coming home and showing his little ones his adventures. Thanks for watching!

[@huntershort7936]

First time seeing crazy bullet trace from a muzzle loader……has to be my favorite part!

[@MuleyFreak]

I don't recall seeing a bullet trace from a muzzle loader like this one prior either!

[@brads8567]

My favorite part was the girls at the end!! they were so excited. Love that

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks!

[@tylerherron4411]

My favorite part is always the shot and recovery!

[@MuleyFreak]

It's exhilarating for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@jmcsflem]

Great shot placement. Unbelievable shot for a muzzleloader at 500 yards. Loved seeing the excitement from your kids.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Jon!

[@dannyvlanich7923]

Like most have said on here, fav part is sharing the success with the kids and seeing the joy they get from your success!! Congrats Erik!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, buddy!

[@backbasin3609]

Best part was you and your girls sharing those special memories and of course smacking that buck at 500 yards. Nice job and great work ethic

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, Cory!

[@jorgemendoza1503]

Nice job Eric!! Favorite part was the last clip sharing the excitement with your family!👍

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Thanks for watching, buddy!

[@MuleyFreak]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brandonjolliff4093]

My favorite part is the conflict you are having withe the 5 mile hike. Great job.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, Brandon!

[@marcushubred693]

Definitely getting home to the girls, you got a beautiful family Erik. I love my time on the mountain, but the excitement on my girls faces when I get home with an animal is priceless!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

For sure, Marcus. Thnx for watching 🙏

[@stevejohnston1272]

Holy Crap-I had no idea a ML could reach out that far..... Great work, Eric, and priceless ending with the lady's welcome home!

[@MuleyFreak]

There's nothing like those little ones warm welcome home.

[@cadeg1541]

My favorite part us the fact that in Washington we can’t use scoped muzzleloaders so when I see someone shoot over 200 yards with one its hard to believe what I just witnessed. Hell of a shot man congrats to y’all.

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik put in the time with this muzzle loader and it paid off. Thanks for watching, Cade.

[@long-range-eliminator]

Tennessee we can shoot smokeless powder and any size optic . some states must make it rough.

[@fam1sthunting8]

Defiantly the kids reaction and your willingness to work hard!

[@marcusluna209]

Favorite part is probably the pack in. The grind of climbing the mountains and the excitement of convincing your mind to keep pushing because a big buck is just over the next ridge. Sweet shot and sweeter gun. Congratulations

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Marcus! We had fun!

[@iangrant9072]

Always love seeing the back country

[@MuleyFreak]

Backcountry mule deer are the best!

[@martystone6754]

The work put in, not just the hunt be the total experience

[@MuleyFreak]

Putting in the hard work is what it's all about! Thanks for watching Marty!

[@victor.randolph]

Two things stood out to me in your video that were relatable. First of all that weight of that loaded down pack.. and second- the excitement of showing your kids the deer coming home. I experienced both of those this last year… my first ever big game hunt of my life. Love your videos 🍻

[@travishass5471]

The vapor trail of that bullet was epic! Great shot!

[@MuleyFreak]

Indeed. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@robbievaldez9589]

500 yard shot with a muzzle loader is everyone’s favorite part. Crazy how far that technology has come!

[@coreywebb7487]

Favorite part is seeing how excited your girls were to see your deer! Parenting done right! Those memories are what it’s all about! Few more years and they can experience it themselves!

[@MuleyFreak]

Erik can't wait to bring his little ones along on more adventures. Thanks for all the support on our channel, Corey! Happy New Year!

[@thehuntingparadox2291]

The bear taking the food... man... that stinks. Glad it didn't damper your spirits too much. 👍sharing that moment when you got home with your kids was one of the best parts. Cool they get to share in that with you. Nice deer! Congrats to your and your buddy for a well earned buck. 👏

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

There’s a lot of bears in this country….they are lucky I didn’t have a tag because they left me awful hungry hahahaha

[@MuleyFreak]

The bear left Erik and Payton hungry. Ha ha.

[@wyattoday6021]

Fav part was Payton’s mullet water storage system

[@MuleyFreak]

😹😹

[@masonaiken5980]

Wow! Crazy how a muzzleloader can shoot 500 yards. Good job Eric!🦌

[@MuleyFreak]

Bing watching I see! Good on you!

[@1outdoortradition137]

Best part is seeing your kids be proud of you hands down! Those reactions are priceless!

[@colekotera1066]

Never heard of a shot of that distance with a muzzleloader, congrats!

[@MuleyFreak]

That TS Custom muzzleloader is built different, thanks for watching Cole!

[@TeamNoFlyZone]

Best part of the video was how excited the kids were at the end of the video! The next generation is the most important thing! Keep it up guys 👍

[@MuleyFreak]

There's nothing like little ones excited to greet their father after a few days away. Thanks for the kind words and we will see you on the next video!

[@brinkmannoutdoors8358]

Your daughters being so excited at the end is my favorite part. Reminds me of my two young boys.

[@MuleyFreak]

That's Erik's fav part as well.

[@archersfulldraw5456]

Super cool how excited the kids are way to pass it on.

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks!!

[@mtgreenjw]

Definitely the last scene when your little girls were so excited to see and hold it! I’m a dad of three girls also, so I remember scenes like that over the years! Nice job!

[@MuleyFreak]

We loved that part too. Thanks for watching!

[@billyschemensky5338]

Best part was definitely seeing the kids reaction to dad's successful hunt.

[@MuleyFreak]

For sure. Thanks for watching!!!

[@cachelynn1186]

Always a good poke outside of 200 with a muzz! Good work!

[@MuleyFreak]

I was thinking 100 +. Ha ha. Thanks for watching, Cache.

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

I stretched it out on this one! Thanks for watching!

[@huntercruce1619]

Love the excitement with the kids! Memories that last forever

[@MuleyFreak]

The best!

[@Cinchy1952]

I love the part where the girls are so excited their Dad is home with his buck!

[@MuleyFreak]

Little Jerz is a riot! Thanks for watching.

[@Nkee7478]

Not only the incredible shot but the reactions from girls when dad gets home!

[@MuleyFreak]

Both clips are priceless. Thanks for watching!

[@hustonosborn8835]

Seeing your youngest daughters reaction is priceless memory. Reminds me of my girls.

[@MuleyFreak]

The cutest little girls. Thanks for watching!

[@pacwestoutdoors1693]

My favorite part was the kiddos seeing your deer, I remember seeing my dads animals when I was younger. Memories for a lifetime. Good work 🤜🏼

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, man! See you on the next video.

[@alecbackstrom2745]

Ridiculously impressive muzzleloader shot!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thank you!!

[@zacharystricherz2937]

Best part for sure was his daughters being that excited!

[@MuleyFreak]

Amen! Our favorite part too.

[@wyattroholt]

Pretty incredible shot with a muzzleloader at 500 yards! Favorite part is the kids being that excited about the animals, love to see it!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks, Wyatt!

[@navajopride13]

Favorite part is seeing how excited your kids where to see you when you got home from your hunting trip 👍🏽

[@MuleyFreak]

For sure! Thanks for watching!

[@evertortiz4571]

My favorite part, nothing like coming home to the kids with and buck so they can hold

[@MuleyFreak]

It's the best for sure. Thanks for watching, Evert.

[@MrOneotherhawaiian]

Cool to see the kids so excited to hold the prize.

[@dr.dockter1482]

My favorite part of the video was the cannonball sounding shot echoing throughout the canyon for a few seconds after you shot, great work guys 👍🏽

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

That was one of my favorites as well. Thanks 🙏 for watching.

[@MuleyFreak]

Such an neat experience hearing that in that tight box canyon.

[@cgbigballa07]

My favorite part was the ending with the kids greeting you after the hunt. I also enjoyed the freeze dried and tortilla combo innovation lol!

[@MuleyFreak]

Ha. You weren't missing much. It was disgusting!

[@elkdeerfish]

Wow, unreal muzzloader shot! 500 yards....what!!! Nice work Eric, congratulations!

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Thanks, man. The kill shot turned out 💯

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks for watching, brother!!!

[@caleymiller5897]

Great hunt! You guys dealt well with the trials and tribulations! Agree with Justin and Big Chief, the final shot with your youngest holding for the grip and grin was awesome! future star! ;)

[@erikvanwoerkom1896]

Thanks, buddy. It was a fun hunt all the way around. 💯

[@matt2hansen]

Congrats! Enjoy those moments of excitement with your little girls. Cherish everything time goes by to quick

[@MuleyFreak]

There's nothing like introducing my girls to the outdoors.

[@oliverbuck8620]

The girls excitement when daddy gets home! Great hunt. Muzzleloader at 500 that’s incredible! Nice shot!

[@MuleyFreak]

Thanks!

[@gwhunt1023]

When dad’s the hero - the whole family wins :). Great effort and great rewards!

[@MuleyFreak]

For sure. Thanks for watching!

[@popadop91]

Great shot Eric, but the excitement of the girls was the best part!

[@MuleyFreak]

We concur. Thanks for watching, Amanuel.

[@MuleyFreak]

Amanuel you're the winner of the TS Custom $500 giftcard! Send us an email to [e-mail] and we'll get you squared away.